Tucked away in a corner of the paddock we found a copy of MINI’s brand new Countryman.  While we were not able to drive the Countryman at this event, we were able to spend a few minutes bringing you our first photos of the Countryman under an open sky.

The MINI Cooper Countryman is the first vehicle produced by the brand that features all wheel drive, four doors, and large storage capacity.  Measuring 4 meters in length, MINI has broken new ground in their market share – entering into the cross-over segment.

How successful will the MINI Countryman be in the North American market?  Time will tell, but judging by it’s utility, efficiency, fun demeanor and style – the Countryman will no doubt appeal to many prospective buyers looking for a compromise between a John Cooper Works and larger cross over vehicle.

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In person, the Countryman looks very compact and well.. MINI.  In a group of surrounding Coopers, the Cooper Countryman blends in and is camouflaged by stylistic features pulled directly off of it’s smaller sibling.  We will let you judge how the Countryman looks in photos, but allow us to elaborate that in person the Countryman looks the part and is not a “ugly duckling” of the family – rather an attractive compact cross-over vehicle the embodies all of MINI’s design trademarks and personality.

Please enjoy our exclusive photo gallery shot at the New Jersey Motorsports Park earlier today.