There are quite a few MINIs for sale due to owners having a growing family or the vehicle not meeting their capacity/utility requirements but want to stay with the brand (as I do). As I understand it goes back to whether BMW/MINI is catering for full customer life-cycle and looking to include this market demographic and cater for the customer’s needs – viz-a-viz – “the customer is always right”.

How about Ingrate! Just joking, but it may have a certain catchiness. I agree that Countryman is a bit weird, and it brings to mind a gentleman farmer, with his $100k horses, buggy, etc, who lives in a country mansion. If prices start at $29k, they will not be in a good market position I think. They could also probably capture some market with the diesel option.

I think it may be inconsistent with the Mini concept to bring out a model that has a wheelbase as long as a 2009 Subaru Forester. Of course, the body length is much less.

Do we have a curb weight on the Countryman yet?

“This is the practical reality and dilemma faced by MINI owners and BMW and owners may switch to competitor offerings that tend to their requirements. Have car companies forgotten that the customer is always right?” THISSSS!!!

My name is Christopher Adam Whisenhunt. I work at Moritz BMW MINI in Arlington, TX 76011. I recently have gone to a LETS MEET MINI training program held here back on November 12th and 13th, 2009. During our discussions Frankie and Greg, my facilitators, briefly talked about upcoming MINI's expected to release by late 2010 or early 2011, hopefully. One of these new breeds, rumored to be called a "countryman" or "Colorado" has grabbed my attention. This new and exciting vehicle drew me in hook, line and sinker! I love the concept of taking the MINI to a "SUV" look, even though it is definitely not an "SUV", but I don't agree with the so-called name being dubbed ("countryman"). Learning about how MINI is marketing toward getting people out on the house and on the road, I believe that this "SUV" should be called the MINI MIGRATE to facilitate that message. To relocate periodically from on region to another, such as the open road, an antique shop in the hills or a mom and pop store on the shore. From New York to San Diego or Fargo to Miami the message conveyed would be clear, LET’S MOTOR!

What it means is that those of us who have families with growing children or have a requirement for a larger vehicle or one with 5 doors that clearly want to stay with the MINI brand may not be able to stay with the brand and switch over to a competitor’s vehicle out of necessity. This is the practical reality and dilemma faced by MINI owners and BMW and owners may switch to competitor offerings that tend to their requirements. Have car companies forgotten that the customer is always right?

The 3-door Clubman concept keeps it from looking like the traditional 4-door wagon. I think they should use that on the Countryman. Also, I don’t think the 1.6L engine, without turbo, will be enough for a substantially larger AWD Countryman.

Matt

How heartwarming. Nothing quite says “kids” better than that design, except maybe the fake raised roof aspect.

For the Speedster, can we get their kids to design the cooling system?

I was really looking forward to seeing the final version. I am an 06 R53 owner, very happy.. but I know that when the time comes for this thing to launch I will be paying very close attention. This car just seems toooo great on paper. 4 doors, check. AWD, check. Fun & power, check. MINI handling? hopefully they retained it, I’m sure they did.

But just like everyone else also said, I’d be lying if I said the delay didn’t make me reconsider otherwise– especially a 128i… ooooo

They know all too well that the current financial market will not support $40K “boutique” SUV inspired MINIs. They are already having problems moving existing metal out of dealer showrooms and the R60 will simply compound on the problem even more.

The corporate in-fighting over this one must be a bloody encounter like no other in history. I am sure someone with brains and common sense, whether inside the ranks of the BMW Group and/or the controlling Quandt family have thrown their hands up in the air over this overweight pig.

BMW, please kill the R60. Show us that someone has brains and common sense left in your organization. The R60 has been and will always be a BAD idea.

If the SUV lemmings want an SUV, BMW already have what you are looking for. For me, crossovers suck major balls. Nothing beats the practicality of the “So old fashioned” family station wagon. Why would anyone shell over $30K for a R60 over a BMW 328i Sportwagon is beyond comprehension.,…

I’m really glad I decided not wait and bought a used 325i this summer. Still have the MINI of course, but with a baby and need for a little more back seat, I needed something.

Although, in three years I may be ready for a new family car and an AWD JCW Countryman w/5 seatbelts seems possible… Or I’ll keep the BMW and get a Speedster…

Either they really missed the price point target, or it’s BMW being the bastard step child of BMW. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for Mini… Make your choice: Project bloat or back seat brand.

Matt

Golf R. It will rock. (And the WRX comes in a 5-door hatch as well as sedan.)

Leave it to BMW/Mini to decide to make the highest performance vehicle in the brand a SUV lol. This is from the same genius that decided to sell the soul of ///M with SUVs as well. Another fine product from Bigger Motor Works.

I am however still looking forward to seeing the final design.