That line used for the start of the marketing campaign for the Mini (MINI) brand in the US in 2002.

So when the Mini R60 Countryman is introduced in the Autumn of 2010, does this reset the clock on how BMW views the Mini brand?

The people at BMW need to brush up on the history of the Mini.

The R60 may be a wonderful car, it may sell by the boat load and introduce many more people to the brand, but it's not a Mini. Not really.

 

the moke, the sedan, the countryman, the marcos....

there were lots of variants on the original MINI as well.

If an suv helps keep the brand alive, I'm all for it.

the porche cayenne isn't really what you think of as a porche, but it is single handidly keeping porche in business making cool things like the cayman.

 

I LOVE my mini but I need more room and I like AWD.

So am I going to buy an Expedition? No way, too big. How about an X3... Nope, too expensive.

I have been looking for a mini version of an SUV or CUV for a awhile. I look at this new model as satisfying our need for a utilitarian Mini. One day, when I am in the position to buy a 'fun car', I'll go back to the coupe. Otherwise, I will enjoy probably the best handling/fun/highest MPG suv out there: a countryman.

Plus increasing revenue through this model will help benifit the brand. That means more concepts going into production, better R&D, and more JCW stuff.

Of course there will be nay-sayers. Lots of people do not like change. I bet many thought the release of the 2002 mini was bloated and too refreshed.

 

Morris and Austin frequently produced variations on successful designs. As I recall there were several models of the "Estate wagon" concept built and sold on the Mini platform. There was even a van and a pickup. I think Ausin used the Countryman name on one of the estate wagons.

Come on! Let's hope MINI comes out with a van and a pickup.

 

I think that the R60 is going to be a huge hit and breath new life into the mini brand. This is going to open the doors to a whole range of new consumers and help expand the mini market. With that can come even more and even better variations of the mini. I'm hoping maybe a lotus killer in the near future.

I'm even thinking of getting a countryman myself as a daily driver mini that would be a little more, albeit not by much, practical. One that isn't lower with coilovers and uncomfortable to drive all the time and one that I don't have to worry about keeping flawless all the time for car shows. Man is that annoying to maintain the winter months.

 

Definitely agreed here. It has gotten so overwhelming trying to keep my MINI immaculate that I'm considering making it a garage queen, despite how much I think these cars are meant to be driven.

 

I just hope BMW uses the money from the new models to continue spare part support for the R53 longer than their normal 10 years out of production.


I haven't washed my car since last October. I've either been too busy or it's been too cold. As it stands, I might not be able to wash it until early February. This has been the coldest winter for Nebraska in a long time.

 

Yeah, but it's also watering down and ultimately devaluing the brand just like the hideous Panamera will. Porsche and BMW/Mini should create other brands like Acura or Lexus or Scion if they want to start deviating from their core product lines. Minis should remain mini. Just my opinion...

 

The modern MINI is about twice the size of the "original" MINI from the '60s.

Does that make it "...not a MINI. Not really"?

It's a silly argument. MINI is a brand, not a specific vehicle.

If MINI introduces new models that meet with success, more power to MINI!

As far as I'm concerned, more choice is a good thing.

 

I see your point, but adding a new brand is way more complex and expensive. Factor in the years worth of R&D, re-tooling, hiring, and setting up and dealer network, and it becomes to much.

Plus, other than Lexus, Acura and Scion have not been doing well in sales. Furthermore, the line between Toyota and Lexus seems to narrow each year. This is probably a result of dealing with high costs.

 

VW the new owners of Porsche have decided that having a truck in the line up and well as a four door 911 was diluting the brand, so both model have been axed. The Cayenne and the Panamera will be gone in five years, maybe a little less.

I wouldn't have a problem with Mini introducing a SUV, except for the fact that the Mini has always been marketed as an anti SUV type of car since 2002. Now Mini is trying to change it's message. I'm confused...

 

It's not an SUV. It's a crossover. It'll still get decent gas mileage, so we shouldn't be too concerned.

 

I would think this crossover would sell better than the two seater, but we shall see.

And they better start opening some dealerships in VT, NH and Maine....if they want to expand into this market.

 

The R60 is a Mini heritage killer. Manufactured in Austria, it will only share the brand name with the pseudo Mini....MINI(not talking about the obvious engine, engineering, etc). The UK is the spiritual and emotional center for Mini. BMW, being wise to a point, continued MINI manufacturing in the UK, building upon its heritage. "Motoring", "boot", "bonnet", and other British lingo will be unnatural referring to anything related to the R60. Applying a Union Jack will be just wrong! Naming it won't seem right. Bonnet/boot stripes? I know MINI will sell these like crazy but I don't think my thoughts and feelings about this are misplaced. Even though I want one, I feel uneasy with the theft of our dear Mini/MINI British heritage. I guess we will have to get used to the Austrin flag now....

 

Here's the inevitable ad campaign tag line...

The Anti-SUV SUV

 

Mini was always a specific vehicle to me, this making it a brand is new and weird.

 

That's splitting hairs. There's a billboard that advertises the Audi Q5, "Not your neighbor's crossover". Gimme a break. It's an SUV, and so is the Countryman.

 

I don't see how the Countryman is anything close to an SUV. An SUV is a truck. The Countryman is essentially a Mini Cooper that is a little wider, longer, and taller. According to MINI it will still have MINI's famous go-cart like handling. Its for people who have always wanted a Mini but need a bit more room, more doors, or ground clearance.

There is nothing wrong with adding more models to the brand. In the end it makes Mini more profitable so they can continue making awesome cars. And lets not forget BMW AG is a business who's out to make money. Its stupid to invest a bunch of money into the MINI brand only to have just ONE type of vehicle out. There will be several other models, so lets lose this whole emotional attachment to what a Mini is supposed to be. As long as they are designing it with the distinct MINI styling and engineering it with its current driving dynamics, I'm happy. I'm looking forward to this model.

 

I was just about to say mini owners need to drop this "it's a mini thang, you wouldn't understand" stance that most seem to have. Let otheres be allowed to have a Mini without the draw backs of the current models. It isn't going to make the mini less unique than you already think it is.

I didn't buy my Mini for it's heritage or history. I bought it because it was a kickin' rad car to drive. If the countryman is half as fun to drive I'll buy one to go with my current one, because when we have kid's I am NOT dealing with shuffling them in and out of those back seats. Did it once when I picked up a friend whose car broke down with his kids in the car and that was a frustrating 15 minutes getting that child seat in there.

 

Is it 2006 again, just before the release of the 2nd gens? This was going to be the end of all MINIdom. Or maybe 2007 just before the Clubman release? This was going to be the end of all MINIdom. Or maybe 2000, when the 1st gens were announced? Well it was the end of Minidom, but a new order of MINIdom arose.

Nope, just checked my calender, it's 2010, and as has been done through all of automotive history, a car manufacture is releasing a new model, big deal.

Mark

 

"SUV backlash"? Count me out.

I welcome the Countryman, and am 4th on the list (ahead of some MA's) to test drive an S at the 'ship when released. My only complaint are the rear buckets, but I think a rear bench seat will be offered as a no cost option. Wow. A MINI I could sleep in....

There's also another thread here on NAM about how MINI may be finally ready to compete in WRC using the C-Man. Watch out Ford, Citroen (which also has the Prince engine) Skoda, Mitsu and Subaru.

Also, those who scoff at this need to brush up on their history of the original Mini. I think there were over 300 variations on that car from 1959-2000.

Be nice if they did a little pickup on the Countryman chassis. We could call it the "MINICamino."

 

Mark

 

First, I breathed a deep sigh of relief when I saw the pic.s - not as big as I was afraid it might be. Judging from the pic of the guy loading a surfboard in the back (dumb^ss, 'boards go on top ) it's about, what 60" tall (would be appropriate - R60 - get it?)...

But, agreeing w/ above posts about BMW being a business: be assured that BMW did not pull the trigger on this without a TON of market research showing it would sell. Maybe this is what's delaying the coupe, feedback along the lines of not wanting a smaller MINI :dunno: ...

I just want the drivetrain to put in my R53 AutoX'er :devilsmile: ...

 

I think more choice is good thing.... Our next MINI will probably be a MINI SUV

 

Funny you should mention that - a couple of months ago I had my brain picked by a "dealer principal" here in the Burlington area - not the BMW dealer, btw - when I mentioned BMW was considering opening a 1/2 dozen or so more dealerships. Don't know if not being the BMW dealer would help or hurt, but would be a big bonus for us around the Lake Champlain area ...