Huh, I just noticed, no 60/40 split...what's up with that?

 

I guess it has something to do with not offending couples who have twins

 

The shoulder harness belt for the center seat, runs directly over the face of the passenger on the right?

 

They do split and it seems they are worth the wait.


Car and Driver:

"Rear seats will slide fore and aft —the bench in a 60/40 split —and fold individually (or in 40/20/40 increments with the bench). "

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car...hotos_and_info

BMWblog:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/09/07/ph...-its-uk-debut/

"The multi-function rear seats are arranged with a 60:40 split base for the three rear seat passengers and both rear seat squabs are also individually adjustable, sliding back or forth by 130mm to make the best use of space. The backrests, by contrast, are arranged in a 40:20:40 split that provides absolute flexibility with all three seatbacks capable of folding flat in any combination."

 

Looks better than the black leatherette but I still like the split rail and bucket seats. To each his/her own.

 

One of the reasons I am waiting for the bench seat is because it has the 40-20-40 split. I have two young boys that love to play golf and they still need to be sitting in the back seat a few more years. The only way to accomodate a driver, two kids, and three sets of clubs is to stack them in the middle 20% of the rear seat, extending into the boot. The side bolsters on the bucket seats are too wide to fit clubs through and the boot is too narrow to lay them sideways.

Given the choice I love the look of the buckets, but the bench wins for practicallity.

 

Yes they do Fold, I haven't notice that option...Also I wanted all Leather option ,but in Costa Rica is an extra $2000. In cars there is a 60% tax

 

This just in from Auto Blog. No real information, but some pretty pictures.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/r...yman/#comments

 

Motortrend says Mini confirmed the rear bench seat option will be available for 2012 production. The article doesn't specify when the model year changes. Is it July?

http://wot.motortrend.com/confirmed-...012-37855.html

 

The ma I spoke with said it may be as early as July.

 

Agreed.

 

I'm torn. I need to buy a car ASAP but really want the bench seat in the back!

 

You're not the only one...I'll wait for the bench to be an option. Hopefully it will be available by summer.

 

I appreciate getting the bench seat photos posted. For me, the dual-seat option is going to work out just fine, and I'm glad I didn't wait for the bench before placing an order.

 

We feel the same way. We were going to wait until we saw the pics. Hey, it may work out for others who have young kids, etc. but to us it sure is butt ugly especially with all those circles embedded in the fabric.

"Cuique suum"

 

I don't think its ugly, it looks better than the rear seat in my R56. I just think it takes something away from the uniqueness of the countryman, the rear bucket seats look amazing. The rear bench is just boring.

Personally, I hate having my daughter in the middle, its distracting through the rear view mirror, and considering the size of that rear seat, I can't imagine any normal size adult fitting comfortably on either side. It might work well if you have three children I guess, but I would certainly want more room if thats the case.

 

Any option that eliminates the silly rail in the back of the car is a winner in my book. The bench looks good and will be much better for driving my dogs around.

I'm fine waiting until the 2012s come out. It seems like they're tweaking things here and there anyhow and offering more/better options, too.

 

I liked the rail until I realized that you couldn't put anything behind the front seats across the vehicle. Then we thought about the rear "1/2 rail" a bit and decided we want the bench seat. It has been frustrating that it's taking such a long time to release it. We're ready to order our car, just waiting on that.

 

This is not intended to start a war, but, The rear buckets are very comfortable for full size adults on a long trip. I spend a few hours in the back last weekend. Cramming another in the back, even for a short time, would be UNCOMFORTABLE. I agree with the small children idea, but wonder how easy it would be to get three car seats back there. Also, how long a trip can you take with three kids sitting knee to knee without fights starting.

Bill

 

We are waitng on the bench seat as well!

 

THere is just no way you could get three car seats back there, there isn't the hip room at all. THree kids would be on top of each other. If you want a car for three car seats across the back buy a minivan! BUt as an emergency third seat it's fine, but only for short trips. I don't love the rail, but I love the size of the rear buckets. I will just leave one of my 3 kids at home when I drive!

 

 

I don't think you could fit three car seats in there....would be quite a feat.

 

You could probably fit three of those small no back booster seats there, but it would still be a tight fit