NEW YORK: MINI might be venturing into the off-road SUV market, according to a report from US automotive site motor1.com.
It picked up on what MINI of the Americas vice-president Michael Peyton had said. Peyton had recently told another US-based automotive online publication CarBuzz that an off-road version could be spun off from the Countryman.
The motor1 article said the move would align with current market trends, where consumers show a growing preference for SUVs with rugged, off-road capabilities.
A modern take could resemble the Countryman All4 Uncharted Edition from last year, it added.
While what Peyton said is thought-provoking, the specifics remain speculative as MINI has not officially commented on these rumours.
motor1 also pointed out that the 2025 Countryman, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 241-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, presents a strong foundation for an off-road variant.
The motor1 article noted that with enhancements such as a lifted suspension and skid plates, an off-road MINI could soon be a reality.
