Saying the Countryman is not a Mini is like saying an X5 is not a BMW. I don't see any difference.

 

I agree with the others that say the Countryman is not an SUV. I'll reserve final judgment after I see it in person, but even by looking at photos I can tell it's really not that big of a vehicle. In fact I'm thinking it would be a perfect 2nd vehicle to compliment a regular R53/R56 Cooper or S.

 

Just got my Autoweek in the mail (Jan 25,'10) - the Beachcomber concept (variation of the R60) is the cover ...

 

I hate it. It tarnishes the image. I don't care if BMW/MINI sells some sort of SUV at their dealerships, but why make it look like a big fat bloated MINI ? The old Mini didn't look like a MG or a Morris or an Austin, why did they think they needed a family resemblance here ? Why didn't they do something cute like calling it a MAXI ? If I really wanted a crossover, I'd consider the Audi, the BMW or the Porsche or a nice GMC Acadia. This is a big mistake. Big crowded market with many alternatives. Is this an April Fools joke ?

 

but wait! I always wanted to own my very own oxymoron..

 

It's a crossover. Saying a Countryman is a SUV is like saying an AMC Eagle was a SUV. Just not so!!

 

Which specific vehicle would that be: coupe, clubman or convertible?

Which specific trim: base, S or JCW?

MINI already comes in three flavors and three trim levels, all with different driving dynamics, and different capabilities.

I just don't see where one more style should be seen as a threat to the MINI identity or brand.

As for the post about assembly in Austria being an issue, remember that all MINIs are German engineered vehicles with a French sourced engine design.

It's 2010, not 1950. Any car manufacturer that hopes to prosper will need to take advantage of global opportunities.

It's a small world, and getting smaller.

 

miniclubman, what i'm speaking of is far more left brain than right brain. With your line of thinking, a Ferrari built in China, even though it may be built as good or even better than in Maranello, would sell. Not only sell, but the price would drop and more customers could get their hands on their dream car. If and/or when that happens, a Ferrari won't be a "Ferrari" anymore. As I have said, the Mini and even MINI have a spiritual and emotional home in the UK even though we all know it is a German vehicle.

 

Let's face it the R60 is coming. It will not be a true mini MINI, but it will certainly look like one. It probably not attract the same customers as todays HT buyers but will probably get some new people who want 4 doors and 4 wheel drive. I think that it will increase MINI sales totals, and thats good for all of us. Will it hurt our "image" as owners, no, will it improve that image as we personally see it, maybe, maybe not.

 

Here are all the specs:

http://www.insideline.com/mini/count...irst-look.html

5.5 inches longer than a clubman. 15.7 inches longer than a R56. Bigger and heavier than any other MINI. From the same idiots who brought you the X6 and X6 M.

 

Only 3 over 3? There were many more for the original (including a "pick-up"); take a trip to a major British car show and see what's there - British Invasion, Stowe, VT for one

 

If it becomes their WRC car and wins, it will have a lot in common with the original Mini. Hopefully it will be a giant killer.

 

this is starting to remind me of the 1st gen/2nd gen debate back in 06, and how polarizing that was amongst the factions. My GOD you'd think the world was going to cave in upon itself.

 

I think Miniclubman was talking about the BMW MINI since 2001 in Europe, and 2002 here.

 

Only if YOU want it to be, pal haha

 

Yup

Mark

 

Hmm, let me check - yup, did put "for the original" - I guess alluding to the naysayers when the R50/R53 was coming out was too subtle?

 

BTW - the Autoweek article regarding the Beachcomber was actually about the Detroit International Auto Show - they (A/W) awarded the Beachcomber "Most Fun" ...

 

I'm on the pro-crossover side on this one but I have a fear that MINI is turning a blind eye to its past more and more. What if your favorite music group, a band you have been following for most of your life, suddenly changed formats? Judas Priest fires Rob Halford and they go on tour with Celine Dion, performing Beyonce tunes. They have most of the same members, perform their music in a professional manner, the new lead singer, Elvis Costello, belts out Beyonce like you ain't never heard, and so forth. They even appear on stage with Celine, holding hands with her and sing a few of her hits. Is this Judas Priest or something truly scary that should never have been thought of? MINI manufacturing the R60 in Austria, however a great idea for regular business appears to be forgetting that the community and culture their vehicles inspire needs to maintain an emotional and spiritual tie to the UK. I believe Mini/MINI vehicles bring about more passion in their owners than corporate can see. This crossover, to me, will only be a close cousin and/or step-brother, not a true brother in the Mini/MINI culture so many hold dear.......but again, this is all touchy feely stuff and really doesn't mean anything to the many.

 

I got a mailing from Mini of Peabody that they are going to be opening an new dealership in the Manchester/Bedford NH area...maybe then there will be a mini club somewhere in northern New England. Is there one and I just haven't found it?

 

I dont really see this as competing with SUVs more like Subaru's and awd wagons.

I also dont see it killing the brand, you still hear comments from people about how new minis arent "mini", kill the image, etc.

As for it being made in Austria, its inevitable. The car market needs to be global for the brands to survive and manufacturers cant afford to do things the way they've always been done. Is it sacrilege that hondas are made in the US or Chevy's made in Canada?

 

My vehicle before the MINI was a '94 Isuzu Trooper that I bought new. Now the question is:

Would you rather have someone rolling down the highway with you in a Suburban or an Expedition or rather a Countryman? Granted, a Countryman won't work for everyone if you really need a larger vehicle but, from what I've seen, most people don't. That's a ton and a half versus 3 tons.

Works for me...

 

Something like this, like I grew up with:



I wasn't aware of any model differentiation, or trim levels.

 

soooooooooooo big!!!

 

so it's 5.9" taller and 15.7" longer than an R56 - orrr
4.9"(h) and 26.4"(l) shorter than a chebby Equinox...
(the R56 is about 3" bigger - h/l/w - than a R53)...