MINI used the big stage at the 2010 New York Auto Show to show off the Countryman 4WD small crossover in the US for the first time. As far as I know, the Countryman will be the world’s smallest crossover when it hits showrooms early next year. It’s so small, in fact, that it essentially qualifies as a new market segment… I’ll take a shot at naming it right now: how’s “minicross” for you?
No official word on mileage yet from MINI, but they say it will offer the best fuel economy in the crossover segment. Which likely means higher than 30 mpg, as that’s what the upcoming Ford Edge with Ecoboost is expected to get on the highway. But there are many ways manufacturers can represent their numbers to claim “best fuel economy” in a particular segment, so we’ll just have to wait on that one.