I didn't say it .. but:

Here's an idea: Let's take everything good and loved about a MINI Cooper — diminutive size, clever packaging, subtle style, light weight — and throw all that out the window. Then replace it all with a big, flexible chassis, cartoonish styling and an optional all-wheel-drive system that provides good traction but that also increases weight and hurts the MINI's respectable fuel economy — that's the Countryman in a nutshell. This 3,200-pound "SUV" is the MINI theme taken to questionable heights, and while it handles and drives decently, it offers few advantages over an ordinary MINI. Good car? Yes. A necessary one? Not so much.

 

He's paid to have an opinion, so who cares what he says. I'm not paid to read his opinion, so I'll ignore it.

 

I totally agree. Although the Countryman is growing on me, I still hate the thought of it being a MINI.

 

Few advantages? I think being able to actually have an adult sit comfortably in the bag is a huge advantage, coupled with increased cargo area. And the All4, while adding weight, is an excellent step up in terms of poor weather traction compared to front wheel.

 

My MINI looks huge next to my neighbor's classic mini. I wish they'd start making smaller new MINIs (Rocketman??). Either that or I need to buy a classic Mini already.

 

Just going to leave this here...

 

All right BJ and John. Lets hear it; you both have original minis. Do our poser "minis" measure up?

 

I think the Countrymans look cool, I just always laugh when I see them next to each other. Makes the classic mini look like a little toy!

 

Yeah John, but burning museum scenario: you only have time to save one. It'd be your Austin, right? Better design, simpler, smaller, cooler. Right?

 

Depends what the use it, I wouldn't say it is cooler or has a better design. It is smaller and simpler that that is objective.


I don't think either are any better than each other. I just posted the picture because I think it is funny. Not trying to spark up a debate...

 

Not trying to put you on the spot, John-sorry.
To me the original mini is IT: a smartly sporty answer to economic and limited resource reality. The BMW version sometimes feels like a poor mirror of that thinking. Maybe I'm waxing nostalgic too much. I realize the amount of upkeep rolling vintage requires.

 

No worries! I think the main aspect that pushed the Mini to MINI is safety. You need a larger car to accommodate crush zones and airbags, etc. Do I still think they could have made the car a little smaller, sure! But then again with the Austin, it really is a steel can with nothing else to protect you haha!

For a classic car, it really is great and the amount of fun you can have with one is amazing. For practicality the new MINI is better, I look at it this way - we are also traveling a lot further now than many people might have back several decades ago.

So you need a car that is a little better for short drives and long ones. Things get a little uncomfortable after 2 hours in the classic

 

Gotta agree here. I actually believe that MSN autos reviews are terrible.
But for some reason, I read them all (I really should stop).

On the contrary, I too was upset when the Countryman came about: I did not think that it was a MINI at all. However, when thinking for a "family car" (and loving my Cooper S), I think the Countryman will be the car of choice.

 

The existence of the countryman solidifies that my next car will also be a mini, where as I couldn't justify two small cars with little cargo space and two doors. I can justify a mini and a countryman. I also live in an area that sees decent snow and need an all wheel drive option. So good call imo.

 

The CM is proof that the Isuzu Vehicross was years and years ahead of the style curve. When my wife wants out of her current Honda I'll be directing her toward a previously loved CM ALL4 most likely...