MINI Crossman / Countryman on schedule

The MINI Crossover Concept. On target for a Geneva launch as the Countryman or Crossman

The MINI Crossover – dubbed Crossman or Countryman – has been floating around as a ‘Concept’  since the Paris Motor Show in 2008. We even reported on the MINI Crossman testing back in April, and it’s been expected to launch for quite some time, so to say it’s ‘On Schedlue’ is probably a little misleading. Last reports of its imminent launch were when we firts heard MINI were planning two launches at Frankfurt. But that turned out to be the MINI Roadster and MINI Coupe.

But there have been plenty of reports floating around lately that the Crossover MINI has been delayed by a number of factors and wouldn’t reach the other side of the Pond – even if it were to be launched in Europe – until 2011. But reports from BMW say that is not the case, and that the launch of the MINI SUV is on track.

The name is still unconfirmed for the Crossover MINI, but best guess is ‘MINI Countryman’, especially as BMW filed a trademark application for ‘Countryman’ back in July. And odd though a MINI SUV sounds in principle, in practice it could work well. It will come with the same set of engine options as the MINI – meaning everything from a diesel to a JCW variant – but will offer a high riding drive, 4WD (but with 2WD entry-level option), room for four and extra luggage space.

We’re looking forward to the MINI Countryman, much to our surprise. If it offers all the extra it promises and manages to keep MINI’s trademark handling and nimbleness (which is, for us, the key thing), we can see the Countryman doing very well. And with prices starting at sub £20k it sounds competitive.

We’ll know more at Geneva 2010 which is when the MINI Countryman will launch.

By Cars UK