Both Edmunds Inside Line and MSN Autos Exhaust Notes feature newsbytes about the upcoming official unveiling of the Mini Crossman/Countryman in Geneva. Seriously, I still don't really know what to call this little guy, but everyone now sure knows what it'll look like, and why Mini says it's a step between the Mini and your typical crossover.
Jalopnik offers us the best selection of images thus far, including the one I've borrowed on the right here. Jalopnik did an intersting, if singeingly critical, while describing the new vehicle.
Lots of info still remains sketchy, no matter which news source you attach yourself to, and reports in media channels are causing (at least to me) some confusion...will the initial release in 2011 come w AWD or is this for a later model, or is this an option? and exactly how much will this little guy cost us? Also, something in the Inside Line specs struck a little red flag with me:
"1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine that delivers 120 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 118 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. It has a top speed of 118 mph and comes standard on the Mini Cooper Countryman. The Mini Cooper S Countryman upgrades the engine by adding a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It delivers 180 hp at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm for a top speed of 128 mph."
I'm not sure about the horse power, torque, and top mileage numbers they shared for some reason.
I must say that what attracts me most to this concept is not the cuteness factor, but rather, the efficiency and design package that the brand conveys and typically delivers in what appears to be such a small yet comfortable product.
This new guy on the block will no doubt elevate the crossover/AWD product category...and I imagine that players such as Nissan (Rogue) and Volkswagen (Tiguan) will have to revisit their offerings starting right after the Geneva unveling.
I'll keep posting as the info comes in.
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