I know a couple of L.A. dealers have 'em already, but I don't think test-drives are "authorized" until after the first of the year. (At least that's the story.)
But, I'd bet some have given the new Countryman a spin already.
Anybody driven one? How was it?

 

I test drove the all models of the Countryman at the Mini USA training event in Austin last month. I was very impressed with the car, feels great. None of the entertainment-fun to drive of the original Mini has been lost.

 

Exactly what the MAs of my dealership said. Must have been the one-liner you are supposed to leave with and disperse or just the cold hard truth. I think its both

 

However I have to imagine that the base version is just too dang slow. If it had some zip, I'd save some money on sticker and potential repairs and get it. I think the S will probably be a necessity...especially if the 0-60 time would be slower than my Honda Element!

 

That was the conclusion that Motoringfile came to:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/10/...cooper-s-all4/

Since I've ordered the thing without driving it, I can only hope they're right. I was hoping to get some seat time in a demo or something, but it's looking like mine actually come in before/at the same time as any demos hit the dealers.

 

I would definately go for an S model as the Cooper was under powered IMO. The S was great with excellent handling characteristics. Just wait and see!

 

Fifth Gear recently had a go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOxrmdME0MM

 

Drove one today. A demo at the Alexandria MINI dealership.
here is my assessment:

• Steering and handling very good and direct.
• Suspension is tight while the ride is well dampened.
• Engine was the S All4 auto; pickup was good and I was able to merge into fast moving highway traffic without any issues.
• The car has good sound dampening and no wind sheer noise at highway speeds but the buzzy engine is noticeable from the front fire wall/floor board.
• Impressed with the overall performance and handling but I still prefer the cooper coupe and clubman interior layout and materials.
• The Countryman has more elbow/shoulder room though.
• I think it will sell like hotcakes at an IHOP.

 

And how is it you drove one today? This was not supposed to be allowed until the release date.

 

Bullydog: wondering if the one you drove had 18" wheels or 17"? It seems like reports on the 18's exhibit better handling? Thanks for your review! Can't wait for a test drive

 

03mini-s: I heard dealers are getting vehicles for test drives as soon as they arrive. My dealer out west indicated test drives starting around Dec 17. I'm hoping that's the case.

 

I went to mini of Alexandria. You can see picks of their demo model here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-for-sale.html

I saw the car over the weekend and went back today and they let me test drive it. The SA, Ray Adams, said they couldn't sell it yet but test drives were allowed. He said they were getting a shipment in the next few weeks that were not factory orders so he should have a few for sale in the coming weeks.

 

Wow, that's awesome. This will help more people who are on the fence decide to order one.

 

I just took that same car for a ride. Test drives are short, but my overall impressions are in line with Motoringfile--in terms of handling, it feels like a slightly bigger, slightly taller R56. It is a bit more "adult" feeling, in terms of noise isolation.

As far as straightline performance, the AWD and automatic combo means that it is pretty sluggish. I hate BMW automatics with a burning passion, as I've never found one that upshifts/downshifts at the right times, so I am not the most objective reviewer on that score. I'm hoping that the stick FWD combo feels a lot spritelier--I have every reason to think it will.

 

Always thought the R56 felt a little too tall already.
(can't wait for the roadster!)

You don't use the auto-stick to shift? I've found that makes driving an automatic loaner car more tolerable.

 

I do, although it always takes me a while to get used to the way the paddles work (I always expect one to be up and one to be down, rather than up/down on each paddle). It does make it more tolerable, though still not good.

 

Ah, the automatic loaners I've been in haven't had the paddles; just the stick you flick up or down.

 

Plan to go to Annapolis tomorrow to test drive. They have the base and S (no All4) in for test drives.

 

I was able to test drive a FWD Auto S Countryman yesterday at MINI of Fairfield County in Stamford, CT. I hadn't planned on even bothering and wasn't interested in the Countryman...had read little about it and really went to see the folks that work there and meet up with a couple of other MINIac pals...

Well, things have changed. I am extremely interested in this new MINI and probably going to order one...just trying to figure out the rationalizations or good financial planning I need to do it...to trade or not to trade, etc., etc.

I didn't have an opportunity to drive the Countryman on the highway and, of course, will do so if I decide to order it.

At first I wasn't sure about the looks but it grew on me... I really liked the two tone style that I saw. They only had two one was in the showroom - all black, very nice...

Here's my question - can you tell the difference between the AWD version and the S FWD version when you're just driving around on dry pavement? I'm guessing not too much since the AWD doesn't kick in unless it is needed.

I have to say that this Countryman felt luxurious. I don't even think it had a leather interior, I honestly can't remember. I do remember how it felt, handled and sounded - it was quiet!!!! It felt more solid and substantial - which makes sense.

I'm 5' 9" tall, after driving I got in the back behind my settings for the driver's seat and was amazed at the difference in space between this Countryman and my '09 Clubman - wow!!

We've (OK, I - not my husband) have been looking at other cars lately...not to replace The Clubman but to replace an older Volvo 250 wagon with 100k plus miles that is a work horse but not something I feel is reliable for long trips or for our daughter to drive when we're off with the Clubman. Everything I looked at from the Volvo C30 to the Golf TDI seemed to be missing something... I think I've found it in the Countryman. This is a very impressive car that MINI has had the foresight to come out with. The Countryman gives one the kind of extra room and comfort that some of us want/need...and strikes me as a great MINI to tour the country in, or drive through a blizzard on the New Jersey Turnpike with.

So count me in as an uninterested party who is now very interested and probably going to end up buying one in 2011.

 

MINI might just be on to something with the Countryman...

 

Was that the BRG Countryman I saw parked in front of MoA a few days ago? I was there to pick up my car and saw this Countryman just sitting there, looked pretty hot. I know David the MA and was thinking of stopping by just to see if I could test drive

 

Yeah, that's the one--black roof, dark wheels? It's actually "Oxford Green," according to my MA.

 

Oxford Green is correct. Much deeper and darker than BRG. Great color that changes rather dynamically in different lighting conditions. We almost selected Oxford Green but went with Cosmic Blue which has similar characteristics.

 

I got to try both the base model and the S. I really didn't like the base model, as if you punch it, the gears don't really "catch up" with the auto transmission. It was okay. The S was a lot more fun. Didn't get a full test drive...just a mile or two around the block, but had a blast. I think I know what I'm getting. I do think I need the auto, just cause city traffic will kill me with stick.

 

After driving the countryman for 4 days now....I am so loving this car. It drives so smooth and it can take those curves. The car has no problem zipping in out of traffic just like my other mini.




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Absolute Black S ALL4 automatic w/red interior
Ordered: 10/18, Production 10/20, Born 11/2, Shipped 11/19, VDC 12/2, Dealer 12/7 and finally driving "Black Beauty" on 12/10