MINI Australia has enlisted the services of media personality Neale Whitaker as its ambassador, or 'Friend of MINI', for the launch of its 'Next Generation' range.

It marks the first ambassador announcement for MINI's Next Generation range in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region, with Whitaker to focus on the all-new MINI Countryman - the brand's first model launched under the new MINI family.

MINI’s Head of Marketing for ANZ, Nikesh Gohil, said: "Neale's passion for celebrating individuality through high end design perfectly aligns with our brand. His eye for detail and appreciation of MINI’s legacy and future direction is what makes Neale the perfect ‘Friend of MINI’ as we launch our Next Generation range."

The Countryman lays the foundation for MINI's electric vehicle line-up that is set to arrive in Australia. The model features design elements such as 'Charismatic Simplicity' design language, innovative driver customisation, advanced technology, and a commitment to sustainability.

"MINI holds a special place in my heart – my family has driven the iconic car for generations," said Whitaker. "What I love about MINI is that it is committed to celebrating individual style with its ‘Big Love’ ethos and embracing the unique. The new MINI Countryman suits my urban to rural lifestyle perfectly and is such an amazing evolution of the brand in size, design and sustainability."

The MINI Countryman allows drivers to customise their vehicle based on their personal lifestyle and preferences, with features such as a new selection of colours and trims, three orchestrated lighting signatures in the front and rear LED lights, and eight 'Experience' modes with a bespoke set of sounds, lights and digital visuals. Key features of the MINI Countryman include sustainability with 100 percent leather-free and chrome-free materials, more space with 13cm longer and 6cm taller dimensions, and a MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant which continually learns and automatically adjusts to regular routes.

MINI is part of the BMW Group.