R60 Drove a new Countryman...nice but not nice enough to think about trading up
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 103
Likes: 14
From: Thurston County, WA
Drove a new Countryman...nice but not nice enough to think about trading up
Recently while my 2012 MCS was in for maintenance and repairs the dealer gave me a loaner car, a 2018 MCS with all the extras. It was fun to see how the car has evolved but I was thrilled to get my own Mini back.
They have changed a few things. Cup holders are actually adequate and not in the way of switch-gear. Switches and controls are slightly less quirky. Cabin materials were plush. Overall ride was quieter.
The model they gave me had the Nav system installed. No thanks. It seems to be a fine system, but I use my phone for all navigation so the system was not that helpful and largely annoying with all the random menus and options. I would rather have the dinner plate speedometer.
It did not feel any sportier, faster or more composed on the road. It was slightly more refined....which for me was a bit of a negative. I feel more connected to car and road in my 2012. But for some this will be improvement and likely appeal to more buyers.
It was still a very fun car, but I am not pining to upgrade any time soon.
They have changed a few things. Cup holders are actually adequate and not in the way of switch-gear. Switches and controls are slightly less quirky. Cabin materials were plush. Overall ride was quieter.
The model they gave me had the Nav system installed. No thanks. It seems to be a fine system, but I use my phone for all navigation so the system was not that helpful and largely annoying with all the random menus and options. I would rather have the dinner plate speedometer.
It did not feel any sportier, faster or more composed on the road. It was slightly more refined....which for me was a bit of a negative. I feel more connected to car and road in my 2012. But for some this will be improvement and likely appeal to more buyers.
It was still a very fun car, but I am not pining to upgrade any time soon.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 53
Likes: 7
Thanks for sharing. We test drove both and settled on an R60. The new Countryman is just too big to wear a Mini badge. The R60 is so efficient with interior space. Plenty of room for all passengers. It’s a shame they went the way of every other auto maker and made it much bigger.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,965
Likes: 393
From: In the here and now, for now.
My co-pilot designed and bought her '15 CM which I ride in once in a while and occasionally refuel for her. It just ain't MINI, you'll have to pry the key to my '06 R52 from my dying, quivering hand...and there's some Classic Mini guys out the laughing their ***** off.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 246
From: Washington state
Thanks for sharing. We test drove both and settled on an R60. The new Countryman is just too big to wear a Mini badge. The R60 is so efficient with interior space. Plenty of room for all passengers. It’s a shame they went the way of every other auto maker and made it much bigger.
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