The MINI Countryman also has a... roof tent

How awesome would it be if cars were to be drivenof time gave the dPossibility of staying in them, for escapes to the countryside; "Very much", thought the people of MINI and created a... penthouse which is set up in the minute, on the roofή of Countryman, for an overnight stay in the countryside.

With plenty of space for up to five passengers and their luggage and with the optional ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the latest generation of the premium British brand's all-terrain model is ideally equipped for excursions beyond the city and tarmac. In case you're not only running out of road but also running out of daylight, it now has a place to stay at night - and in the place the driver wants. Specialist Italian company AUTOHOME has expanded its range to include a roof tent that perfectly matches the look of the new MINI Countryman and the brand's current design philosophy .

In collaboration with the MINI Design team, a special version of the AirTop roof tent has been created and is now available directly from the manufacturer in black and white, the roof and exterior mirror colours of the new MINI Countryman. AUTOHOME brings together more than 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of roof tents for cars and its products are used on tourism and business trips.

Installing this mobile shelter is a breeze thanks to the standard roof bars of the new MINI Countryman that allow the use of the special rack from the Genuine MINI Accessories range - available at the MINI Shop. The tent retaining system is attached to the specific rack with a few easy movements, without the need for tools. The roof rack is the sturdy base of the tent locking system with its stable, secure steel clamps.

When the tent is closed it is no different from a conventional bungalow. The aerodynamic lines of the tent's fibreglass roof result in limited aerodynamic drag and reduced noise. The tent is easily opened by releasing links - two at the rear and one at the front. The tent roof is then automatically raised thanks to four gas shock absorbers.

The internal height of the tent is 94 cm. Thanks to the hard roof and side surfaces made of special high-quality fabric, the tent is not only waterproof but also provides ideal ventilation and top thermal and sound insulation. Features include: a compact mattress with cotton lining, two zippered doors and two windows, mosquito nets on all openings, battery-powered LED interior lighting, as well as a luggage net and compartments for personal items. A sturdy aluminium ladder is also available for climbing up to the top floor of the MINI Countryman.

Thanks to the powerful engine, ALL4 all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 1800 kg, the new MINI Countryman can also tow a caravan. But the roof tent fits in perfectly with the brand's traditional principles of maximising interior space with the smallest possible exterior dimensions. The dimensions of the bed are 2.10m long and 1.3m wide - sufficient for two people to spend the night in the countryside. The tent provides shelter for the occupants of the new MINI Countryman, wherever they wish and at any time of day. In the countryside, on the beach or in the mountains - wherever the new MINI explores new terrain, its roof is instantly transformed into an inviting place to stay - and in the best location.