I was going back and forth between a WRX and A3, also looked at a mazdaspeed3. Everybody and their brother has a wrx, and we already have a new outback. Audi's were a bit pricey (though the MINI certainly wasn't cheap) and no TDI + quattro. Audi interiors were nice but bland. The CM had the AWD, enough space and was fun, hard to beat

 

Odd, but I'm quite pleased with your choice. Seems to be the favored combo, which makes mine all the more special.

 

Well, when we went to the dealership, I had planned to get a Clubman...when I saw it in person, I realized it really did remind me of a mini-hearse LOL So, we looked at the Coopers, which were awesome but cramped for an adult in the back, which brought our attention to the Countryman S. It was speedy, fun, more legroom in the back, good mileage. I just wish they had the incentives the Coopers had - but we left in it anyway!

 

Surf Blue, eh? I'm finding these are a lot like M&Ms. Doesn't matter the color. They're all tasty and you just gotta have one.

 

Yes, it's Surf Blue and I love it

 

I would have never gotten a MINI if it was not for the countryman- actually if it was not for the Beachcomber- I fell in love with the look at the Detroit auto show. I waited and looked at all the all 4's on the market and everything was like a minivan in look. I hated the van but drove it for 5 years. I milked it to over 225 K till I could get the countryman delivered. I really wanted different and not like everything on the road. It makes me sad that the all 4 market cars look so similar that you have to look at the badges to determine what car you are looking at. The gas mileage is not impressive either. With the miles I drive I wanted fun! Love the way it gets though snow and mud and cannot get the grin off my face when I do a dirt road 4 wheel slide.

 

We went into the MINI dealer to look at the Clubman and my wife saw the Countryman. Done.

 

Ha! That's kinda funny because we went to the dealer to pick up our Countryman and my hubs saw the Clubbie. I think there's a Mini in his future too!!

 

Can't agree more with the majority. We needed a 4DR crossover / SUV with good to great gas mileage. The Countryman fit the bill with a style that cannot be overlooked, but if the CM was not available, I would have had to go in a completely different direction - So happy to have the MINI!