MINI Crossover Photos Leaked

If the radical new Beachomber concept shown here is just too much for you, try the R60/Countryman Crossover on for size. It's all-wheel-drive and it's on its way!

With the new Beachcomber Concept just debuting in Detroit, it's easy for us to forget that MINI has been working on a Crossover for quite some time. We've shown you some early concept photos, and now here is one that looks more like it's ready for the showroom (which it reportedly will be, at least in Europe, later this year). The exterior is a full 16" longer than your standard MINI, the better to grow with your family and/or circle of friends. The interior is not as wash 'n wear as the Beachcomber, but it does offer driver-selected ambient lighting colors and a unique center rail system, into which you can clip all manner of MP3 holders, cupholders, etc. 

Styling cues are kept to a minimum here, with a new grille and black and white trim. An ALL4 badge on the side and a lot more ground clearance are the more obvious departures. (Is that the U.S. shore this MINI is looking so longingly at?) The Cooper version will get 120 hp out of a 1.6 liter engine, while the sportier Cooper S version gets direct fuel injection and a turbo, putting out 180 hp. 

Call it the Countryman - or the R60 for short - but don't call your MINI dealer yet; probably sometime in early 2011.  And when it does get here, expect to shell out for it. It's expected to start at 25,000 overseas. That's in Euros.