#1 US Market Complaint About MINI Countryman

I've been meaning to post this 'ridonculous' finding that surfaced about a month ago on MotoringFile. While Countryman is the largest MINI ever, according to research MINI USA has received, its #1 complaint from US is...... It's too small! Remember Countryman is a MINI that raised eyebrows of many MINI faithfuls when it was first unveiled. But just like all other MINI (R50, R53 and R56) many American consumers think it's not big enough.

MINI bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva (show) in March 2012.

We finally have a confirmation from MINI that Countryman JCW is coming. It was no secret that MINI was preparing one for our consumption, but it was rather a matter of 'When' than 'If'. According to Autoblog and MotoringFile, we can expect more out of JCW model range starting Countryman JCW. For starters, rather than stock Countryman Cooper S suspension set up (under previous JCW model setup), JCW will now have more aggressive suspension setup as standard. That means the car will sit 10 mm lower with stiffer spring rate and large anti-rollbars. It will also feature prince engine with horsepower rating well above 210hp - perhaps 220-225hp range?

However, what it is not is the rumored Prodrive version of Countryman. Prodrive version is suppposed to be a super Countryman that is basically a road version of Countryman WRC racer.

Countryman JCW will arrive on our shores summer/fall of 2012. Price? Expect starting price at around 33k.

[ Source :: Autoblog | MotoringFile ]

MINI Sales Figures November 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 4,750 automobiles in November, up 70.5% from the 2,786 sold in November 2010.  Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 25.4% on volume of 51,800 compared to 41,324 in the first eleven months of 2010.


“The results are exciting because it means customers are not only buying in record numbers they are also ordering customized vehicles,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “This will be the best sales year ever for MINI thanks to our expanding model line-up, and there’s more to come!”

Countryman ALL4 - Snow

Hi All!

Now that I've had my Countryman for two whole snow storms, I figured it would be a good time to share my thoughts on the ALL4 (All Wheel Drive system) as well as how the MINI performs in the snow!

Happy Thanksgiving from CountrymanMotoring!

My First Post!

Hello Countryman Community!

My name is Kyle Conner and Aaron has kindly let me be a co-poster on this blog!

I would like to start off with a post about Kowalski (my Countryman).  It is a 2012 S All4 with a Light White exterior and a Lounge Leather Carbon Black interior.  The car has been a BLAST to drive so far!  With only 1,191 carefully driven miles on it, the break in period is only 9 miles from being completed.  It will be nice to finally see what this thing will do.

As a side note, I would like to share with you my plans for posting here on CountrymanMotoring.  I am going to focus my blog posts on my MINI, and my experience with it (modifications, service, road trips, etc) as well as talking a bit about the Countryman community on the East Coast.

I look forward to getting to know a great community of MINI owners!

Here is another photo of Kowalski:

Kyle

MINIprofile #004 :: Paige's 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 a.k.a Babar

CountrymanMotoring's fourth MINIprofile looks into Paige's 2011 Cooper S Countryman All4, a.k.a Babar. Paige has been an avid reader of CountrymanMotoring and decided to share her happy motoring experience with Babar. So.. without any further delay, we proudly present Paige and Babar!

MINI at LA Auto Show

LA Auto Show officially starts tomorrow, and CountrymanMotoring brings you the early preview of the MINI booth. I didn't bring my better camera.. so images from my iPhone 3GS would have to do. Obviously, the new MINI Coupe tates the center stage. Displayed are a pair of MINI Coupe models, Cooper S and JCW. MINI Coupe JCW is striking the White Silver with Red Roof combo.. which I like quite a bit. Exterior is purely iconic. You cannot miss this car as anything else on the road today. Truely unique. While some, my coworker for example, may not like the helmet roof, I think it's a well done piece. I also did like the more cozy feeling of Coupe interior with more raked windsheild and lower roof.

CountrymanMotoring welcomes Kyle as a new blogger!

Today, CountrymanMotoring welcomes Kyle from New Canaan, CT as a new blogger. He has been an avid reader and recently took the delivery of his Cooper S Countryman All4. I am sure he is having tons of good time with his brand spanking new Countryman in the east coast. Countryman is his family's second MINI after R57 Cooper S Convertible. They love MINI and they expect to continue to drive one.
He also has two beautiful dogs who will definitely be riding shotgun with him in the Countryman.

Recaro Seats are coming to MINI... all models except Countryman (and Convertible)

MINI USA is adding Recaro Seats MINI fans have been asking for as an option starting 2012 March build. Awesome I say.. as my other car, GTI 337, has special Recaro Seats and it provides amazing support. However, it comes with two catches. The option will be available on R55 Clubman, R56 Hatch, R58 Coupe and R59 Roadster....... that's it. It is not available on Countryman and Convertible model. BOOOOOOOO~~~! Another one is the price. If you check Recaro Seats option box when you order yours (known as option 4FA), you should expect to shall out $3,000 on Cooper models and $2750 on MCS and JCWs. It does, however, includes heated seats.

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #005 MINI Connected Controls

One of the great things you get with MINI Connected has to be the control joystick, a.k.a Nipple IMHO. It is a well placed, designed, engineered, crafted piece of human-machine interface that also provide a good feedback. With the included center armrest setup, your fingertips are right on the 'Nipple', ready to take control of the in-vehicle infortainment system, all the while your right (or left if you are in some countries) arm is comfortably resting on the 'armrest'. I think ergonomics team at MINI design/engineering should get a star for placing the 'nipple' at an excellent location.

MINI Sales Figures October 2011

What a month for the Countryman! MINI Countryman had its best month ever in October with 2,012 sales (coinciding with delivery of 2012 model year Countryman!) Overall, MINI USA reported sales of 5,415 automobiles in October.  The October 2011 sales are up 37.1% from the 3,950 sold in October 2010.  Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 22.1% on volume of 47,050 compared to 38,538 in the first ten months of 2010.

What's very remarkable this month is how close Countryman sales had caught up with Hardtop sales, the definite volume leader for all these years. With sales number of 2,012, it is only 65 units shy of Hardtop sales of 2,077. It was speculated before that it was only a matter of time that Countryman sales could catch up to Hardtop sales, but not this fast.

VIDEO :: MINI Roadster promo shot in Istanbul, Turkey

MINI has release first exclusive video of its spanking new Roadster with the continuing theme of "Another Day, Another Adventure", first campaigned for Coupe model. While I enjoyed the Coupe video, something seems not delivering quite yet. Two twins-like guys in 2 seater convertible heading to.... ??? I am thinking there is 2nd or 3rd part of this series, telling us the whole story. For now, I guess we only get Part 1. Video after the jump

Living with MINI :: my Countryman's Chrome Tape FAIL *UPDATE

Back in early September, I've reported the unfortunate quality issue of MINI Countryman's DLO chrome trim tape peeling off. After two months, the part still haven't been replaced due to 'lack of inventory' according to my dealer South Bay MINI. Since it's only a small cosmetic issue, I actually haven't pushed hard to get it fixed. However, since they claim that they still have not received the parts from the factory, I am starting to suspect whether MINI is serious in addressing this issue or not. 

MINIprofile #003 :: George's 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman, a.k.a Fenton

 CountrymanMotoring's thrid MINIprofile looks into George's 2011 Cooper S Countryman All4, a.k.a Fenton. His Countryman was actually a shipmate of my own Countryman - they were both aboard Auriga Leader for a long cross Atlantic voyage - as another MINIprofiler Chuck & Yolanda. The Fenton actually came out of the factory with Black roof, but switched his hat to white recently. You can find out the behind story in this session of MINIprofile!

SPONTANEOUS, OPEN, IRRESISTIBLE: THE MINI ROADSTER.

MINI has finally unveiled the sixth member of its growing family, MINI Roadster. Essentially an open top version of the Coupe that was introduced a few month ago, the two-seater convertible aims to bring more fun and thrills to open motoring, sitting 20 millimeters lower than a traditional Mini convertible, and adding exclusive chassis tuning, electronic differential lock control, rollover bars and active rear spoiler. Full press release after the jump.

2012 Countryman and used 2011 Countryman hitting the market!

It's October and the Fall car shopping season is here! The new MY2012 MINI Countryman models have started hitting your local MINI dealer (or getting yours if you've ordered one in the past months), and so are some 'previously-Motored' 2011 Countryman models. Quick look around at Autotrader and eBay reveals that the inventory of 2012 Countryman are growing, representing more selections to those 'gotta have it now' customers. 122 available Countryman models are at the dealer lots in greater Los Angeles area - it compares to 27 Countryman models available only a month ago) The number increases to 126 if you include 4 pre-owned sales. Then on eBay, there are twelve 2011 Countryman models on sale by both private and dealer, and includes one example with just over 10,000 miles to a few brand new, unsold 2011 models from a dealer in Ohio. So, grab your check book and bring your best poker face to put a Countryman into your garage!

[ Source :: AutoTrader | eBay Motors ]

Countryman Photo of the Day

I freaking love the shot above, taken by Flickr member Erik Hagman. The stoney environment combined with sunset in the background and dust trails makes it almost surreal and very alien-planet like feel to it - not to mention desaturated, sephia tone of the image. You can see more of his great work at his Flickr site >>

[ Source :: Flickr ]

MINI Sales Figures September 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 3,999 automobiles in September.  The September 2011 sales are down 18.1% from the 4,884 sold in September, 2010. The Hardtop sale is down wooping 43% compared to September of 2010. Countryman's sale is inching up to Hardtop, only about 680 units behind the Hardtop! I believe MY2012 Countryman are being delivered to customers which explains the big jump compared to last month's dismal sales of 642 units. Both Convertible and Clubman sales are quite steady at 400+ units comparing to previous months.

MINI is certainly blaming on low inventory for its low sales, but I wonder if there are other factors involved such as Fiat 500 finally effecting MINI Hardtop sales.

CountrymanMotoring goes to... Seoul.

Whlie my own MINI Countryman is in good hands back in LA, I am enjoying my stay in Seoul, Korea. I am looking forward to my encounter with Countryman here in Seoul.

MINI vs MINI (MINI Countryman vs Morris Mini Minor, to be precise)

When the MINI Countryman was first unveiled to the world last year at 2010 Geneva Auto Show, it was initially met with lots of skepticism, mainly for its size: It's simply too BIG to be a MINI. So UK's AutoExpress magazine put MINI Countryman side-by-side with original Morris MINI Minor. Full article after the jump.

Report :: MINI Countryman inventory at So California dealers

Last time I checked the MINI Countryman inventory at So. California MINI centers, the number was around 155 cars (May 25, 2011). Today I checked it and the current inventory of MINI Countryman models is at around only 27 cars [unofficial]- including Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S All4! Of those, 24 are Cooper S models including ALL4. That leaves only 3 cars to be non-turbo Cooper. This could explain why I have been seeing lots of Countryman in Los Angeles freeways and city streets as of late. Customers have been snatching them up while dealers are not getting any new inventories due to model year change. With only 27 cars available in LA area, your choices will be very limited if you need one right away. However, on the flip side, I am sure dealers are willing to negotiate on those few remaining 2011 Countryman. But... if you want your very own, simply get ready to endure the long 2 month wait and order one!

[ source :: AutoTrader ]

MINI Sales Figures August 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 3,109 cars in August.  The August 2011 sales are down 29.7% from the 4,425 sold in August, 2010. The sales are down considerably compared to August of 2010 as well as previous month. MINI blames lack of inventory for the decrease in sales.

“Lack of inventory slowed MINI sales in August due to our annual model year change over in July,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “MINI has been fortunate to maintain a tight supply of inventory and many customers submitted specifications for custom MINIs in August so we are confident this will be reflected in September and October sales continuing our momentum this year.”

Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 26.7% on volume of 37,636 compared to 29,704 in the first eight months of 2010.

Living with MINI :: my Countryman's Chrome Tape FAIL

Yup. It happened at last. The chrome molding tape along DLO (Day Light Opening in designer's term) of my Countryman has started peeling. It has been a known issue (first reported case was back in June) and while I wasn't too surprised to see it, it was quite a sad moment I must say. Use of chrome tape is quite cheap enough, but seeing it peel in person in my own Countryman was quite a letdown.

MINI Paceman confirmed for production

MINI Paceman, basically a three door version of MINI Countryman, is confirmed for production according to Car and Driver. It has been no secret, we now have a official word from MINI chief Kay Segler that we will see Paceman (The name still might change) on the road for 2013 or 2014 model year. Other than losing two doors, slightly lower roof, and other necessary design changes, you can expect same level of technical specification and equipment/trim level as Countryman.

[ Source :: Car and Driver ]

MINI Connected / Navigation shortage coming to an end

Due to certain parts shortage directly caused by Japanese Tsunami, ordering MINI Connected with/with out Navigation was unavailable for past few month. (Reported Back in May) Now, good folks at MotoringFile is reporting that such constraint is ending as of August production. This is surely a welcome news to those who delayed their MINI order because of it and new shoppers looking to order one. So don't miss out on the good stuff and order one!

[ Source :: MotoringFile ]

Living with MINI :: MINI Countryman Owner's Focus Group

Last month, I've participated in a focus group (market research meeting) for new MINI Countryman owners paid for by MINI and organized by a market research firm. For those not familiar with focus group, it is "a form of qualitative research in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging." Generally, companies use focus group to gather above information from various consumers about their new, upcoming or existing products and services. I am not new to focus group as I participated in a focus group for Honda Element couple years back.  I even experienced it from behind the glass as a 'company' and have worked with market research firm before. So, it was exciting to be part of one again, especially as an owner of new MINI Countryman, about to meet with fellow Countryman owners!

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #004 Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting on Countryman is one feature that really sets it apart from anything else in the market. While there are some other examples, there is no car in the market at the time that has ambient lighting running in the middle of the interior front to back via center rail. My only gripe would be not getting the full, single center rail so that I can enjoy the AL to the max! (my Countryman has split rail set up) Also, the AL via oval shaped door accents is something very unique to Countryman. The ambient lighting add a very cool illuminated 'ambiance' to what would have been an otherwise very dark cockpit and interior space. I also love the fact that I can set up different colors depending on my mood or have them change automatically. Everyone who gets a ride in my Countryman always get 'Wow'ed by it as well (especially at night for obvious reason) I also like how Ambient lighting is always on when engine is on, independent of headlight on or off.

Living with MINI :: Complimentary Car Wash at South Bay MINI

One of the perks from South Bay MINI, the dealership I got my Countryman from, is the free any time hand car wash. All I have to do bring the car to the dealership, pull into the service drive and turn my flashers on. They will bring it to the back for a hand car wash and get it back to me, usually within 20-30 minutes. It is part of their VIP program for those who buy/lease from South Bay BMW/MINI. The perks included in VIP program is pretty much standard fare, with car wash and LAX-drop off being stand outs. 

So last Thursday, as I was taking a half day off, I drove down from my work in Santa Monica to South Bay MINI to get the car wash. This isn't the first time my Countryman received free car wash from South Bay. However, it is the first time I personally took the MINI in for one.

MINI Sales Figures July 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 4,711 automobiles in July.  The July 2011 sales are an increase of 8.9% over the 4,326 sold in July, 2010. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 36.6% on volume of 34,527 compared to 25,279 in the first seven months of 2010. 

Hardtop continues to be the volume leader while Countryman is a solid number 2. However, Hardtop sales is down hard compared to July 2010 at  wooping -26.8%. Clubman's sales actually increased 2.2% over the same month last year. Convertible sales continues the downward trend. More details after the jump.

WORLD PREMIER :: BMW reveals i3 and i8

BMW finally revealed its i3 and i8 today in Frankfurt. These two cars will spearhead BMW's effort in building electric cars. While dubbed as Concept, they are destined for production starting 2013 with only minor changes to the cars unveiled today. The whole blogsphere has been buzzing with many haters, but I personally think these two very progressively styled cars look pretty darn sweet, especially the i8. I have been a big fan of it ever since I've witnessed the unveiling of Efficient Dynamics concept at 2009 Frankfurt Autoshow. Such a bold, progressively styled car designers want to build, but many times shutdown by the management. Also, what BMW is doing promoting its sub 'i' brand is simply brilliant. While other manufactures simply unveil electric cars and say they are 'green' 'going to the future', BMW does an excellent job laying down ground for the new philosophy for brand and shaping its "i" sub brand.

One thing to note is the turbocharged 1.5-Liter 3 cylinder engine going into i8. Producing 220hp, this probably is the engine that will power next generation MINI Cooper S models.

Full press after the jump

2011 MINI Countryman wins the latest J.D Power APEAL study

In J.D Powers latest customer survey – the Automotive Performance and Layout Study (APEAL) – assessing satisfaction levels among North American new car buyers, 2011 MINI Countryman has emerged as the winner of its respective segment. The study, now in its 15^th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. 


The name, APEAL, which I think is brilliant(I am sure they had a killer brainstorm session for this), does say everything about this study. It basically measures how APPEALING the new car is to the owners! Thus as an owner of 2011 MINI Countryman, it's not a surprise to see Countryman as a winner ;)  Full Press release after the jump.

Why hasn't there been any post?

It's been nearly 10 days since my last post.. what happened! Well..for one, I was really really busy at work the whole last week. Worked 7 days straight on a few very important projects. My mind was very focused and didn't have much to spare on other important stuff including Countrymanmotoring.com (sorry MINI!) Two, I have given my beloved Countryman to my sister for the time being and I have been enjoying my faithful GTI with row-your-own transmission since. It provides me a good perspective being able to switch between the two and compare (I feel real comparison test is in order.. even though one's new and the other is 9 years old) But(!) that doesn't mean I am out of my Countryman! I have attended a focus group clinic with other Countryman owners, took Countryman to ACH for some rolling footages, and something else came up regarding my Countryman that I will share soon. So.. stay tuned! =)

Living with MINI :: Joy of Motoring

My friend Josh took this photo aboard Mazdaspeed3 as a passenger during the Ojai-Mariposa run couple weeks ago. Beautiful Day, Great Roads, Joyful moment with my MINI Countryman.

Carmageddon? What Carmageddon?

LA has been buzzing for weeks about the 'Carmageddon' - the traffic disaster predicted by the closure of one of the busiest stretch of already busy I-405. However, it is looking amazing good so far with virtually no traffic on the normally packed LA freeways. I had to drive from Burbank to Santa Monica this morning, and my Countryman enjoyed traffic free drive - it was actually even better than usual weekend with no shutdown. I guess citizens of LA got the message and staying local today! However, it ain't over yet..

**For those non-LA natives, the Red lined section of 405 between 101 and 10 is the closed section.

[ Source :: Sigalert | Metro ]

Mystery package from MINI has arrived! =)

The other day, I've received a mysterious package from MINI! What a pleasant surprise! (well.. I was actually waiting for something to arrive as that's what other owners were saying!) It was what seems like a black cotton back wrapped in vinyl with stencil style MINI Cooper S hardtop graphics throughout. There is definitely something inside the bag... What is it? Let the drum-roll begin!

MINI Countryman Effect

It is no secret that MINI Countryman brought on lots of controversy to the brand when it was introduced last year. Some MINI purists (They'd better drive Morris MINI, not R50 or any newer MINIs!) cried foul saying Countryman is no 'MINI' due to its.. well.. medium size. Critics also scorned the Countryman as a car that no longer carry the MINI characteristic with its aggressive and rugged stance with higher ground clearance and center of gravity, and 4 doors!! Well...while no one can argue about its bigger size (it's still 3.5 in shorter than Volkswagen Golf actually - 161.8in vs 165.4in) , many of us who've actually driven one and experience the car know that Countryman is undoubtedly and unmistakably a MINI with all DNA and traits that shape the BMW-built, modern MINI. Moreover, the new Countryman has fast become an essential member of MINI family, making up more than quarter of MINI's US monthly sales, and attracting tons of new customers around the world - making it possible for MINI to set new sales record for the brand, and it is not showing any sign of stopping.

Timothy Cain of GoodCarBadCar.net, an Auto Review, Analysis, Stats And Opinion blog that I frequent, wrote an interesting article on MINI Countryman's impact on the MINI line up. Head over to GoodCarBadCar.net to read more.

Living with MINI :: Photo Fun at Americana

click to enlarge

Every drive is an opportunity to capture the moment... 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman Surf Blue photo fun time at Americana, Glendale, CA 

Living with MINI :: MINI Connected | Vehicle Info

One of the menu in MINI Connected is Vehicle Info. It provides Onboard info, Trip computer, and Vehicle status. Onboard info lists travel range with current fuel level, average fuel consumption (MPG), and average speed. Trip computer lists departure time, trip duration, distance traveled, fuel consumption (MPG) and average speed for the trip. Vehicles status gives you visual notification of engine oil level, front and rear brake pads, front and rear tire pressure status, vehicle check (engine check?) and brake fluid level. Trip information can also be found in trip computer in tachometer information screen. (you must like orange color!).

All quite nifty stuff, but I do wish they provide more! Perhaps turbo boost gauge, engine oil temperature info and others. and I am quite not happy about MINIMALISM analyser and Mission Control is only available with expensive cradle $130 bucks or something like that - I am on the fence whether to get it or not. 

Screen captures after the jump.

Living with MINI :: My Surf Blue Countryman update

So I haven't posted much about my Countryman lately. To provide a little update, it now has slightly over 2,000 miles, and everything has been very good so far. I am just loving its funky good looks, especially Surf Blue exterior combined with Black roof and 18 inch anthracite Turbo Fan wheels, its punch 1.6-liter turbo 4pot engine, and well.. so many other things! Any problem? There are some squeaks developing! Arghhh.. It's almost a sound of Countryman's metal body twitching. Also, either the engine gets pretty hot or the cooling system needs extra work! Lot of times, the cooling fan needs to be on after engine shutoff and it's quite loud. Auxiliary pump is always on as well (after engine shutoff). Speaking of a fan, I am not a fan of Countryman's sunvisor either.

One thing for sure though.. I smile every time I get behind the wheels of my Countryman!

2012 MINI Countryman JCW (or 2013)

There is one trim missing from currently line-up of Countryman: the JCW model with higher output 1.6-liter turbo mill. While the rest of range, Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, and even the new Coupe model enjoy the JCW trim, it hasn't migrated onto Countryman just yet. As speculated, however, that is all about the change with Countryman JCW, which was caught testing at the ring. (as mentioned before, I am also quite fond of Black/While Roof/Chrome mirros/19" JCW wheel combo!)

According to Autoblog and other sources, the Countryman JCW will boast more power (yey~ more turbo boost!) than other JCW models, with 1.6-liter 4 pot turbo cranking out 220-230hp (currently JCW models have 208hp) powering all 4 wheels (ALL4) along with a new spoiler kit, complete with front aero work, side sills and a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

It surely will be quite pricey when it launches - probably starting around 33-34k - and even more expensive when configured with long list of available options, easily topping 40k. Would it be a desirable car? Yes I think so. Would I want one? Definitely. but for over 40k? That I will have to see, especially with excellent Golf R20 coming to stateside very soon.

[ Source :: Autoblog ]

MINI Countryman "Stacked" New York, NY by Justin Carrasquillo

Remember the encore of SUV stunt MINI pulled off last year during the introduction of MINI Countryman with classic Morris MINI sitting on top of MINI Countryman? Here, we have couple beautifully captured images of the campaign by photographer Justin Carrasquillo (Agency: Butler, Shine, Stern & Partner Client: MINI USA) 

MINI sales figures June 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 5,228 automobiles in June, a new record for the month.  The June 2011 sales are an increase of 26% over the 4,149 sold in June, 2010. Year-to-date MINI sales in the US are up 42.3% on the volume of 29,816 compared to 20,953 in the first six month of 2010. More details after the jump.

Creative Solution :: iPhone LandingPad

While the iPhone integration with MINI Connected is really cool, there are giant frustrating factors: The included iPhone holder is almost useless and with the short, supplied Y-cable, there is simply no good place to place your iPhone when connected other than the passenger seat or jamming it on the rail to mess up the style! So, that got fellow Countryman Owners, Chuck & Yolanda - also featured in MINIprofile - design their own solution to the problem. Cleverly named LandingPad is the result. As an industrial designer, Chuck designed and crafted the prototype out of wood and it fits within the center rail in a position above and immediately behind the gear shifter and does not interfere with the emergency brake handle. Check out a little clip Chuck & Yolanda provided after the jump. Great work and thanks for sharing Chuck & Yolanda!

MINI launches MINI Contryman Backstage

MINI launched MINI Countryman Backstage, a website where you will be able to take a look at behind the scenes of everything Countryman. MINI promises masses of information, hot news, exclusive backstage secrets, fascinating photos and exciting films. I've been peaking through, and there is loads of good stuff! Check out "The Best Of" preview video after the jump and check out MINI Countryman Backstage!

Used MINI Cooper S Countryman All4 with only 25 miles?

I was curious to see if I can find MINI Countryman on local craigslist listing, and there is one. It's Absolute Black 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4 with only 25 miles with asking price of $35,995. While the location is for Portland, Oregon, it somehow found its way to Los Angeles Westside-Southbay section of craigslist. The name of dealer is "Northwest Investment Cars" and they seem to have a quite a selection of rare and everyday cars. I am sure the dealership started as a brokerage for rare cars and evolved into current state with such name as NW Investment Cars?  I have no idea how a brand new car with 25 miles is now tagged as an 'used car' and landed there.

As for the car, it seems to have premium package, convenience package, cold weather package, steptronic, gravity polar beige leather, piano black cockpit surface, and xenon,. MSRP at $35,500 and maybe a few more. So asking price of $35,995 is basically for a new car MSRP (and it is new at 25 miles!) If you happen to want this Countryman All4, however, just make sure you negotiate and get a chuck off.. otherwise, I'd rather just buy new from MINI dealership.

[ Source : NW Investment Cars via Craigslist ] 

Both MINI JCW Coupe Endurance finishes Nürburgring 24 Hours

24 hours on the toughest circuit in the world: Both MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance cars have conquered the "Green Hell". And the finals results are nothing to sneeze at either.