How Big is the MINI Countryman?

Sections: R56 (Hatch) | R60 (Countryman) Jan 25th, 2010 59 Comments

The answers; thankfully not so big. The German magazine Auto Bild had chance to get the latest R56 Hatchback in a studio with the just unveiled R60 MINI Countryman to show off the relative size differences. The result? It’s almost shocking how close the two are in overall length and height. While we haven’t had a chance to drive the R60 yet, we’re certainly optimistic knowing the overall size comparison to the R56 and the R55 Clubman. And if it drives as good as it looks, MINI may have a smash hit on their hands.

via bigblogg

Written By: Gabe

lavardera

I don’t know if that is the technical name for it, but the original Mini had a standing panel seam along this diagonal. The R50 + R56 sort of acknowledge this as a joint for the hood, but the diagonal trim piece you see here first appeared on the trio of concepts from 3 or 4 years ago. The white ones that were shown in three different configuration – one as a rally support vehicle, one fit up for skiing, and the last I think for a picnic or something. The Crossover concept also had these. And now your all of a sudden in outrage over them? Where have you been?
Tim L.

Looks about the size of a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Slightly smaller, in fact….

Not my cup of tea — if I even need a bigger MINI, I’ll get a JCW Clubman — but probably good for the brand.
Chad

I have an R55, and would probably still choose it over this primarily because I wanted the smallest MINI I could get that would still allow me to carry my 2 small kids. I have them in the car maybe 2% of the time, though, so I prefer the 2-door smallness/quickness of the R55. Would have preferred an R56, but it was just TOO small for my occasional needs. If I was carrying the kids all over the place, this might work. It’s more of a full-time people carrier and less of a driver car. But that’s fine, I can see the market difference. I have mixed feelings about the R55′s future. It might go away, and that wouldn’t be unexpected, but at least I already have mine (which apart from the horrific HiFi, I love).
C4

MINI should have taken the existing R55 Clubman platform, slap 2 full rear doors, lower the ride height a bit and call it a day. I would have been all over that like bees are to honey.

Instead MINI choose to re-invent the wheel, create a car that is more visually challenged, not necessarily bigger in the back/trunk, still limited to 4 seating capacity and a higher sticker price. All the while, messing with the classic “Bulldog” stance of the car and the center of gravity 2 of the main attractions of what makes a MINI a MINI.

I don’t live in the snow belt so increased ride height and AWD are totally useless to me.

MINI, what ever happened to your 2002 launch slogan…”The SUV backlash starts now!”?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=550247827 Aaron Woolsey

Hey Lavardera, I’ve been here all along. I know what the classic Mini’s look like, thanks. This is not a new issue for me. If you’d seen my posts over the years, you’ll have probably seen that I have mentioned this particular design eyesore a few times before.

C4 – don’t take me wrong here. I generally like the Countryman’s design. I’m just pointing out some of the failures in the design (in my mind and perhaps my mind only). My hope is that when I see the machine in person, I’ll like it. I’ve never liked the Clubman, to be honest, and heck, I’m still trying to warm up to the R56 (hard to do when I drive an R53). When you say MINI should have taken the existing Clubman and put on 2 full rear doors, I say they never should have spent all the money and development time designing the Clubman in the first place and should have just made a four door MINI.
Jengami

Am I the only one who thinks this picture makes the R60 look quite big? Okay not big compaired to a full-size pick-up or SUV, but it is quite a bit taller than the regular hatchback. I’ll be honest in the official pictures it doesn’t look as bad as I feared, but it still doesn’t look good to my (R56 owning) eyes. Some of the detailing doesn’t work for me: The third rear window – why does the top edge slope downwards? The ‘S’ model grille – why? The bulge over the rear wheels – there to try to hide some of the visual mass? Don’t get me wrong, if you like it that’s good for you. Variety is a good thing. I just fail to be convinced. I read on CAR magazines (mostly critical) blog comments that an insider was claiming BMW is none too convinced by the design either. Still don’t understand why this was a necessary product at all. It’s built on a unique platform that is neither Mini nor BMW X1 so I can’t see how it will be profitable. I’m with those who feel a 4wd option (with raised ride height) on a proper 4 door clubman would have been a much better investment and may have made BMW some money too…
Scarlett O’MINI

Barf. Looks like a typically-bloated American to me. Keep MINI mini!
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Truman

I like the new countryman and added length will allow my son and his teammates to get out of the backseat without having to remove their shoes everytime. After awhile, it’s not about the little kids, it’s about the kids that are growing too quickly and their coordination hasn’t quite caught up!

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