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Mini Countryman spied looking less and less Mini

As the entire Mini lineup continues to grow in size, our latest spy shots for the upcoming Mini Countryman testing in Germany reveals the automaker's biggest car will stick to the trend of increasing semantic contradiction. This latest prototype drops some of its camouflage over the previously spied model that was spotted testing in the winter. Unlike the last test mule we saw, the disguised vehicle ditches the hexagonal grille for one that mimics the current model's design with a more traditional layout. The prototype also loses the sporty, multi-spoke wheels for a more boring, plastic-like set. The side and back end of the vehicle are heavily camouflaged, hiding the rear design of the prototype. But Mini's iconic taillights are still evident with the most current prototype only having one exhaust outlet, while the previously spotted model sported two. As expected, the next-gen Countryman should grow longer and wider. The increase in size will coincide with a switch to BMW's UKL2 platform. We also expect the Countryman to share the same three- and four-cylinder turbocharged engine options as vehicles on the same platform, namely the Mini Clubman and BMW X1. This prototype, with its low-end wheels and single exhaust outlet has us thinking that Mini is testing out one of its more fuel-efficient models. After the Countryman's debut, which is expected to happen at the Paris Motor Show in October, a performance-oriented John Cooper Works model and a plug-in hybrid variant should follow suit. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mini Countryman Spy Shots View 9 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos MINI Crossover Hatchback SUV

Mini may have overexpanded, some models may not be replaced

Surprise, surprise. According to Edmunds, Mini may be looking to reduce the number of vehicles in its range, which has recently expanded to include a total of seven offerings (not to mention the copious varieties of configurations found within each line). When Mini relaunched in the early 2000s, it did so with one model, the Cooper Hardtop, and has since added the Convertible, Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. It looks like those ambitions of expanding the range to include up to 10 models may have been a bit optimistic.
"When we start to replace models, I think you will see that we won't replace every model exactly," Jim McDowell, Vice President of Mini USA, told Edmunds in an interview. The brand's core models right now are the Hardtop and Countryman, and of the roughly 66,200 vehicles that Mini sold in the United States last year, these two vehicles accounted for some 75 percent of total sales.
McDowell declined to mention any specific models that may not be replaced in the lineup's next generation, though our best guess is that ultra-niche vehicles like the Coupe (pictured) or Clubman. As for replacing some of the current models with new products, the only clear gap we can see in the brand's lineup is a smaller car like the Rocketman concept, though we've been told several times that a mini-Mini isn't going to happen. Be sure to let us know what Mini models you'd like to see kept or axed in Comments below.

Mini Traveller MPV caught on flatbed with five-door Mini and convertible

With the next-gen Mini Cooper hardtop set for its big debut next week at the LA Auto Show, we're getting a good look at what will be coming next for the BMW brand. Mini will follow up the introduction of the Mini Cooper with the new convertible model, but our spy shooters have proof that a plus-sized model (rumored to be called Traveller or Spacebox) is coming along quite well.
There still isn't much information about the Traveller (shown above), which will be longer and wider than the Countryman, but we can tell that it takes dimensional cues from both the Countryman and Clubman to maximize passenger and cargo space. The face of this new model will definitely be closer to the 2015 Cooper, and it will have a split rear door setup like the Clubman. Like the more recent Countryman and Paceman designs, though, the Traveller will have horizontally positioned taillights instead of the Cooper's vertical lights. We have no indication as to when we'll be seeing the Traveller in production form, but this prototype seems to be in the final stages of development.
As for the Cooper, we've already spied the hardtop completely uncovered, and just recently we spotted the sportier Cooper S Convertible being transported on a flatbed. The dual center-outlet exhaust is the key tell that model was the S, which likely means that the droptop spotted here the base model.