MF Garage: Countryman Options We’d Have Opted For
For 2011 MINI USA has introduced a handful of options for the MINI Countryman. While most readers attention has been focused on the rear bench seating (a no cost option that deletes the rear rail) we’re much more excited about a couple other additions.
For 2010 MINI introduced a long awaited black headlight option for the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Coupe. Yet the Countryman was left with the standard chrome trim. However MINI applied the black magic to the R60 and we now have optional black headlight housing for the Countryman for only $100. Likely one of the best $100 you’ll spend on the options sheet in our opinion.
Another nice addition is the rear armrest available on the standard seat configuration. Having done a number of long trips with four people in the Countryman, I can tell you it will be appreciated by back seat passengers.
Also now standard on the Countryman is the rear bike rack prep meant (as you may have guessed) for the MINI Bike rack.
Back to the bench. Would we have opted for it over the two seats/rail combo? While it gives you more utility I’d have to say no. The two rear seats plus the full rail is such a unique set-up that it just begs to be tested and lived with. And in that regard so far we love it.
<p>MINI should really consider a better working front seat adjustment option – that would also allow for adjusting the angle of the seat pillow itself. It is my firm belief that in the R60, the pillow is to flat – making a good driving position almost impossible to find – if you have long legs. You tend to end up with a too high and elevated driving position – or a too low one with limited support for the legs.
An alternative (though not as good) could be to angle the seat pillow differently, allowing for more support in front-end of the pillow.
I find it really strange that a premium brand like Mini is offering (I would argue) such poor seat adjustment possibilities (and hence) a more inferior driving position than what would otherwise be possible!</p>
<p>I find that it really depends on the seats you order. I had the lounge leather optioned and ready to go until I sat in them at my local MINI dealer. I couldn’t believe how much they lacked in bottom support as compared to the standard seats.</p>
<p>I find the same in our R53. Frustrating….</p>
<p>I’ve just not been able to get on board with the black headlights. Our Mazda 3 has them, and somehow it always feels like a step down to me. Body color might be interesting for some color cars, but the chrome seems like well enough to me.</p>
<p>Actually, the black headlamp option also requires the white turn signals AND xenon headlamps. So, if you were happy with the halogens, it will cost $700 USD for black headlamps.</p>
<p>There are also some rumblings about the “free” bench seat requiring the $250 USD flat load floor option. The dealer’s order sheets do not indicate the FLF to be required for the bench seat, but bench seat orders put that are now in an “On Order” status have had the FLF “magically” added. Whether the customer must pay or MINIUSA credits the dealer is yet to be determined. Could be an interesting story…</p>
<p>We just ordered ours with a bench and have not heard anything about the FLF yet…</p>
<p>it’s true. bench seat requires FLF for $250.</p>
<p>Most important option missing?</p>
<p>Chili Red. </p>
<p>I think an “up-country” option that utilizes 15″ wheels and taller, all-terrain tires (I know, I know…) would be nice. A tougher stance, if you will. I want my Countryman to look like an SUV although it is far from off-road capable.</p>
<p>Can you give me advice on where to buy the black headlamp housings for countryman S?</p>