2017 F60 MINI Countryman to Become More “Authentic”
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.
<p>I’m trying to rationalize “authentic” and “rugged” with “250 bhp JCW”…</p>
<p>Why put the hybrid drivetrain in the biggest model? An SUV no less. It seems it should be in the core model – the hatch.</p>
<p>Probably due to space.</p>
<p>agreed.</p>
<p><blockquote>It seems it should be in the core model – the hatch.</blockquote></p>
<p>Sorry, but the hatch is no longer MINI’s core model.</p>
<p>Sure it is. But it’s the 5-door, not the 3-door.</p>
<p>If sales are all you are looking at, then yes, you are right. But the emotional, historical core model is and always will be the hatch. I still think of the 911 as Porsche’s core model even though the Cayenne outsells it almost 2:1.</p>
<p>I think the proportions in this car and the Paceman have been “off” from day one. It looks top-heavy, clunky. I think if they just tweeked the roof line alone it would be a huge improvement. 250 hp would certainly extremely capable in any terrain. Here’s a sketch with a different roof:</p>
<p>Owned the 2011 All4 and that was under powered and sucked gas. I’ll buy another once an All4 Diesel is brought to the states. Right now the 4dr Hardtop is my ride.</p>