A few weeks back Motor Trend published a very early comparison between the Nissan Juke and the Countryman S having had the two for a short time on some German backroads. It struck us as odd in that the Motor Trend’s British freelance reporter definitively preferred the Juke’s on road performance and specifically its handling. Having driven three different varieties of the Countryman (both on the track and off) for a combined total of around 600 miles I’ve been impressed with the general performance of the car in relation to the R55 and R56 MINIs. Sure the turn in isn’t as eager and there’s more body roll due to the height and the modest increase in weight. But compared to the small crossovers and hatches I have driven (the Golf and Tiguan for instance) the Countryman felt like a resounding success.
Don’t expect (the Juke to have) MINI levels of fun though. The chassis is nowhere near as talented and the steering is totally numb. This is a shame, as when fitted with Nissan‚΄ôs new 187bhp 1.6-litre turbochargd petrol engine, the Juke delivers hot hatch performance. continued →
No it’s not the first Countryman ever (we’ve already driven three pre-production examples) but it is truly the first customer R60 ever built. And it couldn’t be more MINI finished in Pure Red with a white roof and chrome line trim.
Along the way from Chicago to Denver I managed to grab the keys to a 2011 Spice Orange Cooper S. Yes the highly anticipated 2011 refreshed MINI that has been reported on at MF thoroughly over the past year. Press drives haven’t even started with the car so the fact they we not only got behind the wheel but managed to put over 350 miles on the pre-production car was an incredible opportunity. Of course being pre-production meant that there were a few small issues. That means MINI Connected didn’t work (the US App isn’t out in iTunes yet) and several warning lights were on in the tach. But beyond that this was the most refined and sorted Cooper S I had ever driven and one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in a MINI.
Performance
The 2011 model year sees the introduction of the updated engine range for the US. In the Cooper S that means a thoroughly reworked 1.6L turbo with variable valve timing and 181 hp (184 bhp) – a nine horsepower increase from last year.
Also upgraded is the engine management software. The most celebrated software change (at least at the MF HQ) is the pop/burble on throttle lift-off with sport in the on position. To be more specific, just go from 3rd to 2nd while matching revs and you will immediately know what we’re talking about. continued →
Official Release: TROIS RIVIERES, Quebec—Randall Smalley and Owen Trinkler earned their second consecutive GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge win during Saturday’s race at Circuit de Trois-Rivieres, putting the No. 198 RSR Motorsports MINI Cooper S at the front of the Street Tuner field.
A combination of great handling, superb driving, strategy, and quick pit stops allowed the MINI to win the two-hour Street Tuner race.
Ok, they’re not as exciting as the commercials. But for those you like good copy and old school art direction, these are likely better than what you saw earlier today. (all five after the break) continued →
Before you click play a few thoughts to not only set-up but to also judge these commercials by. The four new, 15-second European TV commercials are clearly aimed at showing off the versatility of the R60 in funny ways. Are they actually funny? It depends on your humor. Do they show off the car? Consider that in every one all four doors are open or four seats are occupied at one point or another.
What MINI and their agency aimed to do with these was to show off the wide range of potential customers and the utility of the new car.
Sushi.
(See all the commercials after the break) continued →
A huge thank you to MINI USA (and specifically Ray and Gina) for putting on such a fantastic show across the entire country. We’d also like to thank all the MINI owners who came from all corners to come together and celebrate these little cars on such a big stage.
We’ll have much more in the come days (2011 MCS review, MINI Connected update etc) but until then you can see the entire gallery of 367 photos above.
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: R60 (Countryman) Aug 19th, 2010 27 Comments 
