MINI has decided the Countryman wasn’t rugged enough. Apparently, a large hatchback with four-wheel drive, enormous wheels and enough electronic assistance to survive the average supermarket car park now needs to look like it has just returned from the Himalayas.

Enter the Countryman Untamed Edition: MINI’s answer to a question absolutely nobody asked.

There are chunky 19-inch wheels, Dark Steel trim, black protective film and an aggressively styled grille. The SE gets 15mm more ground clearance, while S and SE buyers can specify Pirelli all-terrain tyres.

ALL4 all-wheel drive is available too, presumably for those moments when the Waitrose car park gets genuinely treacherous.

Then comes the camping equipment. MINI has partnered with AUTOHOME for a roof tent and HELINOX for folding furniture.

It can tow up to 2,000kg and carry 75kg on the roof while moving, so there is at least some genuine utility here. Inside, rubber mats, tougher storage and blue Vescin seats give the cabin a suitably outdoorsy makeover.

And yet, beneath all the mountain logos and expedition cosplay, this remains a Countryman. It’s designed primarily for roads, school runs and shopping centres — just with the visual suggestion that it could abandon civilisation at any moment.

Priced from £33,595, it arrives in early 2027. Perhaps the greatest adventure of all is convincing yourself you need a roof tent to go camping.