Explained: How MINI USA Was Able to Add a Rear Bench to the Countryman
Earlier today we broke the news that MINI USA has decided to add a bench seat option to the Countryman. Now let’s look at how it all came about.
The development cycles of cars often stretch for many many years before they ever hit the showroom floor. And because of that, decisions are made well in advance of regulations being imposed. For instance when the width of the rear seating area of the Countryman determined, it actually was within the minimum size for three seats in the US. However shortly after development was finalized the NHTSA changed to the regulation and shrunk the minimum size in the name of safety.
MINI could have spent many tens of million of Euros to re-engineer everything inside the sheet metal for squeeze an extra inch. But doing so would potentially impact the side impact safety of the rear occupants and they didn’t want to compromise on that front.
But they also had a good idea that those regulations would be changing back to allow for three seats in less space. And sure enough very recently NHTSA backtracked and re-adjusted the minimum width making a three seat Countryman possible for the US market.
So what now? MINI USA is planning to offer the bench seat (allowing for that third uncomfortable seat) sometime during the 2011 calendar year. Why can’t they offer it now? The configuration still needs to be tested and approved for one. Then there’s the production issue. MINI needs to adjust their purchasing to account for more bench seats needing to be manufactured by its supplier and lead times for such a change can be months instead of weeks.
All that said it’s a change that MINI USA (and undoubtedly some Countryman buyers) will be happy to see. However having sat in the five seat configuration we’re not sure what all the excitement is about.
<p>Is that orange glow from the camera’s AF light, or is the interior mood lighting really that bright?</p>
<p>It’s not quite that bright in person.</p>
<p>Interesting and a welcome addition.
In the other parts of the world, is this an option as well or standard?</p>
<p>It’s an option.</p>
<p>Can you post a bench seat photo?</p>
<p>I’d have to agree, Gabe. The 5th seat seems like a good idea in theory, but even seeing it in photos it’s obvious how ridiculously small a person would have to be to fit comfortably for all but the shortest drives (and forget even thinking about a child seat).</p>
<p>If anyone has watched the Viva Countryman clip and noticed the three guys sitting in the back, it doesn’t take long to realize the man in the middle is sitting <em>in front</em> of the other two! Not realistic, not safe and not exactly convincing.</p>
<p>But for 3 CHILDREN it makes perfect sense! You do know some MINI buyers have families, don’t you??? 🙂 The first thing I did when we got physical access to a Countryman was put the kids in the back – whaddya know they fit just fine!</p>
<p>I think it is also important to note that its not just 3 child families, but for 1-2 child families who end up hauling around the neighbors or your 1-2 child’s friends. So lets be clear, if you don’t have kids then you don’t need to get the OPTIONAL bench seat okay, you can get those buckets. Even though the functionality of a bench is seemingly completely lost on the childless out there, it is a very important factor to keep small families in the brand.</p>
<p>Dont forget about being able to nap on long trips in the back seat now!</p>
<p>One big, flat, uncomfortable bench seat with the option of caring my neighbors kids to something I already didn’t want to go to. Or, two ultra nice sport bucket seats that come standard with awesome and rule. Having two independent seats in the back is what makes the rail system work and it just looks fantastic! I don’t think anyone who gets the bench seats is going to be satisfied with it after a year.</p>
<p>The rear bench seat is standard in the UK, the two rear buckets are a no cost option.</p>
<p>Since the practicality of a bench for multiple kids has already been pointed out at length, I’d just like to add that I was looking for the bench option for aesthetics as well – rear buckets don’t look right IMO, and I consider the “rail system” to be a bit over the top and gimmicky, so welcome any opportunity to minimize its presence.</p>
<p>Having the choice is important. It is a win-win for everyone. Now buyers can select whichever configuration best fits their needs. I welcome the news!</p>
<p>Agreed; since when is having a choice bad? Isn’t that what helps make MINI so different from every other car? Having the ability to “You-ify” your MINI to your exact specifications, with thousands of variables?</p>
<p>I’m glad we now get the choice here in the United States, between 2 buckets or a bench seat. I guarantee that sales will improve because now those cross-shopping this vehicle with other small crossovers/SUV’s will be able to compare apples-to-apples regarding the back seat configuration. For some, two buckets out back is simply a dealbreaker.</p>
<p>This is a good thing, and it’s too bad that this web site, and many of its’ readers are so shortsighted to see the big picture.</p>
<p>You can still have your buckets, if you wish, everyone…</p>
<p>If the bench seat folds flat it would be a big asset to the R60. Carrying things other than people is desirable and the R56 can carry way more than most people would guess and since the R60 is bigger it should carry more. After all, why did they build the Countryman, to carry most stuff! 2 bucket seats in back would take functionality away from the R60.</p>
<p>@ Jon and Niall, I don’t think anyone was suggesting having the option for the bench seat was bad–indeed, I’m thrilled that we’ll get that choice. I think the point in question was its actual utility. Three adults can’t realistically fit, nor could three child seats. Perhaps if you have three children of <em>just</em> the right age (not too old, not too young), it will be perfect.</p>
<p>But just being realistic, if it was too narrow to even be considered a proper seat under the previous law, it’s not like anyone is going to want to sit back there for any length of time. Essentially, it’s a marketing tactic/sales issue… “Seats 5” is a lot more sellable than “Seats 4.”</p>
<p>Either way, choice is good.</p>
<p>I notice on the image above the center rail system goes all the way from front to back but in several other press release images i.e. those shown on this site yesterday,the rail is either only in the back or in two parts …is this a customizable option?</p>
<p>would be great if they were interchangeable options like a minivan configuration. Get the bucket seats and order the optional bench for when you need it. Take one out, put one in.</p>
<p>Best…. Steve</p>
<p>The bench will make it safer for families with one small child. The carseat can be put in the middle position which makes it easier to reach from the front and protects it in the event of a side impact.</p>
<p>The 3-seat rear is just that – not a single bench.</p>
<p>It’s fine for 2 adults with a third, preferably slim one in the centre.</p>
<p>But the big plus for me is that each part folds flat independently so 2 adults plus a board between is easy.</p>
<p>(I can’t show pics because I’m still waiting for my OG Cooper D All4 to be built!)</p>
p>@phillipt</p
<p>According to MINI USA, it is an option as a one- or two-piece unit:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.miniusa.com/#/learn/futureConcepts-m" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.miniusa.com/#/learn/futureConcepts-m</a></p>
<p>Having a bench seat would be better for our large dog. I hope it’ll be available in all models, including the Clubman and hope it’ll still fold down.
Our brother in law lives abroad and his mini came with a bench seat. If ours had we might have gotten rid of our second car, which does seat 3 in the back.
Lets remember that lots of cars that advertise seating for three in the back often don’t mention comfort.</p>
<p>With the growing girth of American children it will be a tight squeeze even for them.</p>
<p>Re-engineer? What a load of BS. Most cars I can think of have rear bech seats. And in UK it is standard anyhow. Try flying in a United Airlines jet and see what tight seating means.</p>