R60 2011 Mini Crossover Countryman Photos
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
While the Countryman is "large" for a MINI. BMW design stated, a couple of years back, that all MINIs will be smaller than the smallest BMW. My wife's 325 is 176" long and a 128 comes in at 171". I guess that might put the size of the Countryman into perspective.
Last edited by djmcgill; Jan 22, 2010 at 10:22 PM. Reason: corrected foot marks to inch marks.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
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.
Plus you can't do axis spins in a FWD like you can with a AWD.
AWD axis spins can be a kick in the butt...it sure beats having to do FWD spins in reverse (or using the parking brake).
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Well i can tell you this.
My wife was an avid fan of the Cooper S. And we came very close to pulling the trigger on one years and years ago. But decided it just wasnt going to be practical enough for her long term. So we bought a camry.
Now with plans of a future family on the way, we have been eye balling SUV's. We love the BMW X6 but its a bit out of range. And before i saw this we were pretty much set on the new Chevy Equinox. However this countryman could be the most perfect fit of all. My only fear is still could be a bit too small. I worry about size, for saftey reasons mostly.
But anyway figured i would share my story for those of you that think mini made a mistake. I know for me, the countryman is bringing me "back" to the brand.
My wife was an avid fan of the Cooper S. And we came very close to pulling the trigger on one years and years ago. But decided it just wasnt going to be practical enough for her long term. So we bought a camry.
Now with plans of a future family on the way, we have been eye balling SUV's. We love the BMW X6 but its a bit out of range. And before i saw this we were pretty much set on the new Chevy Equinox. However this countryman could be the most perfect fit of all. My only fear is still could be a bit too small. I worry about size, for saftey reasons mostly.
But anyway figured i would share my story for those of you that think mini made a mistake. I know for me, the countryman is bringing me "back" to the brand.
WOOHOO, check this new video of the Countryman!!! Thankfully there is no music, its all MINI and Countryman!! Hit the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEWrMpnJJZY
and here is a longer version of the same video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVbHM...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEWrMpnJJZY
and here is a longer version of the same video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVbHM...layer_embedded
Last edited by J_'09s; Jan 25, 2010 at 03:06 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Size comparison posted on MotoringFile.com today: R56 vs R60
Looks about the size of a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Slightly smaller, in fact....
Not my cup of tea, but probably good for the brand.
If I ever need a bigger MINI, I'd get a JCW Clubman... or better yet, something like this:
The Four Door MINI (aka the MINI SpaceBox)
It’s difficult to even know what to call this next concept. We initially heard about it as MINI’s GTI fighter. A better description would be a R60 without the Crossover pretense. Yes this is the concept many here have been talking about and is internally known as the MINI SpaceBox. So serious are MINI about this project that we’ve also been told it’s taken on on official project code-number, R65.
In our minds this is the car that could expand the brand in ways that no other model (save for the standard hatchback) has up until now. If priced right, we could see this size and shape appealing to potential customers around the world better than almost anything MINI currently sells.
Not my cup of tea, but probably good for the brand.
If I ever need a bigger MINI, I'd get a JCW Clubman... or better yet, something like this:
The Four Door MINI (aka the MINI SpaceBox)
It’s difficult to even know what to call this next concept. We initially heard about it as MINI’s GTI fighter. A better description would be a R60 without the Crossover pretense. Yes this is the concept many here have been talking about and is internally known as the MINI SpaceBox. So serious are MINI about this project that we’ve also been told it’s taken on on official project code-number, R65.
In our minds this is the car that could expand the brand in ways that no other model (save for the standard hatchback) has up until now. If priced right, we could see this size and shape appealing to potential customers around the world better than almost anything MINI currently sells.
Last edited by TimL; Jan 26, 2010 at 12:26 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I like it but my guess is it will be somewhat expensive and if I want big I'll get a big car. If I want small I'll get a MINI. If I want medium I will go with the Honda fit and save 10k, lol. It does look nice though. I'm not sure how it will compete with MUCH cheaper sub-compact cars and smaller wagon type SUV's.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Does anyone think the Countryman design (Cayenne-ish front, headlights, grill) is something MINI will share across their entire next-gen lineup? I'm thinking of buying a Cooper this year but if this is the design they eventually move to, I may wait.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Well if that's the design they're going to go to, then now is the time to get to the dealership as fast as you can so can you order one now before the next gen arrives.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Like it or not, here it comes. We are attracted to this setup, as it would deal with our weather, it's stylish, and hopefully retains the MINI spirit.
The new valve system sounds good.
Edit: Removed link, can't get it to work. It's at the BWMBlog, full details, nice photos.
Just google BMWBlog Countryman, it should be the link.
The new valve system sounds good.
Edit: Removed link, can't get it to work. It's at the BWMBlog, full details, nice photos.
Just google BMWBlog Countryman, it should be the link.
Last edited by WildThang; Feb 2, 2010 at 12:30 AM. Reason: fixed link, ripped out link
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Last edited by Prost; Feb 12, 2010 at 09:02 AM. Reason: Picture Link Updated
It's not that bad.