After checking out the images online of the new MINI Countryman I’ve been left wondering just how big the car really is. On pure numbers, as the image above shows, there’s not much in it. But in reality those numbers don’t reveal the whole truth.

While the R60 has reasonable storage space when the rear seats are folded down, don’t expect the car to swallow too much luggage in a four-seat configuration.

The squared-off front nose of the R60 Countryman makes the R56 hardtop seem almost wedge-like by comparison. The extra height of the crossover model has all been added below the shoulder line, mostly to aid ride height. On the road, though, the Countryman doesn’t look too topsy-turvy. Check out the video after the jump to see the Countryman in action.

I’m still intrigued by this car and will have to reserve full judgment until we see the Countryman in Australia.

[Source: MotoringFile via Auto Bild]