If you’re in the market for a compact crossover, don’t sleep on the 2017 MINI Countryman.
But also: by all means, sleep on it.
Because the carmaker has partnered with Italy’s Autohome for an exclusive rooftop tent coined the AirTop. The tent lives in a fiberglass shell much like an everyday topper box. The unit is mounted to the top of the ride via roof rails and clamps. It’s worth mentioning that installation requires no tools.
When you’ve reached peak adventure and need to turn in for the night, the AirTop is released by the simple flick of three clasps that raise the roof by way of four gas-pressurized springs.
Then it’s the compacted ladder you go. And inside, you’ll find a battery-operated LED interior light, storage pockets, a high-density mattress with cotton cover and enough room for two.
The tent comes in black or white and is good to withstand the obvious elements of nature like rain, and mosquitos. The only rub: this convenient casa will run MINI owners into the $3,000 ballpark. Personally, we prefer to stay elevated when camping to keep off the cold wet ground and a shave farther away from all things that go bump in the night.
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