I agree. It looks, to me, less SUV and more Subaru Outback, if that resonates with anyone.

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.

 

I don't like it very much. I like the idea of an off roading Mini but the design of the car is ugly... I don't like the frowning grill and the roof line in the back looks weird...

 

I guess I just don't see the need for this in the line up... An AWD option (not standard) on a Clubman S seems like a much more appealing idea, plus probably less costly. I would much rather see the roadster then this... and I am not sold on that one either.

 

I'll stick with my clubbie, but I think Mini is going to sell a lot of these.

 

Another $30K MINI!

 

Aside from the grill, I think they've done about as well as they could with this. I understand purists won't like it, but that doesn't stop Porsche from selling a ton of Cayennes. It will be interesting to see how this does.

 

They've already announced that the s version will have the same engine as other s versions. 1.6 turbo

 

Ooooo I like that!!

 

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'm sure those that buy them will love them, just as I love my Clubman...man!

 

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.

 

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.

 

You would think with the extra weight this car is going to have that they would tweak it for more HP or throw a bigger turbo in it.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/...an/#more-10999

they have some more details out now!

 

Interesting... I may get mauled for this statement, but some of those pix remind me of the Toyota FJ Cruiser...

 

I would have thought they would have a bigger engine. With the 1.6 with A/C it robs enough power--now they're adding AWD!?!

 

 

looks smaller and those back door look tiny.. maybe its just me... i like my min just the way it is..

 

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

 

Now also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mini.countryman

 

Since this is an SUV, I'd have liked to see them put a tailgate on it. Would make the tail more distinctive. And it makes a great bench.

 

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.

 

ughh...just as I am about to pull the trigger on my new Clubman S...someone help me! Should I wait? Should I buy now instock and get a big discount on a package around 1250 and the 4.9 financing or should I wait for the bigger and better MINI Countryman???

 

I think the Countryman is designed more in the crossover category (read current Subaru Outback) than it is a SUV.

 

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.