BMW BLOG

Unfortunately for MINI fans and not only, the MINI Crossover Countryman won’t make its appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. MINI is currently still in the testing phase with their first crossover and this time, a prototype was spotted in France by Rui Andrew over at eumudei.com

Sporting the now famous and effective BMW camouflage, the prototype spotted doesn’t reveal more than its predecessors. The overall design lines will resemble the MINI Crossover Concept unveiled last year, but the fine details are still a big unknown.

What we do know for sure is that MINI Crossover will be available in two versions: the regular front-wheel-drive and a higher-end all-wheel drive model using the xDrive train from BMW. The R60 Countryman will be offered standard with a four seater configuration, but some markets will get the five seat option. It 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.

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.

While sales are expected to commence in late 2010, the MINI Countryman will be unveiled at one of the future shows. We will refrain from speculating on which car show will host the premiere since at the moment, we have no solid information.

[Source: eumudei.com]