Sections: R60 (Countryman), Video Jan 20th, 2010 16 Comments As promised here are the first moving pictures of MINI’s latest model, the Countryman. We managed to get our hands on the video a day or so early but in lower quality. We’ll have a the hi-res likely tomorrow. Until then enjoy the best look yet at the R60.
Sections: R60 (Countryman) Jan 20th, 2010 87 Comments 
We weren’t suppose to be reporting on this for another couple of weeks. But due to the leak of three photos yesterday, MINI has decided to go ahead and release the Countryman across the web this morning. However instead of just regurgitating all information that you’ll surely see elsewhere on the web (in the form of copy ad pasted press releases), we wanted to give you our first impressions of the car and some insight into what to expect with its coming release.
One quick note, because of legal issues, MINI will not be able to use the Countryman name in all markets. We’ll have more on that in the coming days.
Exterior design is always subjective. And when you’re dealing with a brand with so much heritage, it can be a herculean task to create a new shape within the context of a new model range. But that’s exactly why the Countryman is so impressive. In this vehicle MINI has both departed and embraced the visual language that they have so carefully crafted over the last 10 years.
The Countryman departs greatly from the R50 and 56 with its entirely new design for the headlights.The new shape accentuates the grille and the height of the front the car in all the right ways. It’s such a considerate design in so many ways because it allows you to notice shapes, angles and design nuances around the front of the car that are quite subtle. So subtle in fact that it’s probably unlikely they’ll all reveal themselves to you in photos. But trust us, they are there.
Sections: Official News, R60 (Countryman) Jan 20th, 2010 9 Comments 
Official EU Release: 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 Sports Activity 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, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in 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 at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class. continued →
Sections: R60 (Countryman) Jan 19th, 2010 114 Comments
Kilometer magazine has leaked three photos of the MINI Countryman. Officially not to be shown to the public until March in Geneva, the Countryman was scheduled for an internet debut in a few weeks. As it stands now it’ll be interesting to see how MINI handle this leak and if they release the rest of the information of photos. One thing for certain, Kilometer magazine likely will not be invited to the next MINI vehicle launch.
Initial thoughts? Let’s hear them…
Updated: Look for our full analysis of the Countryman along with dozens of new photos both inside and out. Along with that MINI will be releasing full information on the Countryman for the EU, UK and US markets as well. Finally we’ll be following is all up with video of the car in motion. It all starts tomorrow morning.
Sections: Design Jan 19th, 2010 17 Comments 
The 50th anniversary of the brand offers a great opportunity to look back at a story of not only the new MINI but its design. So the fine folks at MINI Design and Professor Othmar Wickenheiser have spent their spare time creating the ultimate coffee table book dedicated to new MINI design. It’s a fascinating look covering the current MINI model range and the recent MINI concept cars.
Through 408 pages with 1200 exclusive illustrations and photographs, the books follows the whole design process from design theory and ideation, to sketches and model building. However there is on caveat for our non-German speaking audience (most of you). You guessed it, it’s written in German. However I have to say that the pictures, the sketches and the notes (some in English) tell most of the story. It’s a truly defining look into the world of MINI design and the ideas behind the little cars we all love.
As someone who has read all the books (in English) dedicated to the new MINI (including one that has a chapter on yours truly) I have to say hands down, this is my new favorite out there. The sketches and images are riveting to anyone who either loves design, the MINI or simply interesting visual stories.
Sections: JCW WC50, Video Jan 18th, 2010 32 Comments WC50 are being delivered around the world as we speak. And while most deliveries go on without a hitch, some are marred by dealers mishandling the initially detailing of the car. The following six (!) videos details the art of fixing that nightmare. Oh and it’s also an excuse to look at the most glorious paint ever seen on a new MINI; Connaught Green.
Sections: R60 (Countryman), Video Jan 18th, 2010 26 Comments MINI has officially released the first teaser video of the R60 crossover. While the Beachcomber gave away many of the details, this video gives you a look at the stance ad the general shape of the car with the doors intact. Look for more of these videos to appear before an official online launch in the coming weeks.
Copyright © 2002-2011 AutoFi Media
