R60 2011 Mini Crossover Countryman Photos
#51
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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.
#52
I think it's going to grow on some people , some might hate from day one, some will buy it for a specific purpose, and some will buy it just to be different.
I kind of like it except for that center gauge that after whatching cartoons with my daughter it just looks like MICKEY MOUSE
I kind of like it except for that center gauge that after whatching cartoons with my daughter it just looks like MICKEY MOUSE
#53
Hey, this is a Mini forum, we don't use the term "bigger and better" here!
If you're going to be using the back seat a lot, I'd wait for the Countryman. The Clubman back seat isn't bad, but shoveling kids in and out of it on a daily basis would get old for me.
If you're waiting for AWD for better traction in the snow, a Clubman with snow tires will probably handle snow better than AWD with all-seasons, costs thousands less, and it's available now.
If you're all about the great handling, the Countryman is significantly taller and longer than other Minis, and that has to affect how they handle. No matter what BMW marketing says,their engineers can't break the laws of physics.
So it all comes down to what's important to you.
If you're going to be using the back seat a lot, I'd wait for the Countryman. The Clubman back seat isn't bad, but shoveling kids in and out of it on a daily basis would get old for me.
If you're waiting for AWD for better traction in the snow, a Clubman with snow tires will probably handle snow better than AWD with all-seasons, costs thousands less, and it's available now.
If you're all about the great handling, the Countryman is significantly taller and longer than other Minis, and that has to affect how they handle. No matter what BMW marketing says,their engineers can't break the laws of physics.
So it all comes down to what's important to you.
#55
I think that is a kite surfing rig in the back of that Countryman. This thing is COOL!!!
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/mini-countryman/
Here's a link to Autoblog's gallery of pictures on the Countryman.
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/mini-countryman/
Here's a link to Autoblog's gallery of pictures on the Countryman.
#56
Wow. I was really looking forward to this after the initial concept photos I saw in the past. Now having seen this official pics I'm disappointed. This is the first Mini that I think they botched the design on. It's not horrible, but not good either. Now I definitely won't be tempted to trade in my Clubman anytime soon. Of course I'm tempted to buy a Cabrio, Cooper and a Roadster to add to my Clubman, so if you want to send me a check send me a PM. :D
#57
YES! - In that MINI is maintaining the recent design trend.
They are expanding the line into areas that may appeal to a broader consumer base. Diversification of the product line can be good for MINI.
The availability of all wheel drive and the "Go-cart" driving characteristics combined together will make for a unique driving experience. The flexibility afforded by having four real doors and movable rear seats will appeal to those who would like the MINI experience, but need more space for rear passengers.
If the Countryman was available when I ordered the "Ghost", I would have probably ordered one. An AWD MINI would permit me to drive in almost any kind of weather I experience here in New Jersey.
They are expanding the line into areas that may appeal to a broader consumer base. Diversification of the product line can be good for MINI.
The availability of all wheel drive and the "Go-cart" driving characteristics combined together will make for a unique driving experience. The flexibility afforded by having four real doors and movable rear seats will appeal to those who would like the MINI experience, but need more space for rear passengers.
If the Countryman was available when I ordered the "Ghost", I would have probably ordered one. An AWD MINI would permit me to drive in almost any kind of weather I experience here in New Jersey.
#58
Hey, this is a Mini forum, we don't use the term "bigger and better" here!
If you're going to be using the back seat a lot, I'd wait for the Countryman. The Clubman back seat isn't bad, but shoveling kids in and out of it on a daily basis would get old for me.
If you're waiting for AWD for better traction in the snow, a Clubman with snow tires will probably handle snow better than AWD with all-seasons, costs thousands less, and it's available now.
If you're all about the great handling, the Countryman is significantly taller and longer than other Minis, and that has to affect how they handle. No matter what BMW marketing says,their engineers can't break the laws of physics.
So it all comes down to what's important to you.
If you're going to be using the back seat a lot, I'd wait for the Countryman. The Clubman back seat isn't bad, but shoveling kids in and out of it on a daily basis would get old for me.
If you're waiting for AWD for better traction in the snow, a Clubman with snow tires will probably handle snow better than AWD with all-seasons, costs thousands less, and it's available now.
If you're all about the great handling, the Countryman is significantly taller and longer than other Minis, and that has to affect how they handle. No matter what BMW marketing says,their engineers can't break the laws of physics.
So it all comes down to what's important to you.
#59
#60
#61
Gotta hand it to marketers for perpetuating the myth that AWD = snow traction. AWD helps you go, but not turn or stop. For that you need dedicated snow tires. My mini w/ snowshoes is better in the snow than any car I've ever driven outfitted with AWD and all-seasons.
So if you're going to get this car at all (yuck) get it for the increased interior volume, not inclement weather safety.
Also - I read this on some other thread so I can't take credit - that front grille looks like a '70s **** moustache!
So if you're going to get this car at all (yuck) get it for the increased interior volume, not inclement weather safety.
Also - I read this on some other thread so I can't take credit - that front grille looks like a '70s **** moustache!
#62
#63
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well, so much for being able to sleep in the back. Why buckets? Seems a bench could fold flat, and I could fit a large flight case in the back.
otherwise, much nicer than the concept photos. CNN also reported on it today.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/....html?hpt=Sbin
Also, this site reports that a 3-seat bench will be available as an option:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11001202...hotos-released
otherwise, much nicer than the concept photos. CNN also reported on it today.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/....html?hpt=Sbin
Also, this site reports that a 3-seat bench will be available as an option:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11001202...hotos-released
Last edited by sequence; 01-21-2010 at 08:59 AM.
#64
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The official press release says it will go on sale in March 2011 in the US. Having come from an X5 and then 2 X3's bought the 2010 Clubman S because it was a BMW product and we wanted much better gas mileage with some utility that the Clubman gives. My biggest issue with the Clubman is the width of the storage compartment and length if you need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for wood as an example. I also want 4 wheel drive for the heavy rain we get in S.C. and a little more ground clearance. I can't believe all the stone chips on our window due to how low the Clubman rides. The new Countryman answers every issue we had and we will definitely be buying one assuming the gas mileage is close to the Clubman S. Supposedly the new engines get better gas mileage but obviously the extra weight and all wheel drive will cancel out any advantage.
#65
The official press release says it will go on sale in March 2011 in the US. Having come from an X5 and then 2 X3's bought the 2010 Clubman S because it was a BMW product and we wanted much better gas mileage with some utility that the Clubman gives. My biggest issue with the Clubman is the width of the storage compartment and length if you need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for wood as an example. I also want 4 wheel drive for the heavy rain we get in S.C. and a little more ground clearance. I can't believe all the stone chips on our window due to how low the Clubman rides. The new Countryman answers every issue we had and we will definitely be buying one assuming the gas mileage is close to the Clubman S. Supposedly the new engines get better gas mileage but obviously the extra weight and all wheel drive will cancel out any advantage.
I can’t wait for the release, and already have plans for buying one. After nearly one year of ownership I have learned a couple things:
1. I need a little more room… SUV room
2. I miss AWD… Yes, I know snow tires are better than all season ones, but mine is really for the rain down here. We have gotten so much of it this year and it has even flooded a couple times. I'm not going to keep changing summer tires with rain tires each time it gets cloudy. The added ground clearance will help as well.
3. I love cars that get good gas mileage… The Mini has jaded me from purchasing an X3 or Q5 b/c I don’t want crappy gas mileage. My 335i is bad enough….
Also, I plan to now get the options that I went without thinking that I did not need them when I bought the 09. They include: nav, heated seats, xeons.
#66
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Gotta hand it to marketers for perpetuating the myth that AWD = snow traction. AWD helps you go, but not turn or stop. For that you need dedicated snow tires. My mini w/ snowshoes is better in the snow than any car I've ever driven outfitted with AWD and all-seasons.
And since we're giving opinions, I feel that AWD does provide an advantage in turning due to the fact that torque is distributed to both front and rear, so the front tires trying to provide steering aren't tasked with providing 100% of the forward traction at the same time.
This is all based on my own personal experience and may not equate to anyone else's unique situation. I've had just about every combination of fwd,rwd,awd and summer tires, all seasons, dedicated winter tires over the last 10 years in the northeast and the best to me is clearly awd and winter tires followed by in order: awd/all-season,fwd/winter,rwd/winter,fwd/all-season,rwd/all-season,and anything with summer tires in winter conditions is a no-win proposition.
#67
YES! - In that MINI is maintaining the recent design trend.
They are expanding the line into areas that may appeal to a broader consumer base. Diversification of the product line can be good for MINI.
The availability of all wheel drive and the "Go-cart" driving characteristics combined together will make for a unique driving experience. The flexibility afforded by having four real doors and movable rear seats will appeal to those who would like the MINI experience, but need more space for rear passengers.
If the Countryman was available when I ordered the "Ghost", I would have probably ordered one. An AWD MINI would permit me to drive in almost any kind of weather I experience here in New Jersey.
They are expanding the line into areas that may appeal to a broader consumer base. Diversification of the product line can be good for MINI.
The availability of all wheel drive and the "Go-cart" driving characteristics combined together will make for a unique driving experience. The flexibility afforded by having four real doors and movable rear seats will appeal to those who would like the MINI experience, but need more space for rear passengers.
If the Countryman was available when I ordered the "Ghost", I would have probably ordered one. An AWD MINI would permit me to drive in almost any kind of weather I experience here in New Jersey.
I'm completely open to the idea of a Mini SUV. In fact while it was being bashed on NAM as a concept I stood up for it. They missed a real opportunity with the design here though. It's not horrible, but it looks the bastard child of what the male Countryman should like like and a 1st gen (or maybe it was 2nd gen) Rav 4 floozy. Every other Mini I've model to date is true to the design, but this one is off. It's not way off, but it's off enough.
#68
I like the idea, and somehow the more I look at it, the more I like it. It would be a perfect winter runner for me with the extra ground clearance and AWD.
I do like how they got rid of the barn doors, but with the license plate on the bumper it somehow makes the rear look kinda bland in comparison to a coupe. Kinda wish they would have stuck w/ the look of the coupe in the rear. Who knows though - the current setup might look good in person.
I don't really like the frowning grille, though. It makes the vehicle have a 'look' like it is disgusted at something... lol
I do like how they got rid of the barn doors, but with the license plate on the bumper it somehow makes the rear look kinda bland in comparison to a coupe. Kinda wish they would have stuck w/ the look of the coupe in the rear. Who knows though - the current setup might look good in person.
I don't really like the frowning grille, though. It makes the vehicle have a 'look' like it is disgusted at something... lol
#69
#70
I gotta hand it to all the anti-AWDers out there for perpetuating the myth that snow tires can't be put on an AWD vehicle to give even better traction than an anti-AWDer's front wheel (or rear wheel) driver with snow tires.
And since we're giving opinions, I feel that AWD does provide an advantage in turning due to the fact that torque is distributed to both front and rear, so the front tires trying to provide steering aren't tasked with providing 100% of the forward traction at the same time.
This is all based on my own personal experience and may not equate to anyone else's unique situation. I've had just about every combination of fwd,rwd,awd and summer tires, all seasons, dedicated winter tires over the last 10 years in the northeast and the best to me is clearly awd and winter tires followed by in order: awd/all-season,fwd/winter,rwd/winter,fwd/all-season,rwd/all-season,and anything with summer tires in winter conditions is a no-win proposition.
And since we're giving opinions, I feel that AWD does provide an advantage in turning due to the fact that torque is distributed to both front and rear, so the front tires trying to provide steering aren't tasked with providing 100% of the forward traction at the same time.
This is all based on my own personal experience and may not equate to anyone else's unique situation. I've had just about every combination of fwd,rwd,awd and summer tires, all seasons, dedicated winter tires over the last 10 years in the northeast and the best to me is clearly awd and winter tires followed by in order: awd/all-season,fwd/winter,rwd/winter,fwd/all-season,rwd/all-season,and anything with summer tires in winter conditions is a no-win proposition.
#72
The official press release says it will go on sale in March 2011 in the US. Having come from an X5 and then 2 X3's bought the 2010 Clubman S because it was a BMW product and we wanted much better gas mileage with some utility that the Clubman gives. My biggest issue with the Clubman is the width of the storage compartment and length if you need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for wood as an example. I also want 4 wheel drive for the heavy rain we get in S.C. and a little more ground clearance. I can't believe all the stone chips on our window due to how low the Clubman rides. The new Countryman answers every issue we had and we will definitely be buying one assuming the gas mileage is close to the Clubman S. Supposedly the new engines get better gas mileage but obviously the extra weight and all wheel drive will cancel out any advantage.
#73
Sure not for me, but here are the MINI Countryman Technical Specifications ....
No need for AWD in Florida, but I can remember when we could drive on the beach.
No need for AWD in Florida, but I can remember when we could drive on the beach.
#74
Not a bad effort. Not as well rounded as the original mini design language though (non round headlights and quite odd rear window to roof area). Larger, longer, heavier, 4 doors and 4wd.
BUT to consider these issues would be to miss the point for the audience that the vehicle is considering:
non-MINI customers that want the mini look and mini interior. Original mini customers will persue the clean lines and pure mini look and will go for the cooper with its 2 doors and fwd. 'Newer' customers who are looking for the alternate design to the norm will prefer this car. Note that there are no decals of any sort (bonnet, side, mirrors, scuttles, roof) on these preview pictures so it doesn't at first glance target that mini market.
It effective broadens the mini customer base. Although i do wonder why the clubman with the arrival of this.
Can anyone confirm the size of this car? it doesn't look as big as a SUV considering the size relative to the people in the pictures - more golf size or the like.
BUT to consider these issues would be to miss the point for the audience that the vehicle is considering:
non-MINI customers that want the mini look and mini interior. Original mini customers will persue the clean lines and pure mini look and will go for the cooper with its 2 doors and fwd. 'Newer' customers who are looking for the alternate design to the norm will prefer this car. Note that there are no decals of any sort (bonnet, side, mirrors, scuttles, roof) on these preview pictures so it doesn't at first glance target that mini market.
It effective broadens the mini customer base. Although i do wonder why the clubman with the arrival of this.
Can anyone confirm the size of this car? it doesn't look as big as a SUV considering the size relative to the people in the pictures - more golf size or the like.