MINI and Autohome have teamed up to create a new
pop-up roof tent for the Countryman crossover. Christenedd the AirTop, the tent
resides in a fiberglass shell which looks similar to a conventional transport
box. Its mounted to the crossover's roof rails and is held securely in place by
steel clamps which can be installed without tools.
When it comes time to call it a night, the owner
simply releases three safety clasps and then the tent is automatically raised
by four gas pressure springs. The owner can then climb the included aluminum
ladder to gain access to the tent's interior which features a high-density
mattress with a cotton cover that can accommodate up to two people. The tent
also has a battery-operated LED interior light, storage pockets, and 94 cm of
interior height.
MINI says the AirTop features high-quality fabric
outer walls which provide heat and noise insulation as well as making the tent
rain proof. Elsewhere, there are two windows with mosquito netting to provide
proper ventilation.
The AirTop will be available in black or white in "keeping with the contrasting colors
for roof and outside mirror caps for the new MINI Countryman." While
it's not as luxurious as the Mercedes Marco Polo, the tent is currently
available to order and Italian pricing starts at € 2,836.93 (US$ 3,095).
