Mini is priming a new off-road version of the Countryman as it looks to broaden the brand's appeal with a range of individualistic special editions.
The company has revealed a new prototype referred to only as “a new Countryman edition”, which brings lifted suspension, chunky off-road tyres and a roof-mounted tent, hinting at its outdoorsy remit.
Mini boss Jean-Philippe Parain said the brand is “just one step away” from unwrapping the finished car, which will be unveiled in October.
The prototype has been pictured traversing the Rocky Mountain national park in Colorado, in the US, where hardened versions of conventional family SUVs are an emerging trend.
Two years ago, Hyundai launched the Ioniq 5 XRT, which provides a similar combination of a small lift in ride height and chunky body cladding. Honda, meanwhile, offers ‘Trailsport’ trims for its CR-V, Pilot and Passport SUVs in the US market.
As reported by Autocar last month, the new Countryman reflects Mini’s ambition to keep its line-up fresh with a wide range of new derivatives.
Design chief Holger Hampf said: ““We’ve witnessed the trend of the outdoor lifestyle and driving out of the city to spend some days in nature. Can our car do this? Certainly, so expect something in that direction.”
Autocar understands that the finished car will draw on the Vagabund concepts that were unveiled earlier this year. Inspired by festival culture, these exhibited off-road conversions of Mini’s family SUV.
Hampf suggested that brand partnerships such as the Vagabund would become more prominent in the years to come, as Mini looks to offer more special editions and greater personalisation.
