R60 2011 Mini Crossover Countryman Photos
#26
If I was in the market for an Outback, which I loathe in form but understand its utility, I would far prefer the MINI Countryman for all that MINI stands for.
#27
#28
#31
#34
Nice design work there ... somehow they managed to add two more doors without making it looked disproportionately stretched (reminds me of a college buddy who had a 4-door Simca -- he called it an optical illusion ).
I thought I read somewhere awhile back that the AWD option was likely to bump the sticker up close to $40K, but I could be mistaken.
Does the chick come with it?????
I thought I read somewhere awhile back that the AWD option was likely to bump the sticker up close to $40K, but I could be mistaken.
Does the chick come with it?????
#36
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While these vehicles are not my idea of a MINI, they might attract new buyers to make a profit without really "stealing" from current pool MINI type buyers. I'm not fond of SUV's large or small, but I also would like to see more buyers in the MINI showrooms so what the heck, put knobby tires and truck grills on 'em and let 'er rip.
#37
I think it's a great addition to the brand. I was unsure when it was first rumoured, but now the production version is out of the bag--in my opinion at least, it retains (stylistically, hopefully dynamically as well) the MINI DNA without diluting it too much. I'm confident it'll live up to the MINI name as a best-in-class handler, too.
I don't get why people complain about it. I think the design is well executed, and I don't think BMW's dumb enough to botch up the handling. Plus, if it's not your cup of tea, it's not like MINI's going to stop selling the other models. In fact, this model (if it turns out to be a success), means MINI is more likely to be able to keep producing the other models (product diversity!) and niche models like the coupe and roadster.
I don't get why people complain about it. I think the design is well executed, and I don't think BMW's dumb enough to botch up the handling. Plus, if it's not your cup of tea, it's not like MINI's going to stop selling the other models. In fact, this model (if it turns out to be a success), means MINI is more likely to be able to keep producing the other models (product diversity!) and niche models like the coupe and roadster.
#38
#44
Looks like a small X6 to me. With all the same limitations of these road-oriented SUVs: heavy AWD yet with little or no off-road capability, limited interior room, poor visibility, limited hauling capacity, etc. This whole segment defies reason, but the I guess the cars are selling.
Personally, I'd like a 5-door, squared off in the back, station wagon that was basically standard Mini back to the B pillar, but more utility behind. What the clubman should have been. But I think Mini is locked into being more trendy and avante garde than that, so they're forced into these weird niches and odd styling exercises.
I love my R53, but when it needs replacement, it probably won't be a Mini, not with these choices.
- Mark
Personally, I'd like a 5-door, squared off in the back, station wagon that was basically standard Mini back to the B pillar, but more utility behind. What the clubman should have been. But I think Mini is locked into being more trendy and avante garde than that, so they're forced into these weird niches and odd styling exercises.
I love my R53, but when it needs replacement, it probably won't be a Mini, not with these choices.
- Mark
#45
#47
Well, it will have the updated engine with variable valve timing on both cams now giving it around 185 hp as reported with all the "s" badged MINIs.
#48
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#50
There are too many factors to make that decision now. I love my Clubbie but I think I would love my Countryman more(not talking about my fellow US brothers and sisters). I had an '07 CR-V and my '05 MINI Cooper when I got an e-mail about the Clubman's soon release. I jumped on it because I had to make both of my cars into one since my 16 year old daughter needed her own car. The Clubman fit almost perfectly other than not being a slight off-roader as the CR-V was. The Countryman does almost everything I want in a vehicle. 4 Doors will be so wonderful for my family getting in-out and I can go play in the snow/ice/mud when I want to. The videos of the Countrman in another post show it zipping around the twisties pretty well. I would only wait if the Clubman doesn't fit the bill for you.