Alles anzeigenSpy photos show the second generation MINI Countryman (F60) is starting to lose some of the camouflage and it’s also getting a JCW version.
Billed as being an “authentic SUV”, the new high-riding MINI continues testing on public roads and this time some of the makeup has come off to reveal the familiar design. It’s hard to tell from these spy images, but the Countryman is said to be elongated by 10 mm and widened by 150 mm. The larger footprint shouldn’t really come as a surprise as with each new generation, the MINI has grown in size and this is visible on all of its derivatives.
It will ride on the same UKL platform shared with the others and will be offered with a standard FWD layout and an optional AWD arrangement. Power will come from an array of efficient three- and four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. The cream of the crop will be a 2.0-liter with 231 PS (170 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque powering the John Cooper Works version seen in the attached pics with a more aggressive body and front red brake calipers.
If you look closely you will notice that while the JCW prototype still has provisional lighting clusters, the regular Countryman carries the production headlights and taillights. There are some rumors indicating MINI has plans for a more rugged edition with real off-roading capabilities, but it hasn’t received the stamp of approval just yet.
The regular MINI Countryman will come out towards the end of 2016 and will be followed a few months later by the JCW. If that off-road version will be green-lighted, expect to see it in the second half of 2017 and will likely have an increased ride height, standard all-wheel drive, and more plastic body cladding.
