The winter is almost over, and the carmakers are hurrying to wrap up their low-temperature weather tests before spring. A next-gen Mini Countryman prototype spotted outside the other day confirms this.
The car is still wearing as much camo as ever, but at least the photos themselves are higher resolution and show it from all angles. It is obvious, for example, that the new Countryman is much larger than the current generation, with rumors claiming the difference is as big as 200 mm (8 inches). This is largely thanks to the use of the FAAR architecture shared with the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer and the new X1.
On the whole, the exterior design stays recognizable. There is a wide radiator grille at the front end surrounded by dual oval headlights. The rear lights are all covered. Tailpipes also appear missing at a first glance, but a closer look reveals a single small exhaust finisher facing down at the driver’s side (left).
This means the Countryman pictured here is not all electric, even though such a version is in development, too. It could be a hybrid car, which reports say could be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder and an electric motor for 322 PS (318 hp / 237 kW) total.