Robb sent me this link today from Motoring File. What do you all think??? My verdict is still out.
http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/...otoringFile%29

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...an-photos.html

 

i dig it

 

I think I might like it....
Really have to see it in person to know for sure.

 

I also like what I see, especially the grill for some reason it looks like it is frowning. I want Rally to buy one and drop it to the ground I just hope they do a split tailgate.

 

Wow. Its a 4 door SUV sized MINI Cooper... go figure.

 

Another SUV, oh boy just what the world needs.

 

Thankfully they avoided the barn doors.

The headlights bug me.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/20/mf-analysis-mini-countryman/#more-10999

Well, looks like MINI is going ahead and releasing the info on it!
Unfortunately our network at work isn't letting me see the pics

 

Looked at the new pics and read the press release. Until I see it in person I'm gonna say I dig it too I'm really liking the movable back seat for more cargo room when you don't have people or maybe just one person/spawn in the car. For someone like me that has two large dogs and eventual spawn this MINI is looking nice. We'll just have to see on price and how much higher off the ground it is.

 

Finally got the pictures to pull up here at work
I'm definitely liking it ! Looking forward to hearing more about the rail down the middle and see what kind of plans they have for it.
My biggest concern is pricing. I'm hoping they don't set the sticker too high as I'm worried the market won't support it in addition to my budget!

 

I suppose this MINI will have the highest starting MSRP out of all the models to date?

 

I would think the JCWs and Cabrios would be higher still... but who knows!

I defiantly think it has potential. I know it's a "SUV" but I really hope they keep the size down and the go-kart-handling. Hard to say now, as all of the pics are angled right to make the car look small w/o showing any real size comparisons. It will be a nice option for people that can't make a Cooper/Clubman work due to children/family size.

Either way, I think it will be a nice addition to the lineup. Plus they might get back into Rallying with it! I just see a lot of 'haters' saying the same thing about this as they did about the Clubman (and many now OWN a Clubbie)

Come on 2011... I want to see it!

 

Um... eww? There's nothing on it I like in those pics, it's gonna have to grow on me. Who would put stock MINI wheels/tires on an SUV? At least put something a little more aggressive on there!

From the proportions, that rear MINI logo ain't so mini! lol

I like what they did with the interior though... interesting upgrade to the dash that slopes down more leaving the vents protruding out more (would look nice in the 55/56/57's too!). Kinda like that ebrake handle too if that's what I'm looking at there. I like how they raised the "aircraft" switches on the center console, but just put more right below it not solving the "can't hit the button with my cup sitting here!" syndrome. Love the door panels with a more R53 feel to it.

Wonder if I can put my Clubbie on a diet, then put this AWD system in it. Wouldn't have to worry about those STi's and Evo's anymore! lol

 

Guess you can call me a hater Robb. Love the Clubbie, hate that abomination of an SUV. MINI has really lost its way I'm afraid. Nothing MINI about that thing.

 

x2

 

Looks like a Hyundai SUV.

 

Meh, guess I just have a lot of faith in the brand and hope she'll still hug the curves and rip the S's just right.

Should help ensure the MINI brand sticks around since so many feel the other MINIs are "too small and 'unsafe". And if that's the case, we'll still have our Coopers (S if you must...) to drive for a LONG time

Time will tell (oh, and let's get a move on with production versions of the 'coupe'!)

 

With all of that ground clearance & a way tall center of gravity that abomination will not handle like a MINI. No way no how, but as you say time will tell.

 

Looks like the work of the same designer that re-did the Outback...

 

ewww, now that you say that... that's all I can think of! That being said, it's closer to the Outback in regards to being more 'cross-over' than 'suv' IMHO.

 

That new Scooby is no beauty, but at least the Outback is only trying to be an Outback. That new abomination that BMW is trying to pass of as a MINI is just wrong on so many levels. ewwww....

 

Motoringfile.com has some videos for those that like to see them moving-pictures.

Motoringfile Videos

 

If you are worried about how it will drive go take a X3 for a test drive. I do not love the idea of a Mini SUV, but if someone is going to build it BMW is the one to do it.

 

Do you think it will handle like the X3? I've not driven one... would X3 handling be a positive or negative thing? Might have to go try that out. I thought I heard some mention of a BMW X1??? Am I just confused?

I agree, not a fan of owning an suv, but if it comes to pass I have the option of a MINI brand SUV or a mini van/other suv, it'll be the MINI. Hopefully the clubman will continue to fill our needs, but one of these days, we'll probably have a spawn to make fit in the boot (or the seat if they are good that week! ) and the extra doors/larger space will be nice for family trips. And of course, I'll still have my justa-cooper for the commute!