Ironically, the steering wheel has a label that says “!!! Cover the interior !!!”
Mini has decided to delay development of next-generation models because of Brexit and cost-cutting. This means that facelifts for existing cars will continue to be available. These spy shots provide a good idea of what we can expect from the 2021 Countryman.
Our spies captured a couple of prototypes on camera, one carrying a yellow box containing the AIP Automotive label. It’s an electronic device that monitors the vehicle’s emissions and is linked to the prototype’s exhaust system. Mini aims to make Countryman as clean and as healthy as possible.
The fleet-wide average emission target for new cars in the European Union will be 95g CO 2/km. This means that gasoline cars will consume 4.1 liters/100 km (57.3 miles per gallon) and diesel cars 3.6 liters/100 km (65.3 mpg). Any deviation from these targets could result in heavy fines for car makers. A report by automotive market research JATO estimates that the stricter targets will result EUR34 trillion ($36.7 billion) in fines to automakers.
But I digress. Although the camouflage at the rear of the premium compact crossover partly hides the taillights but enough is left to show that the 2021 Countryman will receive the Union Jack theme, the exposed area allows for the full view. Although the headlights are a little different, they are still quite impressive.
The other prototype was captured at an undisclosed place while still standing. It didn’t have camouflage, but it did have a car covering to conceal most of its updated bodywork. We can still see the rear end, with its updated taillights and faux diffuser. Dual exhaust tips complete the look. We’ve seen these two-tone alloy wheels before.
As you enter the cabin, the sticker above the Mini logo will be the first thing that you notice. It reads “! It says “! It’s not like the person was doing his job. We can see the digital instrument cluster on the Mini models. This includes the John Cooper Works GP pocket rocket, and the electric CooperSE. As touch-sensitive controls are now visible underneath the screen, the center console has been updated.
Mini revealed the second-generation Countryman in November 2016. This suggests that the facelifted version of the Countryman is not too far off. Expect a debut in the next few months, before a market launch towards 2020.