MINI Countryman Training in Texas
For all of those awaiting the Countryman here is a sneak peek at some training that took place in Austin, Texas in October.
New MINI Countryman - Day & Night driving + beauty in HD
MINI is adding a fourth model to its range with the MINI Countryman, which bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman, which comes as standard with four seats, provides more space versatility as well as a slightly elevated seating position. The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three gas and two diesel engines. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management.
MINI Cooper visual boost
Here's a video of the MINI Visual Boost in action. This option is not available for order and it was placed in first production 2011 MINI by accident.
2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S Rocks It!
What a fun-time we had with the 2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds this week!
The Countryman is the Mini-Cooper at the max, and the first with four side doors and optional all-wheel drive. It has a real volume of space and fits four adults with ease. The 2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S has substantially more cargo volume than other Minis. Yet the Countryman retains the look and fuel economy that have established Mini as a premium go-to brand among small cars and their growing fan base. It for the most part, retains what Mini likes to call go-kart handling.
The grille of the Countryman's is more upright than that on other Mini models. With big and oblong, the headlight clusters that standout on this Countryman rather than classic Mini round, with two pipes for main beams and a ring of LED elements that serve as daytime running lights. This Countryman's front bumper has ducts in the corners under the bumper that direct airflow to cool the front brakes.
The Countryman side view features what Mini designers call a helmet roof. It's less flat and more domed than that on other Mini models. The Mini Cooper Countryman will offer wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in diameter. Its rear hatch is bigger than that on other Minis, and it opens higher. This 2011 Countryman is unique in the Mini line, but it absolutely will not be mistaken for any other brand on the road. The 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman commands respect!
The Countryman's gauges and switches will look familiar to current Mini owners. With larger door openings, the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman S is accessible to climb into, and its front seat bottoms are nearly three inches higher than those in other Mini models. That makes for a more confident view outward. The passenger cabin is truly an automotive engineering marvel.
The Countryman's rear seat is the largest difference in 2011. Each side slides fore and aft by up to 5.1 inches, allowing the Countryman's operator to maximize either rear-passenger or cargo space. With the seats moved back to maximum depth, there's plenty of head and leg room for rear passengers six feet tall, and still 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space (about the same as the trunk in the typical subcompact sedan). With the rear seats folded, the Countryman's cargo volume increases to 41.3 cubic feet, and that space is assessable through both the rear side doors and the hatch.
Like other Mini models, the Countryman is offered in two basic trim levels, and with the same engines. And those engines will be upgraded across the line for 2011. Improvements to Mini's 1.6-liter four-cylinder include new accessories that draw less power from the engine to improve fuel economy, and Valvtronic variable valve timing rocks!
The Mini's Centre Rail storage and fastening system is a standard feature on all Coutryman models. Centre Rail is two aluminium rails running lengthwise through the middle of the interior in place of a conventional center console. Various devices, such as cupholders, storage boxes, trays or armrests can be mounted and locked anywhere along the rails to the driver or passengers' preference. Options will include audio upgrades, a navigation system, a large panoramic sunroof and adaptive xenon headlights.
The first Countryman models have reached select U.S. dealerships, with the national pipeline filling by the spring selling season. Car Concerns Radio would guess that the base model will start at about $25,000. The Countryman S will add $3,000-$4,000 to the base price, with ALL4 all-wheel-drive adding another $1,800-$2,000. Loaded, and fitted with some of Mini's customizable features, the Countryman's should easily stretch into the $30,000 to $35,000 range.
Customization options include exterior graphics and paint combinations and special interior colors, upholstery and trim.
Talking about fun. Let's Drive!
Recorded on May 10, 2011 by Cat Smith Photo Shoots.
2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Tour
In this video I give a full in depth tour of the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S. I take viewers on a close look through the interior and exterior of this car while showing details, overviewing of features, and noting unique styling cues to the vehicle itself. I also show the engine and the details of it, start it up and see how it sounds under acceleration. A thorough tour/review of this car designed to give others a greater overall appreciation of the vehicle.
Mini Countryman from Consumer Reports
Minis are fun but their compact dimensions limit practicality. Enter the Countryman, a four-door Mini with a decent rear seat and available all-wheel-drive. But does it still feel like a Mini? Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars on our website: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm?EXTKEY=I93YT01&CMP=OTC-YUTBE
Mini Connected Concept App
At the Consumer Telematics Show in 2011, BMW walked us through the latest on their Mini Connected platform.
MINI Countryman review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/mini/countryman/hatchback/review
The Countryman is the first four-door MINI and aims to offer increased practicality without diluting any of the fun associated with the MINI brand. Overall it's a great success, with fantastic handling and a well appointed and luxurious cabin
