The June issue of Motor Trend has a nice story on the Countryman. They call it the "Mini Monster"

 

Motor Trends First Test:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html

Motor Trends First Drive:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...l_4/index.html

 

Thanks, those were really nice to read... I thought the first one made a good point that partly MINI made the Countryman to help keep existing customers, many of which probably bought when younger and might be starting a family now...

I myself was really wanting AWD, so the Countryman came along at just the right time for me.

 

Absolute perfect timing. My wife wanted one for the longest time and was turned off by the smallness of the hardtop and cabrio. When we saw the CM in a mall. (thanks Mini of MT Laurel) we both thought we need to take this out for a test drive. First test drive not so good (low fuel light was on) had to rush to get it back. Second (rock the rivals) phenomenal! We are going to order soon.

 

Absolute perfect vehicle for me, I loved my R56, but I hated not having AWD, and the extra room is huge. But honestly, this is the only car that met every one of my needs in a vehicle, Juke came close (and I still might wind up getting one as a second car), but no xenons, CVT, and that but ugly front kept me away. An SUV that handles like a sports car, you can park in the city, and is good on gas, a dream come true.

 

A while back in another lifetime (Married) My wife and I test drove a Mustang. The low fuel warning light came on so I stopped at a gas station and put $5,00 worth of gas in it. At that time gas was about $1.10 per gal.

I called the salesman and told him I'll bring the Mustang back when I use up the gas I had to put in because someone at the dealership was stupid. We kept the car most of the day and I liked it so much I bought it.

 

Great idea!! Now all I have to do is get a dealer to let me take the car for an extended test drive like a full day. There are none to rent in the Philly/ South NJ area. (at least I can't track em down.) That way I can see how the seats are on my back. (sport vs standard)

 

Forgot to mention that we had the MA with us apparently the light was on b4 we took the cm out.