MINI Countryman, the brand's fourth family member, was officially unveiled in Abu Dhabi this week. MINI together with Abu Dhabi Motors, its exclusive importer in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, presented its new crossover model as a car to bridge the gap between the classic MINI and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. Larger and taller than its hatchback sibling, the new MINI Countryman is the first MINI model to feature four doors, four individual seats (a three-seat bench is available at no additional cost), optional all-wheel drive and unique MINI Centre Rail, a funky multifunctional guide rail running through the interior. The MINI Countryman also comes in 11 brand new exterior colours, previously unavailable in other MINI models. Marking the official opening of Abu Dhabi Motors' new dedicated MINI Showroom in Umm Al Nar, MINI celebrated the launch of its new family member at an exclusive 'MINI Countryman Getaway' event with lifestyle partners Red Bull, Virgin and Oakley. An all-star entertainment line-up set the ambiance for the evening, with performances from break dancers, freestylers and a DJ. Meanwhile partygoers also had the opportunity to test drive the new and updated range of MINI's including the MINI Hatch and of course the star of the show, the MINI Countryman. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with everything you might need on an afternoon getaway to the beach or an evening wadi bashing. One side of the showroom mimicked the beach with scenes of sun, sea and sand complete with an interactive Wii surfing game, whilst partygoers in the Wadi Zone experienced the dry and rocky UAE desert terrain by night in a virtual test drive. "Eye-catching, colourful and everything 'Getaway', our new showroom was the perfect venue to unveil the new MINI Countryman and provide an amazing MINI experience for all," said Arno Husselmann, General Manager at Abu Dhabi Motors. The new MINI showroom opening kicks off a milestone year for Abu Dhabi Motors, in which it turns 25 and completes its multimillion dollar redevelopment and expansion to the Umm Al Nar Showroom. "What better way to celebrate the beginning of such a significant year than to welcome a new addition to our MINI portfolio. The new MINI Countryman will allow us to bring MINI's unique personality to a much wider audience as it opens up a whole new segment of customers who appreciate MINI but require more space and versatility. We are confident that the new MINI Countryman will do well in Abu Dhabi and build upon our successful 2010 sales results, which saw a 32% growth in MINI sales from 2009," added Husselmann. Providing even greater freedom and space, the new MINI Countryman offers a versatile and comfortable ride every time. Its increased length and the option of all-wheel drive offers the perfect solution for getting around town during the week as well as providing enough room for weekend getaway trips. In fact, the MINI Countryman has claimed the top 5-star score in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results, making it one of the safest cars on the road. The car has been designed to ensure highly effective occupant protection for both adults and children in various types of collision. Inside the MINI Countryman, it's all about comfort and practicality matched with an innovative style. Combinations in the MINI Countryman's range also include a host of new interior colours, such as trim strips and upholstery which enables the customer to create a MINI with a truly unique character. With the perfect amount of space for weekend getaways, the vehicle offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than the original at a total of 350 litres. It's the first MINI model to measure four metres in length, clearly standing out from all other MINI models. In addition to the endless interior trim options available, the MINI Countryman includes a high-end audio and navigation system, an extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with Xenon headlight units, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works performance components. Abu Dhabi Motors' MINI customers can now enjoy 'hassle free' ownership through with the MINI Service XXL Package. This manufacturer offer covers all major servicing for MINI vehicles for the first five years or 70,000kms, including wear and tear parts that are beyond the standard warranty, costs for labour, original MINI replacement parts and top-up oil, ensuring the cost of car ownership is kept to a minimum. Source - Abu Dhabi Motors showcases new dedicated MINI showroom | Abu Dhabi Motors | AMEinfo.com