Lots of new things coming to Mini – One of the most interesting ones will be the Countryman, which has come to life in our unofficial render
(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – At Mini there are many innovations on the list. Between 2023 and 2024, the British brand will completely renew its offer by presenting a new generation of the 3-door hatchback and the Countryman. And with the Aceman, a completely new chapter is also being opened. One of the most interesting models is the Countryman (we expect it at the end of 2023), for which a major evolution in terms of dimensions and engines is planned.
Our exclusive rendering attempts to anticipate the shape of the third generation of the British SUV today. Based on spy shots from the past few months, the Mini will likely confirm some aesthetic elements of the current model. For example, the characteristic rounded bonnet, the angled roof or the massive flanks.
The LED headlights are expected to be slightly smaller, while the front fascia will receive a new grille, the design of which will be carried over from the recent restyling of the Mini 3- and 5-door.
The most important change, however, concerns the size of the Countryman, which could grow to 4.5 meters in length. That would make this the greatest Mini of all time. But it’s an unavoidable move that allows the company to make room for the Aceman, which aims to be positioned at the center of the model lineup.
That could mean a high level of spaciousness for passengers and luggage on board. Added to this is the new technology in the interior, which consists of a large, round central display and a free-standing 8 to 10-inch instrument.
The new Countryman can rely on a completely new engine range, which is based on the BMW X1, with which it shares the FAAR platform. Mild hybrid petrol variants with outputs between 136 and 218 hp and a non-electrified diesel version with 150 hp are on the list.
The sportiest Mini (the John Cooper Works) could become a plug-in hybrid, adopting the concept of the BMW “cousin”, combining the 1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder with an electric unit, giving a total of 326 hp and zero emissions range of around 90 km.
And for the first time ever, the Countryman will be Made in Germany (assembly will take place in Leipzig) and… fully electric. In this context, the most likely hypothesis is the adoption of the 313 hp powertrain with two electric motors for all-wheel drive and around 440 km WLTP range. However, it’s not out of the question that Mini will also offer less powerful versions with a single front or rear engine to keep prices down.
Speaking of prices: it is quite possible that the model range will start at 40,000 euros for the versions with a combustion engine and rise to 50,000 to 55,000 euros for the electric version.
