Official Pictures of the Mini Countryman Revealed by UK Mag

In fact, looking at that interior image (above), that lever behind the gearshift could well be a transfer case shift lever. It doesn't look like the emergency brake lever (in image link below) found in current Minis.

http://pricinginsider.carsdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/2009_mini_cooper_interior.jpg

Interesting. I do hope that Mini allows for body colored pillars and roof.

Doesnt look nearly as bad as I anticipated as it's actually....dare I say...cute. However given the high pricing structure of the Mini hatch this thing should be pricey.

Love this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA0hptquUWk&feature=player_embedded

My wife is certain this will be her next car. I can live with it.

I still think this is a stupid idea. When is the Mini Minivan coming out?

If these are official photos, why does the back say "Cooper S?" Or do all Mini's say "Cooper" on it?

"I still think this is a stupid idea."

Carguy, I'm kinda on the fence. I can see the slight dilution of the Mini brand name but it would broaden the Mini brands lineup as it's quite narrow as is. It could generate more cash flow to produce another Mini model. Business wise it makes perfect sense in the same way the Cayenne made sense for Porsche.

I'm looking forward to the Mini Coupe and Roadster to help balance this out a little. I have to say though, it could have been worse.

I like it. I really hope the back seat is a decent size and it isn't absurdly priced like the Clubman.

Pat, two extra dorrs and AWD (maybe with transfer case). There's no way this car doesn't come in a couple grand higher than the Clubman.

@hondacura4: It will probably do all the things you mention (bring more buyers into the fold and broaden the range) but what is wrong with having a real niche brand that just sells sporty little 2-doors? It just feels wrong to me, it's not like Mini don't sell well as is it, and they are obviously desirable since resale values are quite strong. I just hope this doesn't get out of hand, with larger and more mainstream "Minis" being sold just because they sell well.

carguy622,

The "original" Mini, from the 1960s, had a full range of models including a larger "woodie" wagon (also called the Countryman) and the decidedly off road Mini Moke. As such, I have no problem with this car.

http://archiv.langzeittest.de/mini-cooper/intern/grafik/mh_mini_wagon_6.jpg

http://inbox.apana.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/mini-moke.jpg

this should be an interesting alternative the the Tiguan.

Why didn't the keep the Clubman's barn doors on the rear? Seems like an admission of failure right there.

PRAY TO GOD THAT THIS THING COMES WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

(In the USA, because we all know that we get shortchanged when it comes to standard transmissions...)

Not by Mini though. I'm sure they will follow standard procedure and offer a manual.

i think this is kinda cool. if the clubman sells, this one will sell 5 times better.

I like the front. The concept makes sence for small families of Mini fans, so I guess it's a rational move. I have a few issues with the design. The front end is cool and the headlights are interesting, but I don't like the black plastic bisecting the front. More troublesome is the black roof and it's lumpiness. Inside, is it me, or does the navi and air vent combination look like Mickey Mouse?

The picture here shows a manual tranny, as it has a clutch pedal. I'm sure the US-spec model will as well.

I don't think Mini will ever gain independence from BMW (like Porsche sorta did with VW), so I don't think the comparison is completely fair. Given that, I see this as a dillution of the brand.

I like it, the wife wanted one when I was looking at cars and we tested a Clubman JCW. It isn't as big as a Tiguan (we have one) but she says that's what she wants next.

I don't know why people think it ruins Mini, it makes it stronger. A 4-door makes more sense than the Clubman 2.5 door.

The barn doors were cool, but cost has to be much higher than a single.

Next, the Mini scooter, Mini Motorcycle, Mini boat, and then finally a Mini house to put all those things in.

The first step towards failure is when you try to be all things to everyone... I'm not saying Mini will fail as a brand but smart companies know who their market is and stick to it. Looks like BMW is trying to milk this baby as far as they think it can go.

Now that they have the All4s down, they should make a version of the regular Mini body with 4x4 technology. It would be a great alternative to the Subary sti, if they get the engine right. I'd love a 4x4 Mini Works with 250+ hp.

i like it.

it looks like a more accessible ebrake in the center, so you dont have to grab the passenger's thigh. not a dual range transfer case...

That guy driving looks like a real tool.

I don't care how it much business sense this makes. It just isn't right for sports car company to build something on stilt. Does Victoria Secret broaden it's market by selling jock straps?

Mini isn't a sports car company. Even BMW isn't strictly a sports car company. As rsholland points out, there was a whole range of mini cars, so slowly expanding the model range makes perfect sense.

This car will probably sell very well. Not to you and I on this website, but I can see the tremendous appeal of this car to the suburban girls and moms. The perfect combination of style and perceived (though somewhat delusional) utility.

The beginning of the end.

If it's half as fun as a Mini Cooper S to drive it'll still be more fun than just about anything made.

The ass-end of the vehicle is fugly!
The inane/asinine & functionally inept instrument panel is just a really stupid design!

Good to know people like carguy622 and a few others think that companies should never broaden their product range. Where would the world be if people/ companies didn't expand? Let them grow. If it fails, how much money did YOU lose?

..and charlesb.... real mature. good 4 u

Here are some better pictures...

http://www.evz.ro/articole/detalii-articol/883529/DRIVE-TEST-Mini-Countryman/