The next generation Mini Countryman has been in development for over a year. Details about it remain a mystery, but a new batch of spy shots shows the camouflage-covered hatchback doing some winter testing.
The five-door mini still hides its more subtle design details behind yellow trim and cladding, hiding its original shape. However, we don’t expect the Countryman to stray far from the brand’s current design ethos. The photos depict the car with the production lighting unit installed and fully on.
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A spy shot from February 2022 captures the interior, showing a small oval-shaped digital instrument cluster display behind the wheel. The Mini hides a large round center display for infotainment functions on the dashboard under an ugly cover.
Powertrain details remain a mystery. At first glance the Mini’s rear bumper reveals no exhaust ports, unlike previous spy test vehicles. This isn’t an all-electric Aceman as it lacks the “Electric Vehicle” sticker often seen on cars with batteries, and we’ve already seen EV testing. It looks completely different.
The new Countryman can come with a variety of engine options, similar to the current car. However, the new model will use the FAAR platform that underpins the new BMW X1, and the two will have to share some powertrains.
Mini offered the second-generation hatchback in the US with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo, but the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo developed as much as 301 hp (221 KW) in the John Cooper Works variant. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the new X1 M35i produces 302 hp (222 kW).
The Countryman is also currently available as a plug-in hybrid, and that powertrain is expected to return for the third-generation model. A report from March said that the new PHEV could offer as much as 322 hp (237 kW) with all-wheel drive and a pure electric range of up to 55 miles (88 kilometers).
The new Mini will go on sale in 2023 for the US market for the 2024 model year. Mini hasn’t indicated when we’ll see the debut of the new Countryman, but it looks like it will be soon.
