More pics of the new Countryman. Looks like they ditched the grumpy grill.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/gen...yman/#comments

 

This thing is ugly as sin.Those GP hybrid wheels are horrible and the emblem on the rear hatch looks like Flavor Flav could wear it around his neck.

 

The grumpy grill is on the S version - the above is the non-S.

 

 

I actually think the Countryman looks good, and I actually prefer the look of the S version myself. I have an R53 now that I love, but I also have a growing family. Now as I've stated before, my ideal scenario would be to keep my R53 as a fun car and upsize to another separate vehicle, but the reality is that eventually I may have to get rid of the current MINI.

I've driven other bigger "fun" cars that are possible replacements, but nothing quite matches me like my MINI. So I've decided that if I replace my car, it'll be to something purely practical, like a wagon of some sort, or another fun car, which I've deemed the only viable alternative is another MINI...GTI's WRX's all that are cool, but just not the same.

So provided the Countryman has a similar feel to the driving and connection to the road, which I feel it might, it might be a viable option for someone like me.

Also, it's still a MINI. The comparison between it and the regular hardtop coupe reveals how small the Countryman is, so it's not like they're putting a big SUV on the road and calling it a MINI.

The other upside, which some "purists" seem to miss (and I consider myself a purist), is that this helps preserve the brand not dilute it. First off, by offering bigger alternatives to the coupe -- like the Clubman and Countryman, it helps to insure that there is no reason or motivation of MINI to make the coupe any bigger in future versions. Remember the R56 actually got lighter than the R53, and contrary to popular belief, it got marginally bigger not because of US demand but EU regulations for pedestrian impact. Also, a vehicle like the Countryman is good for the brand because it keeps the spirtit of small can be practical alive, as it IS a small crossover....

 

i like it...

 

I wondered about that. Really don't like that S grill.

 

I thought I was going to hate it, I actually like it. I dont understand the hate for the S grille either. I think its sweet looking.

The only think Im not getting are the badges. they still say "cooper"

 

Yechhh! Almost as ugly as a Clubman.

 

When will they be for sale?

 

I don't like the standard grille and the halogen headlights, I much prefer the S grille and the projector headlights. The halogens seem to exaggerate the shape of the headlights, almost like it had a bad facelift...

While the enormous MINI logo on the back is a little cartoonish, I think anything smaller would get lost on the hatch, and I am assuming that the opening mechanism is similar to those on Volkswagens, where you press it in and then lift the bottom of the roundel with your thumb.

Overall, I like it, and like others mentioned, the fact that it has remained quite small is a big plus.

-Chase

 

Well maybe they will drop the "frown grill" on the "S", at least it still will sort look like a MINI. And for those that DO NEED 4 doors, it will make the MINI a possibility. Got to be a good deal for the dealers. As to the handling that will remain to be seen. Is it going to be like our current hardtops, no way, but it still will be better than any of the other 4 door competitors I think. MINI isn't stupid.

 

It's a done deal. These are not concept cars.

 

I guess the 'frown' grille is a 'design' link to the original MC'S' bonnet scoop intake?

 

Fun car > growing family.jk...but not really.

 

"GP Hybrid Wheels"

that cracks me up, but then I think GeeIHave2Pee is the homeliest MINI ever.

I look at the Countryman and see CR/B and think that's gonna look sweeeeeet....

 

In the US, Feb 2011.

 

TOO UGLY EVEN FOR A YUPPY,
AN OK PLACE TO DEFECATE FOR MY PUPPY,
HENCE, I SAY, "UGLY AS ****".

 

uhhh okay... What are you, 4?

-Chase

 

Actually 59 according to another thread.

 

this guy knows what he's talking about.

 

I guess they did away with the suicide doors idea.... would have been useful for those in a wheelchair to be able to throw the chair in the backseat without a center pillar in the way....a friend is in a wheelchair but she skis, does 5K's and kayaks and was hoping for a sucide door option

have their been any pictures showing the Countryman side -by-side with the current MINI to see the size comparisons? what SUV type vehicle is the countryman closest to...Rav 4 ?

 

Umberto:
Check on motoringfile.com - they had side by side pictures of the Countryman with every other MINI.