Mini Countryman's video debut

There's still another six months to go before we're likely to see the eagerly-anticipated Mini Countryman in UK showrooms, but the cogs of BMW's marketing machine have already begun to turn in earnest.

The first official promotional video featuring the Countryman has just been released and, while the Mini brand has always been positioned as a lifestyle choice, the 'Life is out there, go live it' tagline confirms that the crossover is going to get the same treatment.

However, the conspicuous inclusion of children and pets is a pointed reminder that the biggest Mini yet is intended to tempt hip young families out of their hatchbacks and SUVs.

The Countryman will go on sale in the UK with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, and is expected to start from around £16,000 for the entry-level car.