2017 Mini Countryman Can Effortlessly Swap the Mini for Maxi

Maxi Countryman doesn’t sound half bad

Mini has been cooking up a new generation for the Countryman for quite a while now, but the finite product does nothing to abide by its surname.

That's because for the new 2017 Countryman, Mini added 20 cm to the length plate compared to the model it replaces. It's like reading the same story of the current Mini hatchback.

Subsequently, the wheelbase was stretched by 7.5 cm for what Mini calls "significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility."

Boot space offers 450 liters of cargo space, but this figure can go as high as 1,309 liters courtesy of the 40:20:40-split rear backrest (that's 220 liters more over the previous model).

Additionally, the rear seats (there's three of them, by the way) can be shifted longitudinally by as much as 13 cm.

There's also an option called Picnic Bench, which folds out of the trunk and provides seating for two more passengers – most likely child-sized ones.

The central instrument cluster can sport a 6.5-inch display, but as an option, Mini raises the tech stake with an 8.8-inch color touchscreen.

Four engine choices are available at launch: Mini Cooper Countryman (1.5-liter, three-cylinder, 134 hp), Mini Cooper S Countryman (2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 189 hp), Mini Cooper D Countryman (2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel, 148 hp) and Mini Cooper SD Countryman (2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel, 188 hp).

Torque values range from 220 to 400 Nm, and there's the option of checking either the FWD or the AWD (All4) box.

As a premiere, Mini introduced a plug-in hybrid version for the Countryman under the Mini Cooper S E Countryman nameplate.

The green Countryman is wrapped around a 1.5-petrol unit good for 134 hp and a synchronous electric motor with 65 kW on tap, for a total output of 165 kW (221 hp).

For power management purposes, Mini offers a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed Steptronic gearbox, and an eight-speed Steptronic 'box.

Mini will officially present the 2017 Countryman at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with the new model expected to drop anchor in February 2017 (Europe) and March 2017 (other regions).