Mini has released official pictures and details of its new Countryman softroader following the leak on the internet yesterday of a handful of brochure shots.
The Countryman becomes the fourth Mini variant, joining the hatch, cabriolet and Clubman, and will go on sale in Europe later this year before reaching Australia in early 2011.
The biggest version yet of the iconic British car is likely to start at about the $40,000 mark locally. The four-metre-plus Countryman features an elevated ride height and a chunkier body style to give it the requisite off-roader looks, though the Countryman will be front-wheel drive as standard.
Mini's new all-wheel-drive system - called All4 - will be available as an option, and it utilises an electro-hydraulic differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. Mini says 50 per cent of the engine's torque is distributed to the rear wheels in normal driving, with up to 100 per cent possible in difficult traction situations.
Five engines will be offered, two of which will be diesel. They will range in power from 66kW for the Mini One D Countryman to 135kW for the Cooper S version. The Cooper S's 1.6-litre petrol engine also now combines turbocharging with direct injection and fully variable valve management.
Transmission choices will be a six-speed manual or optional six-speed auto.
The Countryman's interior follows the styling theme set by current Minis, though offers a rail storage system that runs from the front to rear of the cabin. Occupants can attach items such as sunglass holders, cupholders and mobiles to the rail.
Four seats come as standard, with a three-seat bench available as a no-cost option.
The Countryman is guaranteed to be Mini's most practical vehicle yet. It's the first Mini with four side doors, while the single-piece tailgate opens up to access a 350-litre boot that expands to 1170 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Mini has also copied the VW Golf's clever badge release lever for opening its tailgate.
Inevitably, there will be a large range options, which will include premium audio, sat nave, Bluetooth, panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, bigger alloy wheels up to 19-inches in size, and a 10mm-lower sports suspension.
The Countryman will also be the first Mini to be built outside the United Kingdom, with Austrian company Magna Steyr looking after production because of a lack of space at Mini's Oxford plant.
Mini's line-up will expand to six models in 2011 when the company's new Coupe and Roadster models go into production.
