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Well, not the very first, first Mini Countryman, as various prototypes and preproduction versions have already been built for engineers and journalists to drive, but the first saleable 2011 Mini Countryman. Note that this is not a UK assembly plant, but the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria (same place the first-gen BMW X3 was built).
And, woof. The classic Chili Red with a white roof combination doesn't look quite so classic on a XXL Mini.
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dougtheeng says:
08:51 AM, 08/17/10
a sad day. i hate you BMW.
rsholland says:
09:03 AM, 08/17/10
^???
bankerdanny says:
10:16 AM, 08/17/10
I look forward to seeing one in person. It's a logical extension of the brand, and still a small vehicle relative to it's competition. My only worry is that the engine, which is only adequate in the base Mini is just not up to the task of moving a larger, AWD car at anything approaching a sporting rate.
blueguydotcom says:
10:54 AM, 08/17/10
No problem with this vehicle if it will keep Mini profitable.
And yeah a JCW version of the engine would be needed to scoot something that big compared to the ole R56 Cooper S.
nealibob says:
11:00 AM, 08/17/10
Seems like a perfect application for a small turbodiesel. I look forward to seeing one of these in person. I did see one driving through Wisconsin the other day, but I would love to test drive it and see how it compares to the Golf.
dougtheeng says:
11:29 AM, 08/17/10
"^???"
my comment was merely expressing frustration at the continued dilution of BMW and now MINI's product line up. I know there is a market for the Countryman, and I know it has mini history; however, I can't help but thing that that "something special" about owning a MINI is disappearing with the ever expanding line up.
Thats all.
tmanz says:
12:04 PM, 08/17/10
"I did see one driving through Wisconsin the other day"
A test mule? Or a Clubman since the Countryman isn't out yet?
firstwagon says:
03:05 PM, 08/17/10
I can see why they are doing it (money) but I think they are going in the wrong direction.
Looking at a neighbours 2006 Mini parked next to his mid seventies original Mini and it's clear even the regular new Mini is too big. Instead of coming out with bigger and bigger Minis they should come out with a smaller lighter model.
The Mini styling ques look odd on a big car but they would look perfect on a smaller one. The existing drivetrains would be much better in a car that weighed 300 to 500 lbs less too.
audirs4 says:
11:43 AM, 08/18/10
It's a cool vehicle and I like it. Mini is has one of the LOWEST retention rates of any brand out there.
Why?
With kids, family and just a general need for a larger car, people give up their mini's, even though they love 'em.
It will give Mini and opportunity to keep their customer base when they need a larger car.
blueguydotcom says:
09:49 PM, 08/18/10
@audi, so true. I got rid of my 2007 Cooper S because taking my son in and out of the backseat was impossible. Had they offered a suitable 4 door (the clubman is not suitable), i would have bought it.