Jorn Madslien, a BBC News business reporter covers the Countryman release and the evolution of the present day MINI in this BBC News
article. The main concern expressed is whether MINI will drive away its present customers. Madslien writes:
But targeting customers who are looking for practicality could backfire if it alienates traditional Mini customers who are looking for a funky and youthful experience.
Hence, the Countryman risks stretching the Mini brand to its limits, perhaps damaging its carefully honed image in the process. Launching it thus poses a significant risk for its parent company BMW.
But that, executives say, is a risk worth taking as building on the roaring success of Mini's existing hatchback, convertible and Clubman models could also prove hugely rewarding.
"This is arguably the most important launch since we introduced the New Mini in 2001," says Mr. [MINI product manager Lee] Connolly.