Are we even closer to the debut of the new Mini Countryman? That remains to be seen, but a new batch of spy photos has us thinking yes. There have been some notable changes since we last saw the small crossover.
For starters, the new camouflage finish reflects the same yellow-green styling we saw on the Mini Aceman prototype. Previous sightings of the Countryman captured a white test vehicle, but going yellow could be an attempt to hide the Mini’s internal combustion properties. That could work for a quick glance, but there’s nothing to miss the exhaust liner at the base of the rear fascia. They weren’t fake either, for a faint wisp of white steam was visible in the cold air.
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That might distract some from looking higher up, where we see the production-spec taillights through the wrapper. The distinctive LED pattern is clearly visible, and moving towards the front, the production headlights with LED daytime running strips are also easy to see. We didn’t get a peek at the interior this time, but we do see a familiar-looking greenhouse Mini in earlier spy shots with a large oval display on the dashboard.
The heavier cover still hides detail on the lower fascia, but don’t expect things to stay under wraps for much longer. Our first sightings of the next-gen Countryman are due in October 2021, so there’s plenty of time for Mini to iron out all the pre-production stuff. That’s especially true as the Countryman will use BMW’s FAAR architecture, along with the X1 we know will debut in 2023.
Specific details regarding powertrain options are being kept under wraps. We know the Mini Aceman will debut separately as an all-electric version of the crossover, and as such, there are rumors that a plug-in hybrid model won’t be offered. Currently, the Countryman is available with a turbocharged three-cylinder or four-cylinder engine, with a maximum power of 301 horsepower.
A debut in 2023 is happening, and will likely happen sooner rather than later. As the camouflage lifts, we expect the new Countryman to be a 2024 model for the US market.
