BMW BLOG

Update: Apparently we were misled on this one, MINI will indeed reveal a new model next week which is a Concept and even though not fully confirmed, we believe we’re looking at the Speedster.

Two independent sources have somewhat confirmed that next week, MINI will unveil their first crossover: Countryman. We’re keeping this article at at the “rumor level” since we weren’t able to get an exact release date nor if the official name will remain as Countryman rather than the Crossman which was mentioned many times in the past.

With an official launch scheduled for Frankfurt, MINI is looking to create some buzz before the large European motor show. The R60 Countryman will be offered standard with a four seater configuration, but some markets will get the five seat option.

The MINI Crossover, which is larger than the Clubman, will be first production MINI to measure more than 4 meters in length. Expect its exterior dimensions to be similar to the concept measuring around 4,050mm (159.5-in.) in length, 1,830mm (72.0-in.) in width and 1,598mm (62.9-in.) in height.

It is also expected to have a relatively low ride height and it will be available both with the regular front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive which is rumored to have been imported from BMW models.

The general misconception was that the MINI Countryman will share some of its engines with the X1, but instead the new MINI crossover will focus on improving their existing range of engines. There is still hope that the turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel might actually make its way into the line-up.

MINI Countryman will debut at Frankfurt Auto Show with sales commencing later in 2010 and there are no indications at this moment when North American sales will begin.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on the MINI crossover!

[Photo by Worldcarfans ]