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What does that means? Autocar appears to be reporting what we’ve been telling you for the last few years. MINI is aiming to make the Countryman look and feel a bit more rugged and SUV-like compared to the current generation.

It’ll not only look more rugged but will share the larger UKL platform that the new Clubman gets, making it longer, wider and taller than the current model. According to Autocar expect something around 4.25m long (a stretch of 150mm) and at least 10mm wider.

Larger and more rugged isn’t the entire story however. Expect a revised all wheel drive system, a plug-in hybrid variant and a JCW model with at least 250 hp. Like the F54 2016 Clubman, the Countryman will also look and feel more upmarket inside with higher quality controls and materials throughout.

MINI is expected to debut the 2017 Countryman online next summer with a public debut happening at the Paris Motor Show in September of 2016. Deliveries in Europe should start shortly afterwards with a US release happening around the end of 2016.