I have been an admirer of minis for many years, and now it looks as if I may finally be able to get one. As a parent of twins, a musician, and a dog owner, my wife and I unfortunately had to pilot minivans and Elements (Element not so bad). But now that my kids are a year away from driving themselves, and due to the fact that my new position at my company will require more long distance trips and less music gear hauling, my plan is to save the remaining miles on the Element for music, dogs and as the kids' vehicle.

I would still not have been able to consider a mini until the Countryman, and now I am patiently waiting for one that I can actually test drive. I saw one on static display, loved it, but I really need to feel it on the road, to decide between the three models.

My hope is to order just before the end of the year. I've been vacillating between color choices, interior choices, rail, stereo, nav, etc. The only thing I KNOW is heated seats and probably auto transmission (I'll be dealing with a LOT of stop and go traffic).

 

I looked at the Countryman in some detail at MINI's MTTS event in Denver this summer. I liked it a lot. Most of what I saw exuded with MINI coolness, which I believe will make this rather unique vehicle the most popular MINI in the US. It basically looks like a Cooper on steroids. The All4 S version was sporty, and the size of the vehicle seemed just right for daily chores. My only concern is acceleration with the 1.6L motor, but the published stats look adequate. Fortunately the Countryman will get MINI's newest engine that produces more torque and power over the previous engine. Let’s just say the Countryman may just be the first maxi-MINI.

 

Agree. This is going to be my car. The question is will it be the base or the S? I must imagine the base won't be peppy enough due to the extra weight, but my Element certainly isn't a burner! It would certainly be nice to not spend the extra few thousand, so as soon as I can test drive both, I'm placing my order, and I can be comfortable I made the right choice.

 

i wan it but alos waiting for ther roadster...

 

I saw the Countryman in person last night at MINI of Tampa Bay, and was pretty impressed. I'd love to take a test drive, but could see adding this to my stable (never getting rid of my R53 mind you ) if I had a family.

From what I've read on sources like Motoring File it seems the "justa" Countryman might be a bit underpowered, making the S an almost necessary choice. Especially in an urban area like Baltimore or Tampa Bay where you - at times - need to create space in traffic or get into the flow & get going rather quickly.

 

Agreed. I'll be doing a lot of commuting to and from NYC, NJ, and Long Island, as well as around my home town. Traffic merging needs to not be a traumatic experience.

 

Good luck with your purchase!

 

Welcome to the forum, my guess is your test drive in a Countryman will make you ask why you hadn't already ordered one

 

Hi and welcome! I too am a new member of the mini nation, and a Bawlmer home girl, though I've been living in the deep south for a while now. I'm guessing a Mini would be just the thing to make the Jones Falls bearable!