We’re Talking with MINI About the New Countryman Today – What Do you Want to Know?
The MINI Countryman is finally here. After months of anticipation MINI will be showing the Countryman for the first time publicly at the 2016 LA Auto Show tomorrow and at a launch party this evening (also in LA). MotoringFile will be in hand for both to speak with engineers, designers and MINI product managers to get an inside look at the new model. While we have our own questions we want yours as well. What areas would you like us to explore? Do you have questions about the hybrid? Or what about the styling? Hit us up in the comments below.
<p>I want to know why it doesn’t have better cargo capacity to the clubman?</p>
<p>Are they going to let you remove the roof rails like seen on the test cars – looks better!</p>
<p>Is the touch screen available on the normal visual boost, or do you need the upgraded XL.</p>
<p>Standard Connected display is not a touch screen — gotta use the controller on the lower center console.</p>
<p>When is carplay being added?</p>
<p>Why are they being stingy with a single colour combo as the free option? 😛 They hiked the base price, but have also hiked price of all options and severely limited free choices.</p>
<p>When might we be able to test drive one… UK</p>
<p>Why is the standard spec in the US more generous than the UK. Sunroof is one example. I know its down to each MiniUSA, MiniUK etc, but Mini USA seems to be somewhat more generous than other territories.</p>
<p>MINI considers themselves a premium compact marque in the US, that’s why we don’t see steel wheels or basic stripper models. But we also pay a premium price.</p>
<p>My questions is: What is up with the badging over the front fender? It seems they had an idea for a charging port for the hybrid model and made everyone else pay the price.</p>
<p>Will there be a software update to bring the new UI and/or CarPlay functionality to F56 platform (sans touch screen)?</p>
<p>From my understanding, MY16+ F56 have the same NBT Evo unit as the new Countryman.</p>
<p>Has offroad capability increased in this generation?</p>
<p>For the E plugin:
1) What type of temperature control system does it use for the high voltage battery, inverter, and electric motor?
2) What type of cabin heater is used when driving in electric mode with no gas engine heat available?
3) Assuming sufficient charge in the battery, when operating primarily with gas engine ON (save battery mode), does the rear electric motor kick in when accelerator pedal is floored?
4) Is there an efficiency ‘Eco Pro’ mode when driving in EV mode which will limit non-driving related battery use to extend driving range (i. e. for instance limit power to the HVAC system)? I think the i3 has something like this.
Thanks</p>
<p>Why has MINI moved away from rimless windows on their 4/5-door models, such as the new Countryman? Was it a cost issue? … a new design direction? … something else?</p>
<p>Might this trend also make its way to the 2-door models? (I hope not.)</p>
<p>Why does MINI continue to make conservative or incremental design changes, rather than try to make more differentiation between models and markets? For example, they had an opportunity here to refocus and go after the Subaru/light off-roading market by making it look the part. The ALL4 is already there. But most non-MINI owners would be hard-pressed to spot the difference between this and the R60, let alone the F55.</p>
<p>More questions on the E:
What is the usable battery capacity out of the total of 7.6 KWH?
Is the the 24 mile EV range figure a realistic urban driving range or is it the to-easy NEDC test range?
What will the warranty be on battery capacity?</p>
<p>When will the new model hit the US configurator! :o)</p>
<p>Why is it so more expensive than the old countryman? In the UK it’s £6000 more than the old countryman.</p>
<p>And why is it now more expensive than a similarly specced BMW X1? The SD All4 with JCW Chili and tech pack is £40000 when an X1 with the same engine and spec is £37000.</p>
<p>Why are the colours so boring and dull? Why are there no colours for the interior (chestnut brown doesn’t count)?</p>
<p>And most importantly, why can’t the SD and SD All4 be ordered with a manual gearbox? (The clubman SD All4 is also Auto gearbox only – why?)</p>
<p>Assuming MINI USA product planners will be there, please pass along a request to have a “sunroof delete” option, at least on the JCW.</p>
<p>Regarding the E plugin hybrid….Understand that it will have the 3 modes that involve the combustible & electric motors…all electric, just the combustion engine, and the combo of both. Would this E Countryman also have the 3 modes currently on the other models…green, mid, and sport, or would that be redundant with the modes specific to the E hybrid?</p>