Mini Countryman spotted testing in Scandinavia

Driving a test mule could be a boring job with hours of testing to acquire data or is it? It seems like the driver in charge of the upcoming second-gen Mini Countryman decided to let loose on a frozen lake in Scandinavia sending the car sliding.

While the camouflage doesn’t reveal the fine details, the Countryman looks similar to the outgoing  model with similar grille and body style. However, it will be underpinned by the company’s new UKL1 platform that will be the base for other MINIs and a few BMW vehicles. This new platform will ensure the new Countryman stays lighter despite being bigger. A closer look at the test mule reveals the sloping roofline, a spoiler mounted on the tailgate and flared wheel arches.

While there aren’t many details on the powertrains expect it to be powered by the same engines that propel the other three- and five-door Minis. The choices would be a 1.5-litre three-pot petrol engine producing 134bhp/219Nm and a 1.5-litre oil burner producing 114bhp/270Nm. Needless to say there will be a sporty ‘S’ model that will get a more creamier power output using a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine making 189bhp/279Nm. Also there will be a range-topping John Cooper Works model 228bhp/320Nm.

Expect the Countryman to be launched in India within six months from its global launch. The Countryman has done well in India thanks to the five-door layout and the unique looks. BMW will hope to continue the tempo with the new Countryman when it goes on sale here.