08 Sep 05 17:20
BMW's MINI division is to unveil a concept car called Countryman at the Frankfurt Motor Show, reports Autoweek. This will preview the estate version of the next-generation MINI, due 2008, and will be kitted out with a fully retro-style exterior, complete with wooden frame as on the original Mini estate and models such as the Morris Minor Traveller. It will be based on the longer-wheelbase platform to also be used for the five-door MINI hatchback, and will have a pair of van-style vertically-split rear doors instead of a tailgate; rear-hinged 'suicide' doors are also rumoured. Although this concept will be called Countryman, the final production model is thought to take either the Clubman or Traveller names.
