Sections: Official News | R60 (Countryman) Jan 20th, 2010 45 Comments 
As we broke last fall, the Countryman will come the US months after it’s European and UK launch. The R60 is scheduled to go on-sale in the fall of 2010 allowing for MINI to work out any product and build issues before the US launch in March of 2011.
Pricing hasn’t been set yet but we’ve been told to expect MINI to be fairly aggressive with the Countryman in the US market. For instance if you look at the price difference between the current R56 hatch and the R55 Clubman ($2500) and then the hatch versus the R57 convertible ($4500), you can imagine the Countryman slotting somewhere in between both. Of it’s still up in the air until we get closer to launch, however we expect to be pleasantly surprised with the announcement is made later this year.
MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Crossover Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility.
As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, and optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive offers an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in a new, fascinating style.
The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors with unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and windows extending around the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of a MINI. At the same time, the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagonal radiator grille element, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid with integrated side direction indicators, the prominent wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.
Measuring 161.3″ in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2″, the MINI Countryman features an interior that offers a new dimension of space and function. The four-door body of the car combines the proportions typical of the brand with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position, the MINI Countryman thus bridging the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Crossover Vehicle. From the start, the design of the MINI Countryman emanates a unique feeling of independence, performance, robustness and versatility, particularly the clear structure of the front end giving the MINI Countryman a mature and most respectable look of class and style. But at the same time the new model naturally retains that unique charm and individual flair so typical of MINI.
Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualizes the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimize pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasized by extra-large windows and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.
The new diagonal function line at the transition point from the front side panel to the door likewise serves to distinguish the MINI Countryman from its counterparts within the range. This particular feature – yet another re-interpretation of the body welding seam at the same point on the classic Mini – comprises both the side direction indicator and the air outlet on the MINI Countryman. Conceived and designed as a wide and very robust-looking band, this diagonal function line continues the course of the A-pillar towards the front wheel. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting strongly on its wheels.
The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end also underlines the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, ensuring powerful presence also from this perspective. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasizes the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the MINI Countryman. With its integrated, aerodynamically refined airflow contour, the roof appears to almost hover above the window areas. The chrome band extending round the entire car between the windows and the body, finally, forms yet another horizontal line as a further highlight in the design of the MINI Countryman.
Like all models in the MINI range, the MINI Countryman comes with upright rear light clusters forming a distinctive contrast to the otherwise horizontal lines at the rear. Highlighted by chrome surrounds, the rear light clusters stand out three-dimensionally from the body of the car. Positioned far to the outside, the rear lights emphasize the width of the MINI Countryman and bear clear reference to the generous interior space.
All light functions are integrated in the rear lights embedded like islands in the rear side panels. The inner structure of the lights is determined again in typical MINI style by full circles and circular sections also giving the car its unique night design.
For the first time the MINI logo at the rear has a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo allows the MINI owner to release the rear lid that is hinged at the top. The rear license plate recess takes up the shape of the air intake in the front bumper, thus linking the front and rear ends through their clear symbiosis in design.
The rear air dam on the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimize the aerodynamic qualities of this special model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system, as well as striking openings in the rear wheel arches.
The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of no less than eleven body colors: five non-metallic, and six metallic. All models are available with the roof finished either in Black, White or as an alternative, body color.
Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimizes the driver’s all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by colored rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from the front to the rear instead of a conventional center console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.
The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually and the backrests may be tilted for angle, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from liters 12.2 –41.0 cu ft.
All surfaces come in a new, even more striking, textured grain that harmonizes perfectly with the powerful look of the car. The instrument panel in the MINI Countryman is characterized by powerful, concave shapes and a sporting, functional impression. Extra-large air vents at the side emphasize the particular style of the interior in its modern class and function. Like the center air vents, the Center Speedo and the gearshift lever, the air vents are highlighted by white surrounds in a contrasting color. A further color highlight is provided by the side surrounds on the center console appearing to actually support and hold up the dashboard. The center console itself, through its matt-black color in conjunction with a chrome ring for the climate controls, is particularly stylish and sophisticated in its looks. Apart from the control units for the air conditioning and CD player, the toggle switches for various car functions typical of MINI are also housed within the center console.
Newly designed door panels underline the specific shape of the body and the extra space the MINI Countryman has to offer. The ellipsoid frame around the door armrests and door handles, again so typical of the brand, is for the first time positioned in the middle, encompassing in its design also the B-pillars and emphasizing the length of the interior through its stretched contours.
The MINI Countryman comes with supportive bucket seats specific to this particular model. Sports seats are featured as standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman (optional on the Cooper) and offer two different combinations of cloth/leather seating as well as various choices of all-leather upholstery as an option. A particular highlight is the top-of-the-line Lounge Leather upholstery boasting the very best leather that is reminiscent of classy leather seats with piping in a classic British car.
The rear bucket seats featured at the rear move fore-and-aft 5.1″ independently of one another. Even with the seats in their upright position, the MINI Countryman is able to meet additional transport requirements as the rear seat backrests may be moved to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 12.2–15.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to a commodious 41.0 cubic feet, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. And for those that need more options to carry their adventure items, a standard low-profile roof rail system allows Motorers the ability to add a full line of MINI Accessory.
Instead of a conventional center console between the seats, the MINI Countryman comes with an innovative rail system, the unique MINI Center Rail enabling the driver and passengers to keep their personal belongings and odds and ends exactly where they need them at any point in time. At the same time the MINI Center Rail forms a visual and functional connection between the front and rear seats.
The Center Rail extends through the entire passenger compartment all the way to the rear seat backrests. Specially developed and easy-to-use clip-in fixtures allow the driver and passengers to use the MINI Center Rail individually as required, hanging on various bins and storage units. As an example, the MINI Center Rail may be fitted with holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, a case for sunglasses in genuine MINI design, as well as center armrests held safely and comfortably in position. The holders and storage bins placed on the Center Rail may then be moved forwards and backwards to any desired position. And whenever the users place electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an MP3 player on the Center Rail, the integrated cable system automatically connects the respective device to the car’s on-board network and ensures full and convenient integration into the MINI Countryman’s entertainment system.
Ambient Lighting, which is part of the standard Light Package, sets a particular highlight within the interior of the MINI Countryman. Providing an indirect lighting effect, Ambient Lightning creates special color highlights throughout the entire door panel in night design, thus giving the interior a truly unique atmosphere. Using a toggle switch, the driver and passengers may vary the color of the light generated steplessly from a warm orange to a sporting blue. Light rods also provide the color desired on the MINI Center Rail from one end to the other. This makes it easier to find objects attached to the Center Rail.
The optional interior Color Lines provide further opportunities to customize the car, creating different color effects along the door panels within their ellipsoid frame, on the center armrest side panels, the lower section of the B-pillar covers, and the inserts on the Center Rail itself. The colors available in this case are Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, and Dark Tobacco, as well as powerful Surf Blue exclusive to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Trim bars for the cockpit as well as a Chrome Package adding discreet gloss to the air vents, the central instrument, the rev counter and the surrounds on the gearshift lever, provide an even more intense touch of color and style.
The MINI Countryman is entering the US market with a choice of two engines, each coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally, complying with ULEV II emission standards. The rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the Cooper offers fuel efficiency and performance with fully variable valve timing and lift via VALVETRONIC technology. The Cooper S adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It also features fully-variable valve management offering the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. And as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both Cooper and Cooper S models are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with manual control.
All petrol engines featured in the MINI Countryman come with fully variable valve management. This technology for masterminding engine load without requiring a throttle to control engine output is quite unique within the segment of this new MINI and is based on the VALVETRONIC valve management system featured in BMW power units. This optimizes engine response and serves to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.
Valve management adjusts the lift and duration of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required. The intake camshaft acts on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.
MINI Cooper Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Capacity: 1,598 cc
MINI Cooper S Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Capacity: 1,598 cc,
Best of all, the MINI Cooper S Countryman is the first MINI to offer a permanent all-wheel-drive system known as MINI ALL4. Utilizing an electro-hydraulic differential, positioned directly on the transmission’s final drive, varies the power distribution from front to rear in an infinitely-variable process. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels and under extreme conditions up to 100 percent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged lower control arms, the multi-link rear axle and EPS (Electric Power Steering.)
On the Cooper S Countryman with ALL4, a specific driveline setup is used. Together with the elaborate mounting for the final drive and individual driveshafts, a vibration damper is fitted is within the rear driveshaft giving the ALL4 version of the MINI Countryman the same high standard of acoustic and dynamic comfort as on the models with front-wheel drive.
Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure, with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones, ensures passive safety of the highest caliber. A total of six airbags are standard, with frontal and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants. Three-point inertia-reel seat belts are present on all four seats and belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as LATCH child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tire Pressure Monitor.
In terms of crash behavior, there is no compromise between the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the MINI Countryman. To ensure this equality, the car comes with an innovative drive shaft made up of two elements giving way within one another in the event of a collision to absorb impact energy. The body structure of the MINI Countryman is also designed to offer maximum occupant safety in the event of a collision, high-load-resistant bearer structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell serving to keep impact forces away from the passengers.
The MINI Countryman furthermore comes standard with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) is an option that also features an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential. All Countryman models comes standard with 205/50 R17 runflat tires for supreme safety and performance in all situations. Available optionally are 18-inch alloy wheels with runflat tires and 19” wheels can be ordered as a dealer-installed accessory.
The wide range of customization options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colors, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, the MINI Center Rail, and a premium six-speaker audio system complete with a CD player and AUX IN. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone® and other smartphones in the car. Further options are the dual-pane Panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with the optional Xenon headlight units, lightweight-alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 18 inches, sports suspension (which lowers the car by 10 millimeters or almost 0.4″), as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.
For the US, the Countryman’s three versions – Cooper Countryman, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S Countryman ALL4 – will be offered for sale in early 2011. Pricing will be announced at a later time.
As the fourth model within the range and the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman is a pioneer in many respects. It opens up that characteristic MINI feeling for new target groups and at the same time transfers individual design and the unique fun of motoring into a segment with greater demands in terms of space available, diversity and motoring comfort, thus opening up new perspectives for the MINI brand as a whole.
Through this extension of the model range, the MINI brand once again proves its ability to grow with the demands of its fans and followers, while remaining true to its particular character. So the MINI Countryman gives the brand fascinating new strengths and qualities all borne out in perfection by a truly innovative body concept and unique design.
Doug Jan 20th, 2010 Link
My wife said she likes it, and actually likes it better than the Clubman, which really surprised me. I figured she’d hate it. She’ll be trading in her Prius in a few years for something; maybe for this. Interesting. Thanks guys for keeping us in the know.
Reply
Ftttubrgcm Jan 20th, 2010 Link
A Countryman without a country? BMW in its infinite wisdom continued manufacturing the MINI in Oxford, UK which helped maintain a lot of Minis/MINIs heritage. We all know it is really a BMW but Union Jacks look neater, in my opinion, that the German flag. With a lot of the purists objections to the R60, being made in Austria may limit sales(probably be a very small margin) to the MINI enthusiasts. British heritage will be completely gone and a Union Jack will somehow be foriegn to this vehicle. What does an Austrian flag look like anyway?
ReplyThe only thing that had concerned me was pricing. But, these new details have me hopeful.
Reply
Tailwagger Jan 20th, 2010 Link
The more I see, the more I think the concept is extremely clever. Given that two box designs are the language of the SUV, its makes sense that when you scale the MINI up to MIDI, thats what you’d naturally think you were seeing. So, yes, it looks like a mini-ute err…MINI-ute. But seemingly in execution, its actually a 4 door sports sedan that just so happens to share a piece of the SUV genre’s design language.
I suspect that when the execs ok’d this for production felt that they were taking a very, very big risk. The interior is proof of that. I don’t know if the center rail notion is actually of any real use, but clearly, here was an attempt to bring the sort of unconventional elements you’d think you only see in design exercises straight into a production vehicle. Win or lose, there is passion and commitment in this, and that it to be lauded, particularly given how utterly boring the parent company has become.
If I were to criticize it, as others have noted, the choice of increased ride height is unfortunate, as it does say SUV. Perhaps, the decision makers circulatory systems could bear no further deviations from conventional SUV elements that could make it too obvious that this car isnt actually in the same segment as the CR-V or RAV-4. One wonders what the reviewers will compare it to? Hopefully the JCW version will make it clear to us drivers that this is no mini-ute, its a utilitarian MINI with all that the capitalization implies.
ReplyThe reason it looks so good is because we don’t have chopped off window height like with the R56.
ReplyThe more I see it, the more impressed I am. A+ for the MINI designer guys and gals!!!
Reply
MINIme Jan 20th, 2010 Link
I would like to see this vehicle sitting on 16″ wheels and 215/65/16 tires. They would fill up the wheel wells and also give the vehicle an additional inch of ground clearance and a bolder stance. The taller sidewalls, while reducing cornering capability, would soak up some of the “kick-in-the-seat-of-the-pants” feel that riders feel when driving over a pebble and also be more durable for playing around on forest trails.
Add a European optional 3-passenger bench seat and ditch that ridiculous rail thingamagig and you have a nice little utility vehicle.
Oh yea, an optional swing away tire carrier for the rear gets my vote. NO MORE RUNFLATS!
Reply
Jim W. Jan 20th, 2010 Link
I have to say I’m a LOT more impressed now that it’s out in real steel…. a lot of cool MINI details, such as the rear door button. And a hatch too instead of the dear old barn door. It looks like a good size fit if it’s just smaller than the typical small SUV (RAV4?). The artist’s conceptions were driving me crazy.
I think this could be a car for me instead of the Clubman- the true 4 person seating is a real plus for going day-tripping with other couples. I probably could live without the center rail but I would like to see that in action anyway.
The next 12 months are going to be interesting as I save my dollars for MINI #2… in the meantime I’ll just keep motoring on R53 style!
Reply
danny Jan 21st, 2010 Link
MUCHHHHHHHH better in this color with these wheels.
the white with the tiny wheels looked horrible IMO.
Reply
HERR26 Jan 21st, 2010 Link
The Cooper Countryman is equipped with special areodynamic wheels that help cut down drag and increase efficiency an important element of MINIMALSIM. With your Countryman you can specify a few alloy wheel design that are unique to the Countryman.
I am about to go to the office so I will see if I can (With Permission) take a brochure and scan it , failing that I can probably post some details.
Regarding the name “Countryman” Some markets cannot use the name because one issue is in the pronunciation of the first part. :()
Reply
KPH Jan 21st, 2010 Link
@HERR26: Explaining that complication must have made for an interesting few minutes in the board room.
ReplySo when does MINI make the official statement they will be entering the WRC with their new AWD rally car?
Reply
Seth L Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Aggressive pricing you say? 24k~ish to start you say? Give me the configurator now!
To me the countryman has the benefit over the clubman simply because backseat passengers are not tripping over seatbelts to get out.
Reply
glangford Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Like it, no question. Will be interested in what ‘agressive pricing means. If I picked the mid point of pricing difference quoted by Gabe (3250), the Cooper would be about 22,100 base msrp. Adding shipping 700, metallic paint 500, and you are at 23,300. Not bad and very enticing. (For those interested in the S these guessed figures are: base mspr ~25500 with shipping and metallic paint 26,700.
My interest lies in the Cooper, and this one is real nice. I really like my R56 MC, but I could see myself in this as a next Mini, easy.
Reply
glangford Jan 21st, 2010 Link
I noticed mpg figures are not available. Its got to be a couple of mpg worse than the current hatchback given the size. Any specs available on how much more weight that the hatchback, 0 to 60 times, etc.? The R56 MC hatchback has pretty good acceleration and great efficiency it would be nice to know what to expect of the Countryman. You expect some drop off in mpg and 0 to 60 times, how much??
Reply
JonPD Jan 21st, 2010 Link
From the article above Glangford
Cooper:Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, top speed 190 km/h (118 mph)
Cooper S: # Acceleration 0–100 km/h: in 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h (128 mph)
Guessing 200 or 300 lbs heavier at minimum so likely 2,700-3,000 lbs.
Reply
DEVo Jan 21st, 2010 Link
I think they need to offer a more powerful powerplant. Seems like they missed the boat on that.
Reply
James Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Awesome design features. Can’t wait till it comes here to the USA. Definitely will SERIOUSLY consider buying one.
Reply[...] Link: MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Countryman US Details & Official Release [...]
Evan Jan 21st, 2010 Link
It’s only 5.5in longer with a two inch longer wheelbase compared to the Clubman. So this Countryman is pretty MINI. I’m guessing the 0-62mph time is for the FWD Cooper S and the All4 will be a tick slower even in lieu of the better power to tarmac application of AWD and no more torque steer.
I can’t wait for the eleven colors and the configurator!
I’m sure carseats will fit well back there. Spring of 2012 is probably the earliest I’d consider this. At that point it’s either add it to the stable or replace the 3er….
ReplyI am thinking this really needs the diesel option here in the US. I doubt the federalized ones from BMW will fit but that would have gobs of power and great mileage.
Reply
LTL M CPE Jan 21st, 2010 Link
As many others have stated I am very pleasantly surprised how well this turned out. From these pictures I see that the exterior appeal will vary greatly depending on color and wheels. The white with black looks great, but the gray/green with white wheels not so much. Did anyone else notice the rear seats not folding flat and the center rail thingy being exposed with the seats folded? The Clubman seats fold flat and provide a great flat surface from rear to back of front seats. From a utility point of view the Clubman cargo area looks more usable. Also, as my prime use of the Clubman is dog transport, the true flat surface and the barn doors are perfect.
Jim
02 DS/W MCS 08 HC/S Clubman
Reply
beken Jan 21st, 2010 Link
A car that caught my attention awhile ago was the Suzuki SX4…until I drove one. In fact, in advertising, Suzuki put this car up against a MINI Cooper. Needless to say, there was no comparison. I thought there might be a market for that kind of car but the Suzuki would need some serious upgrades in handling prowess and power delivery to make a go at this niche. It seems MINI has met that niche with the Countryman. But I suspect at a $5K to $10K premium.
Reply
HERR26 Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Unfortunately all details regarding Countryman specifications (EU Only) is under embargo till Feb 7. But I will do a comprehensive update and feel free to extract what you need. The sad thing about this expose is that we were in the middle of several Internet “Viral” films that would would begin with the introduction of the Countryman. Some are complete some have now been abandoned at the cost of hundreds of thousands of euros thanks to the leaked content.
Reply
JonPD Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Sad to hear about the loss Herr26, hopefully BMW/MINI is able to hold the initial release somewhat responsible.
Still lack of more SUV viral films does not hurt me personally, maybe one should be Sir Alec spinning in his grave.
Reply
JC Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Looks way better than the concept. Bravo MINI. Is that a new grey paint? Is it coming state side as a diesel AWD possibly? Didn’t see a trailer hitch cutout in the rear apron. Wonder if that’ll be a MINI option or after market?
Reply
glangford Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Thanks JonPD, should have read the whole article. The 0-60 time is about a full second slower on the Cooper. Still not bad, I’ve driven much worse. Sufficient for my needs and I wouldn’t need to keep two vehicles, my R56 hatchback and an old CR-V.
I’m liking it more and more. Its funny how this concept was summarily blasted by almost everyone when all we saw was the disguised test mule. In the flesh, comments are much more positive.
Reply
Volkan Jan 21st, 2010 Link
JonPD,
You are the last of your kind :)
Kudos to you for sticking to your point and posting countless messages containing repeated references to “SUVs, soccer moms, kids, etc”. If taken out of context, one would think that you are talking about the new Suburban hybrid. This is as MINI as you can get in this outfit.
Cant wait to see one in person and take it for a spin!
Reply
fdavid Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Not sure if you guys are interested in this type of information but all these pictures are taking in and around Barcelona, Spain. Catalunya. Gorgeous by the way.
Reply
Veggivet Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Looks like a promising replacement for my xB…I can finally drive one of my MINIs over the winter! I think the roof will look best in black or body color, as that will reduce the impact of the cutoff appearance toward the rear of the roofline. Hopefully, they’ll offer a center rail delete option! Looks like the center stack is not as toylike as the R56, either. Hopefully, important info like gas mileage and final pricing will be ‘leaked’ soon. It would be nice if I could buy this before next winter, and not have to wait until spring.
Reply
JonPD Jan 21st, 2010 Link
Volkan think if you spend much time reading comments here and elsewhere you will quickly discover the concept of a SUV MINI has driven a big split in the MINI community. While I do know that there are many out there that support this there are a large number of people who will never have anything but contempt for this move.
None of which matters an ounce to BMW/MINI since they are happy to cause as much havoc in their community for a few more sales. This move changes what MINI stands for, time will tell for better or worse.
Reply[...] http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/…icial-release/ There is another premium small SUV coming relatively soon(US-March 2011). I'm talking about the MINI R60 Countryman. I love our GLK and my wife mostly loves it but if I had to purchase another SUV, it would have to be the R60. I don't like forced induction so I would get the Cooper version, with ALL4(AWD) if available in that level. With leather interior, NAV, and desired packages, it will easily sell in the mid $40's range. It will be manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr for BMW/MINI. My passion is the Mini/MINI and its culture so this vehicle would fit me perfectly. __________________ 2010 GLK 4Matic 02-19-2009-Iridium Silver Metallic, Premium 1/Lighting/Multimedia/Appearance/iPod/MP3 Media Interface/6-CD Changer/heated seats http://www.mbworld.org/forums/member…lk-4matic.html "Alan-a-Dale"->BRGM/Silver '08 MINI Cooper Clubman 02-21-2008 convenience/cold/sport packages, bridge spokes, xenons/front & rear fogs, base checkered interior, manual trans, HD radio http://flickr.com/photos/24202791@N08/ [...]
JonPD Jan 22nd, 2010 Link
From the article above:
Measuring 161.3″ in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2″
From a prior article:
Height 62.99” http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/09/11/4-x-4-x-4-x-4-mini-official-uk-release/
Can’t seem to find the one that documented the width but seem to remember it was about 65″
Reply[...] all seems to gel. The release text is here, and has dimensions, colour (sorry, color) choices, etc: MotoringFile Archive MINI Countryman US Details & Official Release Note that the US won't get the Countryman diesel, but I don't think they get the diesel at all at [...]
joey Jan 23rd, 2010 Link
absolutely love it. it really looks like a waaaaaay scaled down version of the cayenne. just by looking i get the feeling that its very intelligently designed. ideas like the center rail are very smart.
Reply
KPH Jan 24th, 2010 Link
I’m a true believer in AWD, but this has created a conundrum. Looks like AWD is only available in the ‘S’ for HP considerations (my guess). This certainly puts the car in the Premium category. A diesel opt for all variants would allow AWD in any car, but again the combo would keep the price pretty high. If this demographic is the target, then well played. The rest of us looking at a budget of closer to 25k than 30k are out of it. Pricing of course to be announced, but that’s the the way it looks now.
Reply
Mario Jan 24th, 2010 Link
Look at this site I found some very nice photos. I agree with you, ideas like the center rail are very smart.
Reply
Mario Jan 24th, 2010 Link
Look at this site I found some very nice photos. I agree with you, ideas like the center rail are very smart.
Reply
SleepySun Jan 27th, 2010 Link
Center rail is clever idea, but it can be in a way. Maybe it could be expandable / telescopic version, so it could be pulled out from the central piece if needed. If USB plugs are added to the central plastic piece designers might be able to add two “airplane version” fold treys (like “exit seats” trey models that folds inside arm rest) which can be used as laptop/DVD/work space if needed. One of the attachments could be similar to adjustable camera holder (like a little octopus that can “hug” different types of audio/video devices). Head rest of the front seats could have sun glasses box for the passengers that are sitting at the back. Or they can have camera for checking on kids in baby seats for busy Moms who are trying to drive in busy streets (we don’t want them to try to look back to check on the kids :) Keep your eyes on the road and GPS screen that could also show kid’s activity at the back. Is it much to ask for inflatable travel pillows with Mini’s logo as a small marketing move :) It always come handy and everyone forgets to take it on the long trip…
Mini MAXI is the best! :)
Reply
SleepySun Jan 27th, 2010 Link
In my opinion, back seats could have a classic armrest that could be shaped as a “cover” and be able to “sit over” cups placed on the rail. Or rail system could be expandable from the central piece and secured (slid into the) back seat if needed. It might be nicer to have cooling box between two passengers then a rail between their legs. I know I would be bruised all the time :)
Reply
HTML Formatting Tips
MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
| _your text_ | → | your text |
| **your text** | → | your text |
| `my code` | → | my code |
| * Bulleted list * Second item | → | • Bulleted list • Second item |
| 1. Numbered list 1. Second item | → | 1. Numbered list 2. Second item |
| [link name](URL) | → | link name |
| *** | → | Horizontal ruler |
| <http://url> <email@add.com> | → | Auto-linked |
|  | → | Image |
Copyright © 2002-2010 Gabriel Bridger
