Countryman Gets a Bench Option for the US Starting in September
In four months MINI will release a five seat car in the US. Yes MINI will be debuting the five seat MINI Countryman in the US for the 2012 model year. What does this mean and why has it taken so long? As we’ve reported previously US crash standards didn’t allow for the three seat bench due to the width of the Countryman. However after some lobbying by BMW, the NHTSA changed those standards earlier this year and is allowing MINI to sell the 5 seat configuration for 2012.
Yes that means MINI has gone from a two door four passenger vehicle to a four door five seater. But let’s get past MINI getting slightly bigger and focus on what this adds to the Countryman. (Full gallery after the break)
A middle seat means child seats in an ideal position. It means easy access to the back and a better set-up for pet owners as well. In short it means more versatility and that’s something many Americans tend to like in their cross-overs.
There’s no word on what, if anything, it will cost. Either way look for the bench seat to an option starting with US September production on the Countryman.
<p>First… the countryman is a fine vehicle but it’s overpriced.</p>
<p>The bench seat does make it more versatile as the article suggests and a no-brainer for families.</p>
<p>It´s funny to read this in germanby where the 3 Backseat option came right from the Start of the countryman.
Possibly the marketing unit thougt that there is no way to put 3 typical amercans in the back of the countryman :-)</p>
<p>+1 heiko
In France the ads describes the countryman as “the mini for five” and Nothing else.
A very diferent marketing process compared to the us…</p>
<p>Read the article to find that the reason was due to safety standards at the time of the Countryman roll out.</p>
<p>I like a lot, but perhaps too expensive.</p>
<p>It’s a pity really, that people want these ugly benches that strip away the charm and comfort of individual rear seating. Which would you prefer on planes, if you had a choice — the existing bench-like squished 3 seats, or spaced out, individual seating?</p>
<p>I like the colour scheme :)</p>
<p>I love it! I’ll probably never have 3 people in the back, but its great for my black lab! With all the options that the Countryman comes with, I think it’s well worth the price</p>
<p>I’m sure I’m in the minority, but we’re a four person family and only need the four seats. I can count on one hand the number times I’ve needed to transport a fifth person on one of our vehicles.</p>
<p>Maybe we’re not pulling our weight bringing the entire soccer team in a minivan, but I buy cars for my family; not anybody else’s.</p>
<p>Exactly Ben. We are a soccer fam and about to trade our gas guzzling tank in for a mini countryman. It’s really about me and my family, right? I’m the team manager, not the team chauffeur!</p>
<p>Love it. Much more practical and useable plus it looks great</p>
<p>I’d opt for the bench seat even if I were single. The elimination of the rail device opens up the leg room and carrying space nicely. Try being the third guy in back and wanting to stretch across the tunnel with that rail in place.</p>
<p>yeah … I hear numerous complaints from current owners about the lack of legroom / stretch capability because of the rail. I guess it’s ok if you are well behaved ;)</p>
<p>I agree, I think that rail system is hideous and should be offered as an option.</p>
<p>re: 4 vs. 5 seats, I would much prefer to have 2 comfortable seats in the back vs. 3 cramped. Hey, maybe this could be an option too! :0(</p>
<p>MINI should find a way for the rail system and bench seat to be interchangeable. The end.</p>
<p>Sure, just swap the headliner in and out every time too.</p>
<p>That’s not a bad idea. I think you’re on to something. This is what I call thinking outside the box.</p>
<p>Child seat cant go in the middle no rear latch point. Only a baby seat can go there.</p>
<p>this is going to cause a spike in sales if MINI can produce enough. I think they are probably selling every one made pretty quickly right now.
I think there are lots of people holding off for the bench that will be on board as soon as they can be ordered.</p>
<p>This is exactly what I asked for… awd, enough room to carry the misses and the 3 monsters. Now, to make it a subbie and mitsu killer we find out tomorrow. yay!!!</p>
<p>thats all i have been waiting for to buy the countryman. that or orange color being available.</p>
<p>Should have come this way from the start. I dare say MINI has lost some U.S. sales thus far as a result of not getting this cleared earlier.</p>
<p>Should have come this way from the start. I dare say MINI has lost some U.S. sales thus far as a result of not getting this cleared earlier.</p>
<p>Should have come this way from the start. I dare say MINI has lost some U.S. sales thus far as a result of not getting this cleared earlier.</p>
<p>I have three kids + (1) wife, I need 5 seats; not tomorrow, not the next day, I want it YESTERDAY!! </p>
<p>Anyone know if this will also be released in Canada?</p>
<p>Anyone know if this will also be released in Canada?</p>
<p>While the bench seat looks nice, I don’t like the fact that the shoulder strap for the middle seat belt hangs from the ceiling.</p>