MINI Countryman Photos Leak

Crossovers, the next big thing? Try the current big thing. You know the phenononon has penetrated every facet of the marketplace when MINI is jumping on board.

With sales of luxury cars having dipped due to recent (and ongoing) economic issues, BMW has looked to expand its MINI brand for more global volume.

The regular MINI  has undoubtedly been a success, and new models like the Clubman and Coupe are looking to continue that. The Clubman is the next model to be added to the lineup.

Look familiar? The Clubman was previewed by the Crossover Concept, but the production car doesn't follow it exactly. The biggest changes from other MINIs with the Countryman have to do with the letter four - as in all-wheel drive and four doors.

Cosmetically, there new and a different grille treatment, but this is still very much recognizable as a MINI - just as it should be. The inside is perhaps even more so.

Only three grainy leaked shots are available right now, but more should be coming soon. For those in the United States, the launch comes in October, with European markets getting the car sooner. As for its competition? How about Mitsubishi's new ASX? Sounds like a good comparison test to us.