Mini Countryman updated – details of the 2013 facelift

Mini has given the Countryman baby SUV a mid-life facelift two years after launch. Key changes include a smarter interior, a range of new colours and cleaner engines.

Blink and you might indeed miss the modestly upgraded Countryman faux-by-four. Most of the changes have been lavished inside the soft-roader's cabin: there are new black gloss or chromed rings circling the speedo and air vents, redesigned door cards, armrests and new electric window switches.

Yep, it's pretty yawnworthy, minor stuff. Of more interest to families is the standard fitment of a three-seat bench, answering criticism of the practicality of individual back seats. A pair of rear seats remains as a no-cost option from autumn 2012.

A host of new colours are now offered on the Countryman, too. New paints include Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red metallics, the latter adorning the first pictures in our photo gallery. As if the Countryman didn't stand out enough before…

Well, two models are: the Mini One Countryman and Cooper are both now EU6 compliant. The full engine choice is otherwise unchanged with three petrols and three diesels, stretching from 89bhp to 182bhp. The zesty John Cooper Works Countryman upgrades that to 215bhp.

The All4 all-wheel-drive system will continue to be standard on the JCW and optional on the Cooper S Countryman, Cooper SD Countryman and Cooper D Countryman.

The revised Mini Countryman goes on sale in November 2012. UK prices have not yet been confirmed.

By Tim Pollard