The idea of a maxi-Mini runs counter to everything we love about the brand. But despite our misgivings, our own Steven J. Ewing came away suitably impressed with the Mini Countryman when he drove it this time last year. How much did he like it? He insisted we add one to the Autoblog Long-Term Garage.

And here it is.

Coated in two-tone True Blue Metallic (as voted by our readers) and tricked out in Cooper S ALL4 guise, our long-term tester is as maxed out as they come – with the exception of an automatic transmission, natch. We think we ticked all the right boxes, including Sport and Premium packs, Xenons, Sport suspension and Mini Connected with Navigation, to get the full Countryman experience. And to kick things off, I headed north for a two-day, 500-mile trek up the coast to put our newest family member through its paces.

The good news: Mini's made one of the most entertaining cute 'utes in the world. The bad: You've got to shell out a heap of coin to enjoy it.

More review notes and photos and commentary to be found at Autoblog...

 

I really hope they put it through it paces to see how it matches up.

Do you think MINI went over this one with a fine-toothed comb before handing it over to Autoblog to avoid brand embarassment?

 

I doubt if they have that many smarts. They oviously don't know that MINI owners talk to each other and to prospective MINI owners. They may not even know what an Autoblog is.

 

Oh, Sealy, I think you're being unkind. It sounds like you put the marketeers in the same pile with the people who design trim strips. I can't wait for the BMW-speak response to a review by Autobloggers...

 

Such a sense of hate from reading this Autoblog article's poster comments.. most of it stemming from price and quirky design (no surprise)

 

So far, the comments on Autoblog have been pretty evil. Not a lot of love in the Autoblog community for the Countryman.

 

It's a love it or hate it car. We love it, they hate it. Better than the CRV or Rav4 that keeps coming up in the comments which is just Meh for everyone.

 

I have to say this about MINI, even with their 'quirks'. They are well aware of their brand following. MINI reps have shown up at non-MINI sponsored events throughout the years. Met Jim McDowell at the 2007 dragon.

Michael

 

Not a ton of love in the Autoblog community for MINI period.

Michael

 

That's right. We should all be driving Jukes. Wtf were we thinking? I mean, if the detached feeling of the CVT doesn't win us over, then surely the bug-like styling will.

I couldn't care less. I like the fact that where I live, everybody else drives humungous SUVs and trucks just so they can pull a boat 6 times a year, and that no redneck would be caught dead in one.

 

Oh I think that alot of rednecks like MINI's:



We have had several redneck types in the Texas and Oklahoma MINI clubs. Some have good taste

Michael

 

I stand corrected...that is something. It's amazing how many mods there are with Mini's.

 

I just posted my experiences on Autoblog. You don't have to spend $38K to have a great car. Mine was less than $31K. No Connect, Navi, Sports, etc. I do have Bluetooth, dual sun roofs, and Auto on a CS car with black top and wheels. I am very happy.

 

I don't know if it will matter... Mini haters are out in force, foaming at the mouth. They want to cut you off in traffic, door ding your car, then follow you home and kick your dog. Most have never seen or driven one.

In the US, we are conditioned from birth to believe that the more something costs, the bigger it should be. Conversely, the smaller something is, the less it should cost. Which is why US auto mfrs can't make money on small cars. They make the most margin on the biggest vehicles they offer. Which is also why you can't get a lot of the models here that they offer in Europe and Asia (and even Canada) - they won't sell them here because they can get more for them over there. Mini is a niche player so I'm glad they at least sell them here, except I wish we could get the turbo diesels.

 

Double Post.

 

I can truly understand disliking the looks, not everyone likes good design

I can truly understand not everyone liking the way a german designed car drives (Although I haven't heard alot of folks complaining about the new Regal).

I understand those that think you need HP to go in a straight line and don't understand turning quickly .

I also understand wanting to support your heritage or those who constantly invaded your country.

And I can definitely understand not wanting to spend 120% of my income from the game store on a car.