As previously reported, the all-new 2017 MINI Countryman will make its global debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th before going on sale in March of next year. And there will even be a plug-in hybrid variant!
After focusing on its adventurous aspirations through a new online campaign, it’s now time to take a closer look at the work of MINI designers.
The company says the second-generation MINI Countryman represents a more distinctive and mature proposition than its predecessor, with a striking exterior design and creative interior details that underscore its premium character. The new model is clearly recognizable as a member of the MINI family, yet has a personality very much its own.
“It was clear to us that the new MINI Countryman needed to go a step further aesthetically and yet still remain a MINI,” says Oliver Sieghart, Head of Interior Design at MINI. “In terms of its design, the Countryman is the most rugged and upright model in the MINI family.”
The headlamps are fully encircled by daytime driving light rings for the first time. They, along with the front grille, are now more prominent in appearance. Also, the lines are sharper, some metal edging has been added particularly in the rear, and optional ALL4 package gives the Countryman’s design a more muscular off-road character wiith roof rails, additional black bumper accents, and silver-coloured underfloor protection.
Inside, tauter surfaces enable greater clarity and inject sharper graphic appeal into the design of the cabin. Horizontal segments lend the cockpit area a visually broader and more modern look. Furthermore, high-quality materials and customization options (such as chrome accents or backlit trim strips) bring an exclusive character to the new MINI Countryman.
A signature feature is the interior option MINI YOURS – British Oak illuminated, where translucent sections in the trim strips help generate vivid patterns. It provides different expressions for daytime and night modes and infuses the interior with a special aesthetic appeal.
Finally, the aforementioned plug-in hybrid variant will stand out with numerous accents in yellow, such as the MINI E logo and the charging flap next to the side scuttle. More accents can be found on the steering wheel and instrument cluster, the latter being adapted to electric driving. Additionally, the start/stop button on the centre console is no longer red but yellow instead.
