This week MINI is debuting the European TV spot “Flow” for the launch of the Countryman . The spot was created by BSUR Amsterdam was directed by Brian Beletic and Sway Studios from LA. The spot features CG enhancement to turn a single MINI Countryman into an entire army of Countrymen that grows bigger with every hugged curve and smaller with every short stop. The various Countryman (not Countrymen mind you) skillfully make their way from town to country, traversing the city streets towards the open road. From there the MINI Countryman reaches a picture-perfect coastline then goes beyond — flying onto a ferry and out into the open sea.
This is hands down one of the best MINI Commercials we’ve ever seen. From the concept to the production to the CG the final result is full of the right energy for the brand and the product. Kudos to all involved.
But how did they actually make it? Check it out after the break. continued →
Our friends at Bigblogg have scooped the first technical info of the upcoming BMW diesel that will power the Cooper S D. While we’ve reported (along with a few other outlets) that the engine was coming, this is the first confirmed power figure.
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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.
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 →
We’ve reviewed the Countryman twice so far taking the ALL4 Cooper S to the track and the Cooper automatic to the backroads of Kansas. Today topped them all (in miles driven) with a 500 miles jaunt across the Kansas two-lane highway. Where yesterday we had fantastic twisties and elevation changes (yes in Kansas) today it was all about the miles and high speed.
The Countryman’s slightly slower steering and better on center control easily make it the best MINI on the highway I’ve ever driven. At speeds over 100 mph the R60 has more of a BMW feel than what you’d expect to find in an R53 or R56 (and that’s a good thing in this case). The wheelbase helps but it’s the steering and wider track that must be credited with giving this car a better presence on the highway. And sitting a little higher for better visibility doesn’t hurt either in making this the ultimate road trip MINI when you’re dodging 18 wheelers.
The Cooper S features the exact same drivetrain as the 2011 R56 MCS. Output is 181 hp and features variable valve timing that gives the powerplant better mid-range. The engine doesn’t feel stressed by the extra weight but it does feel around a second slower than the new 2011 LCI Cooper S. I’d guess low 7s 0-60.
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1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Coupe R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Coupe 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe R57: One/MC/MCS Convt. R60: MINI SUV
Sections: R60 (Countryman), Video Sep 1st, 2010 25 Comments 
