Has anyone driven both a 2011 and a 2012 Countryman? Would be interested to know if you felt any differences in the driving experience? Thanks in advance.

 

I'm going to guess that since nothing changed, they're going to drive about the same. Only thing that would make a difference would be your selection of tires and wheels.

 

Agreed, and there's not a lot I would change about the Countryman. I was just thinking of model year changes bringing about part changes, supplier changes, perhaps things that Mini engineers decided to look at from their viewpoint, and if anyone had noticed if these brought about anything material in the driving experience. Thanks

 

I'm thinking they might have changed CHROME suppliers! If not, they are in for a world of bad PR. Just me.

 

Ditto on the chrome trim suppliers. I would sure hope the 2012 vehicles are not cursed with the chrome tape disease.

Mark

 

Just went by the dealer to test-sit the 2012 Lounge Leather. While I was sitting in the cabin, I noticed a very subtle change to the 2012 models. The drivers grab handle above the door has been replaced by a fold-down side sun visor!

This was one of the first 2012 Countrymen delivered to the dealer and was a CMS All4. I am assuming the side sun visor is fitted to all 2012 Countrymen, but it may the model-specific.

 

oooh that's great news! I love the side visor in my 2008 MCS. I loved it enough to fit one for my gf on the drivers side

 

That is GREAT news! I was just complaining to my wife about the lack of a side visor in the Countryman while driving her Clubman this afternoon.

 

I am wondering if the clutch has been adjusted to change the engage points.

 

Since my original 2011 vs. 2012 post, I replaced my 2011 Countryman S (6000 miles), with a 2012 nearly identical Countryman S (now 2000 miles), with two exceptions, the 2011 had 18" wheels and Sport tires whereas the new 2012 has 17" rims with all-season tires and the new flat load floor.
A few observations after driving 1400 miles this week in the new 2012 model:
1) The 2012 has the sun visor which several have mentioned is a big improvement
2) I believe the 2012 clutch takeup is improved and more gradual vs. the 2011. Much easier to coordinate the right and left foot motions to achieve a smooth takeoff at various rpm levels.
3) I know the wheels and tires are different, but the 2012 suspension is much less "crashy" than the 2011 - both front and rear suspensions.
4) The 2012 seems louder in the exhaust department, which is fine with me
5) The new flat load floor is much better than the old one from 2011 although my 2011 boot tray no longer fits
6) When I loaded my gang (750-800 lbs) into the 2011 Countryman, the suspension would bottom out in a less than elegant way. Now in the 2012, the suspension at max is much more forgiving - it doesn't bottom out as the 2011, and it ramps the suspension max load very well through all kinds of bumps/dips without that "I've hit bottom" feeling.
7) The 6-speed shifter is a little less notchy - Also, My 2011 would catch going into 6th, whereas now it is smoother.
8) The brake pedal is tighter (reduced side-to-side motion)
Overall - you can tell the engineers have continued to improve the Countryman for the better. The 2011 was a great vehicle and the 2012 has been tweaked for the better in many subtle ways.

One last comment - After 1400 miles this week with driver and 3 passengers + luggage (800 lbs), this car is a dream to drive long distance. Plenty of power - even on hills the Countryman S maintained speed in 6th gear. I am 6'6", one passenger is 6'7" and the others are 6'1" and under 6', and everyone was comfortable for 11-13 hour driving days! Bravo Mini - keep up the good work!

 

Thanks for this report!

Can't wait to take delivery this weekend!

 

I find this very interesting. I was getting concerned about the issues people were having with their CM before mine arrived and decided to go back to the dealer for an extended test drive. One of the biggest complaints I have heard is how easy the car is stall. When I took the car out, I really didn't have an issue and now that mine has finally arrived I have only stalled it twice and that was in reverse. I was also concerned about the harsh ride people have complained about but I really haven't found it to be that harsh. I have the 18" wheels and while I definitely feel the bumps, I wouldn't say it is abusive. This leads me to agree with you in saying that perhaps they did tweak some things between model years.

 

The damn front cup holders haven't changed a bit.....

 

Just buy a can, it'll be much better for your waistline.

 

just curious, why did you exchange your 2011 for a 2012? by choice or were there issues on your 2011 that couldn't be addressed by the dealer?

 

So does that eliminate the near-shudder effect when starting off? I tend to drag the clutch more than what I think should be normal to get smooth shifting. I don't care if I wear it out prematurely...I have a job, and my wife will be learning soon anyway , and I'll just replace it with something better (the clutch, not the wife ).

 

It was a little of both - I had a clunking sound only in the right front that occurred under certain conditions. Mini Service handled it extremely well, with professionalism, competency and commitment to resolve. It came to a point where it was better to start fresh so I made that choice with Mini to not continue to attempt repair. 2012 CM does not have the RF clunking sound. This clunking was different than the front/rear crashing of the suspension I was referring to that is also better in the 2012, I expect partly due to the 17" all-weather tires, but as I mentioned in the post, I think there's more that has changed in the 2012 suspension. I am extremely happy with the 2012 CM, and the 2011 was amazing as well which is why it was an easy decision to move forward with the 2012 CM.

 

Absolutely although I never had a near-shudder effect. I just noticed with the 2011 that it was too easy to almost stall. I would usually let the clutch out a little before a stall. What they've done is most likely a combination of refining the throttle tip-in, and also the clutch release, so it works more in harmony. There is no threatened stall now, and you don't have to rev the engine as much because you can apply a complementary amount of throttle and clutch at any level of urgency.

 

I agree with that completely. After test driving a 2012, I wondered what everyone was complaining about.

 

Thanks. I wonder if they can tune the 2011 to be more like the 2012.