As expected, two new colors are being added (although I have not seen any mention of the surf blue color being discontinued as I had been told by the Dealers), window power buttons are moved to the door handles, a couple of new vents added by the center speedometer and a new black color ring around it as well as new material for the door inserts and of course the standard bench seat. They also do not mention much detail about the new packages, despite the fact that the dealers have all that info available to them as of Oct 1st.

Here are some sights that provide some info:
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...tryman-preview

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...NEWS/121109972

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11...ergonomic.html

 

DO YOU KNOW IF THE NEW 2013 COUNTRYMAN S WILL HAVE AIR INTAKE TUNNELS LIKE THE 2012's DID?v

 

Adam --

Just in case you didn't know...most folks who post on forums do not use all capitals; using all caps is regarded as "shouting" and shows poor "form".

The front brake ducts on the "S" version are a bit of a differentiator between models as is the upper front grille. I doubt that MINI would change that in the 2013 model year.

Also, the Autoweek article stated:
The current "Sport" button does absolutely nothing to the suspension. So, either the author of the article is laboring under a misconception or MINI has introduced electronically adjustable shocks in 2013. Frankly, I'll wager a great deal of cash on the former rather than the later!

HTH,

 

Correct. The sport button does nothing to suspension. The other feature is, it makes the steering response more direct, according to OM.

 

Ah...the Owner's Manual...not devoid of its own marketing lingo, eh what?

Technically, it reduces the amount of power steering assistance when the car is traveling at speed. I think that could loosely translate to making the steering response feel more direct. More actual direct steering response would need (IMHO) an adjustment like a change in tire height/width/pressure or different suspension/alignment settings. Obviously, the sport button can't make those changes.

 

So, in looking at those photos...

WHERE IS THE SPORT BUTTON?!?!?!?!

 

It probably goes in the empty spot to the right of the unlock button.

 

It looks like an S with the base model grill. I love that they moved it but I HATE the button design they used.. Should of kept it original to match the other buttons MINI....

 

Here are the High Resolution Press images from BMW Group on the 2013 model.

Autumn 2012 Refresh Interior:



"Remodelled door armrests provide even more comfortable support for the arms, and the controls for the electric windows are now also positioned in the door trim. A full control panel is integrated into the door armrest on the driver’s side. The switches clustered here include the controls for all the windows, the deactivation facility for the rear window controls and adjustment for the exterior mirrors. Moving the window controls away from the centre console also optimises access to the larger storage compartment below it."



As for the center console being more free that is true, but not sure where they put the sport button unless it is the button that is between the door lock and what looks like the fog lamps.

 

The Sport Button is now a toggle switch two away from the passenger heated seat button. (it's in this write up) http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-5276041/

 

Picture shows a European Specked car, you can tell by the speedo, however is that a two spoke steering wheel or just a poor quality photo? Also no buttons for cruise, phone or audio functions

 

But if you look at my link you will see a US outfitted CM.

 

I pulled the images from the BMW Group press page for the autumn 2012 refresh for the Countryman so that is most likely why the speedo is in kilometers. The press release didn't exactly say anything about the steering wheel.

mrluckypa's photos do show the toggle switch which is the empty space on the press photos.

 

"Remodelled door armrests provide even more comfortable support for the arms" - that's a good fix. The armrests are to shallow and slanted to actually rest your arm on. Not major but a nice fix.