MINI has entered into the premium compact arena with a new even more upmarket version of the popular Countryman model.

Called the Countryman Park Lane, the newcomer comes with a raised seating position and the brand's ALL4 all-wheel drive system as an option.

And a new design and colour concept sees the MINI's body in Earl Grey metallic combined with Oak Red for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Sport stripes in the same colour are an optional extra.

The Park Lane also boasts 18-inch light alloy wheels plus the MINI ALL4 Exterior visual package including silver body elements for the front and rear apron as well as the side sills.

Emblems on the side scuttles and cockpit surface are inscribed Park Lane along with the entry sills. And the interior surfaces in Cross Stripe Grey were also designed exclusively for the model.

Those wanting to up the ante even more can opt for a high-end equipment package that sees the MINI Countryman Park Lane Chili include LED fog lamps, sports seats in fabric/leather, auto air-con, Sport button, rain sensor with auto driving light control, sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a storage and lighting package.

The Countryman Park Lane was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show where the latest John Cooper Works model was also presented by MINI.

Its new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with MINITwinPower turbo technology develops 231bhp, making it the most powerful engine ever to be installed in one of the brand's serial production models.

The overall package for extreme performance includes a sports suspension with Brembo sports brake system, exclusive John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, the JCW aerodynamics kit, extra large air inlets and a model-specific interior in sports-car style.

Acceleration is 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, a figure reduced to 6.1 seconds with six-speed Steptronic transmission.