Comments on: MINI Countryman US Details & Official Release

By: SleepySun

SleepySun — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:27:23 +0000

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 :)

By: SleepySun

SleepySun — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:16:45 +0000

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! :)

By: Mario

Mario — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:30:00 +0000

Look at this site I found some very nice photos. I agree with you, ideas like the center rail are very smart.

http://www.motoriblog.net

By: Mario

Mario — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:29:44 +0000

Look at this site I found some very nice photos. I agree with you, ideas like the center rail are very smart.

By: KPH

KPH — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:58:47 +0000

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.

By: joey

joey — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:43:56 +0000

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.

By: When will the Country/Crossman arrive in AUS? - MINI2 - MINI Forum

When will the Country/Crossman arrive in AUS? - MINI2 - MINI Forum — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:24:08 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: JonPD

JonPD — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:39:22 +0000

From the article above:

Measuring 161.3â€³ in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2â€³

From a prior article:

Height 62.99â€ 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″

By: Need help deciding on "Small Suv" - MBWorld.org Forums

Need help deciding on "Small Suv" - MBWorld.org Forums — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:56:30 +0000

[...] 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/ [...]

By: John Schoettler

John Schoettler — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:57:38 +0000

Does anyone know the outer dimensions of the Countryman?

By: JonPD

JonPD — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:20:45 +0000

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.

By: Veggivet

Veggivet — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:48:44 +0000

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.

By: fdavid

fdavid — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:33:27 +0000

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.

By: Volkan

Volkan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:03:42 +0000

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!

By: Pepe Cooper

Pepe Cooper — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:46:34 +0000

Promete mucho,creo que triunfarÃ¡!!!!

BE MINI!!!!!!

By: glangford

glangford — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:01:47 +0000

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.

By: JC

JC — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:36:47 +0000

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?

By: JonPD

JonPD — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:07:02 +0000

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.

By: HERR26

HERR26 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:47:35 +0000

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.

By: beken

beken — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:32:10 +0000

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.