cheap.
well it felt like it anyway. Very comfortable and felt like a big car inside, but the door cards and embossing looked very cheap, and paper thin. That was a disappointment.

Over all the size and shape of it is nice, but I couldn't get past the feeling of lesser quality.. maybe that's how they got the base price so low.

 

May I ask which SF Bay Area dealer did you go to? I would like to check out the Countryman in person to see how it feel with 2 car seats. =)

Am seriously thinking about "upgrading" from a cooper S hardtop.

 

it was Niello in Sacramento actually.

I thought over all it was fun and felt much more comfortable than my Clubbie. The sports seats were very nice too. Just overall, the finishing touches felt less than the quality of my 09.

And i didn't care for the center rail at all. but just my opinion.

 

I went to my local MINI dealership and previewed the Countryman All4 and I agree with you on the somewhat cheapness feeling. The overhead light toggle switch unit could be pushed into the headliner with ease, like flexing a car hood. Also the door arm rest for both the front and back get cheated IMO. I wish it came with the full armrest from the clubman, at least up front. The half arm rest up front that continues to the back seat looks too busy and disjointed. Also feeling of claustrophobia since the belt line is so high and this sample had no sunroof. One last thing, the circular theme is out of control.

Some good things; decent boot, lots of space and two compartments. Royal Grey looked good. More leg and shoulder room than a mini coupe. The center stack was visually pleasing, including nav.

Sorry for the somewhat harsh critique but I have to be honest and it's just my opinion. you may love it 100%.