MINI claims a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds for the base Countryman with a manual gearbox, while the S and S ALL4 can perform the same task in 7.6 and 7.9 seconds, respectively. The Countryman should also retain the Cooper’s go-kart steering and handling, but expect the high centre of gravity and extra weight to dilute that somewhat.
Inside, the four-passenger Countryman features the MINI Centre Rail, which runs down between the front and rear seats and acts as a centre console, but its clip-in features allows to snap on storage boxes, cupholders and external audio devices. The two individual rear seats can be replaced at no charge with a 40/20/40-split folding bench for five-passenger seating.
Cargo space is rated at 350 litres, but can increase to 1,170 litres with the rear seats folded.
Expect the same level of available comfort and convenience features that can be found in other Cooper models, such as leather upholstery, a navigation system, a sound system upgrade with a USB port and iPod integration, climate control, an intelligent key system and ambiance lighting.
Like when the Porsche Cayenne was announced, some may say the new MINI crossover betrays the company’s roots. But that probably won’t stop MINI from selling a bunch and increasing their showroom traffic. Remember, Cayenne sales gives Porsche money to continue selling low-volume cars like the 911; MINI Cooper Coupe and Roadster models will follow, so the MINI family will grow even more.
The Cooper Countryman should arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2011. Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but as usual we like guessing: $29,000 for the base Countryman, $34,000 for the S and $36,500 for the S ALL4.
 |
| Photo: BMW |
Inside, the four-passenger Countryman features the MINI Centre Rail, which runs down between the front and rear seats and acts as a centre console, but its clip-in features allows to snap on storage boxes, cupholders and external audio devices. The two individual rear seats can be replaced at no charge with a 40/20/40-split folding bench for five-passenger seating.
Cargo space is rated at 350 litres, but can increase to 1,170 litres with the rear seats folded.
Expect the same level of available comfort and convenience features that can be found in other Cooper models, such as leather upholstery, a navigation system, a sound system upgrade with a USB port and iPod integration, climate control, an intelligent key system and ambiance lighting.
Like when the Porsche Cayenne was announced, some may say the new MINI crossover betrays the company’s roots. But that probably won’t stop MINI from selling a bunch and increasing their showroom traffic. Remember, Cayenne sales gives Porsche money to continue selling low-volume cars like the 911; MINI Cooper Coupe and Roadster models will follow, so the MINI family will grow even more.
The Cooper Countryman should arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2011. Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but as usual we like guessing: $29,000 for the base Countryman, $34,000 for the S and $36,500 for the S ALL4.
 |
| Photo: BMW |
Article Gallery