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.

LIVE : The 24 Hours of Nurburgring

MOBILE UPDATE Audi TV live cast of the 24 hours nurburgring is working very well... It's just in German.

1:13 PST  Now Live cast + Music, No commentary

LIVE UPDATE from MINI Motorsport

25 Jun 08:36 MINI #146 is 108th after 23 laps.

25 Jun 07:21 Insider from the pits: Things starting to look positive for MINI #147. Likely to re-enter the race. MINI #146 is back on the track after a pitstop and driver change number two. Jürgen Schmarl is now at the wheel.

25 Jun 06:53 While car no. 147 is still being worked on, car no. 146 has worked its way back up to 78th after 15 laps. Go, go, go ...

MINI JCW Coupe Endurance Practicing at 24 Hours of the ‘Ring

Yup! It's this weekend! The 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. Courtesy of MotoringFile, we can see JCW Coupe Endurance in motion at the ring practicing for the big race.

[ Source :: Youtube via MotoringFile ]

MINI takes 5th place (from the bottom) for JD Power's 2011 U.S. Initial Quality Study

Here is a piece of not-so-TGIF news. MINI ranked proud(?) 5th from the Bottom for JD Power's 2011 U.S. Initial Quality Study. The study found MINI had 131 problems  per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of the new-vehicle ownership. Only 4 brands, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Dodge, scored worse than MINI. Its parent company, BMW, was ranked at 13th (from the top) right behind Subaru with 109 problems. MINI was 4th from the bottom with 133 problems last year (2010).. thus at least it made a mini improvement!The top honor goes to Lexus with 73 problems followed by Honda with 86 problems.

This study isn't just counting physical problems, it also measures overall complaints about the feature of the car. (Consumers are asked to rate both mechanical quality (i.e., defects and malfunctions) and design quality (how well a particular feature works or operates).) While I am curious to see what areas MINI scored not-so-good, the press release doesn't go into specifics of the study (I am sure you will have to pay big bucks to see the whole details!) MINI is not a brand known for its great quality (for example, the chrome tape used for exterior trim peeling only after 2 weeks!) and I do not make my car buying decision by this type of study alone. However, there are plenty of others who take this information very seriously when purchasing a car, and as a owner of MINI, I do hope to see MINI doing better in the future.

Full press release after the jump.

MINI JCW Coupe Endurance

This weekend, the famous Nürburgring will be filled with 24 hours of excitement and MINI is joining the festivity with its hot off the press MINI Coupe. The car, officially named MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance will be competing "SP 3T" class of the 39th  Nürburgring 24-hour race. This year's wildly popular Nürburgring 24 will feature factory teams from most German manufactures - Porsche (911 GT3 R), BMW (M3 GT), Audi (R8 LMS), Mercedes Benz (SLS AMG GT3), Volkswagen (Golf GT24) among so many others. While I won't be there this year, I surely hope to make it sometime in the future.... Following is some related information.

Official site: adac.24h-rennen.de/Home.168.0.html?&L=1

Entry list: http://adac.24h-rennen.de/fileadmin/24h/Teilnehmerliste%2024h2011_06_03_15_40_27.pdf

Coverage

Radio Le Mans: www.radiolemans.com/

Audi TV: tv.audi.com/#/02

Official press release after the jump

Living with MINI :: Pandora via MINI Connected

While I haven't wrote much about MINI Connected yet (I will write more in coming days), one of the features that I like is its seamless integration with Pandora. (Pandora is a wonderful internet radio for those not familiar with it) I am a frequent listener/fan of Pandora, but wasn't able to listen much on my GTI as my 9 year old car doesn't even come with AUX input for its Moonsoon sound system - only the cheap tape adapter would makes it possible. It's a whole different story in my MINI Countryman as I can simply connect my iPhone to MINI Connected (via supplied Y-Cable), listen as I wish, and even control everything all through MINI Connected without even touching my iPhone.

OFFICIAL :: THE MINI COUPE

Yesterday, MINI officially took wraps off of highly anticipated (among MINI fanatics at least) the MINI Coupe. I've seen it in person back in 2009 during the unveiling at Frankfurt Auto Show and was quite fond of it. Now that it is officially out, I am digging it even more, especially that JCW pictured above with nice White-ish color (Coupe exclusive it seems) with Red roof/mirrors and stripes. Believe it or not, when time comes, JCW Coupe will have a chance to fight with Cayman S and M3 to win my heart! Official press release after the jump.

OFFICIAL :: Complete Model Year 2012 MINI Lineup Pricing

MINI officially released MY2012 MINI Lineup pricing. As reported, the bass MSRP has been increased by $100 across the range ($800 for JCW models which now include JCW Aero Kits) Full chart available after the jump

MINIprofile #002 :: Chuck & Yolanda's 2011 Cooper S Countryman

CountrymanMotoring's second MINIprofile looks into Chuck & Yolanda's 2011 Cooper S Countryman. Their Countryman was actually a shipmate of my own Countryman - they were both aboard Auriga Leader for a long cross Atlantic voyage. Chuck was the first commenter on CountrymanMotoring! (Thanks Chuck!) and we have been sharing information throughout the journey. Proudly presenting Chuck & Yolanda's Countryman!

MY Changes for 2012 MINI Countryman. 2012MY Pricing Guide

2012 MY Pricing information is now available at MINI dealerships. The base MSRP has been increased by $100 across all model range. It does now include carpeted floor mat.  The revised Premium Package price remains same at $1750 while the new Technology Package is $2000 (Center Armrest, Rear Park Distance Control, Harman-Kardon sound system and MINI Connected)

Complete 2012 MY MINI Countryman Pricing Information

Living with MINI :: Finally 300+ miles with single tank

My MINI Countryman finally traveled more than 300 miles on a single tank of gas meeting the claimed fuel consumption number of 28 mpg city/highway combined. I did some heavy driving this past weekend - including some nice winding mountain/country road (more on that later) and drove more than 320 miles with 11.3 gallons of premium 91 octane gasoline. It yields 28.3 mpg, which compares nicely to 2 previous mileage rating of around 23 mpg I had gotten. Out of 320 miles, I did around 100 miles of spirited mountain road driving while the rest were easy freeway cruising and city driving. 

While 28 mpg really isn't something to write home about as 40 mpg (highway) is becoming quite the norm, it definitely beats my GTI with 1.8 Turbo engine + 6 speed manual trans. in terms of mpg rating. Happy enough!

Oh yeah.. and first 1000 miles report is due!

MY Changes for 2012 MINI Countryman. 2012MY Order Guide [UPDATE]

MINI has small changes in store for MY (Model Year) 2012 MINI Countryman. While there isn't much information on when the shortage for MINI Connected will be resolved, NAM member Rktcynst is reporting that dealers are receiving MY 2012 ordering guide for MINI Countryman. Read more for the details. Thanks to Rktcynst for this info!

Bling Bling Hot Wheels MINI (a.k.a what not to do with your MINI)

The beauty is in the eyes of beholder.. I was reminded of this particular idiom today when I went out for lunch in my Countryman and saw a bling bling chromed out R53 MINI Cooper S adorned with random decals including Hot Wheels like 55 with flames. Basically every possible trim is decorated with chrome - wheels, around the doors, pillars, vents.. you name it, it's covered. Then there are these random decals - Flames, skull.. If what owner wanted was an attention, he/she definitely scores plenty of points on that. Other than that, it is a living proof of what a combination of bad taste and disposable income can do to your MINI. But that's strictly IMHO. 

Each to their own.

Pure Red MINI Countryman wallpaper is here!

Pure Red MINI Countryman wallpaper is here, courtesy of MINI of Australia! Click the image above.

VIDEO :: Colby Elrick's Fixed-Gear Crew Rolls to Gilroy's Wheeltalk Compound

Biking world icon Colby Elrick takes his MINI Countryman Wanderlust event and SKYLMT team off-road to shoot a fixie film in the wilderness 200 miles from downtown San Francisco. Video after the jump

[ Source :: Youtube via MINI Space ]

PHOTO :: MINI Countryman Safety Car

MINI Countryman Safety Car for MINI Challenge. It wears nice solid Bright Green with Black roof and White mirror cap with sweet looking JCW package, Driving lamp, and Black Bazel headlamp housing - I dig that!! No info on performance modifications if any other than lowered suspension perhaps. More photos after the jump.

What is MINI Challenge you ask? It is the one make race championship for MINI Cooper and Cooper S. For more info, head over to MINI Challenge official site

[ Source :: BimmerToday ]

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #003 Performance oriented Handling characteristics

No 003 is the performance oriented ride & handling. MINI is famous for its Go-Kart like handling and Countryman is no exception. With firm spring, front and rear anit-sway bars, combined with fully independent suspension on all 4 wheels, the ride of MINI Countryman is firm and composed with minimal body roll. Steering is quite direct and precise, especially with the Sport button. The bouncy ride is not for everyone as some might say the ride is also harsh as the firm springs do not allow much room to absorb all the bumps on the road, but I very much prefer firm ride as opposed to soft suspension set up. The Countryman does exhibit more body roll than the smaller and lower Hardtop, and I do wish I opted for optional Sport Suspension that beefs up with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and perhaps even firmer springs and shocks, which I am sure will provide even firmer ride and less body roll providing even better experience through winding road.  Nonetheless, MINI Countryman is a fun car to drive around that puts smile every time I get behind the wheels.

Union Jack Sneakers by MINI

 MINI has created the Union Jack Sneakers by MINI for its MINI Lifestyle Collection. They come in classic blue with soles and laces in contrasting white, adorned with the famous Union Jack details. It surely carries MINIness, throughout, and is bound to be a must have for sneaker nut MINI owners.

 I surely will be checking it out when it becomes available. Full press release after the jump.

How many days does MINI Countryman stay on the dealer lot before being sold?

Have you ever tried to buy an iPhone or iPad at Apple store right after the launch? It's almost impossible as the items are sold as soon as they arrive at the store. This simple economics of supply and demand also applies to cars. The less time a new car sits on a dealer lot unsold, more popular the particular car is. During the month of May, the first month of decline in total car sales in the past eight months, the cars generally stayed longer on the lot. The average number of days for a new vehicle to be sold was 54 days in May, compared to 48 days in April and 50 days in May of last year. The average number of days it took to sell a new vehicle went from 48 days in April to 54 days in May. The fastest mover in May was 2012 Hyundai Elantra at just 3 days, while the slowest mover was 2011 Jaguar XKR.

Then how many days for a MINI Countryman? It was 13th fastest moving vehicle, taking an average of only 21 days to sell.

[ Source :: KickingTires via AutoBlog ]

PHOTO :: 'I have not seen this configuration yet' of the day

There are so many ways you can configure your own MINI and Countryman is no exception. The Cooper S Countryman All4 above features Bright Yellow with White roof, exterior chrome line, topped off with 18" White Turbo Fan wheels and White Bonnet Stripe! This color combo certainly won't be for everyone. However, the Bright Yellow does look better in person - I am quite fond of Bright Yellow / Black Roof / Anthracite Wheel combo - and it is highly unlikely that you will ever run into a same colored Countryman with color combo featured above. Very unique for sure!

MINIprofile #001 :: Rachel's 2011 Cooper Countryman

 

First up is Rachel's 2011 Cooper Countryman Surf Blue with White roof. Rachel has been CountrymanMotoring reader and I am very proud to present her beloved Countryman here on this blog! Read more >>

MINI Quality :: Countryman's chrome trim peeling off after 7 days!?

It is every owner's nightmare to take a delivery of a brand spanking new car MINI, then finding an irritating quality problem only after 7 days of ownership. Unfortunately, that's precisely what have happened to a new Countryman owner, Brad a.k.a bradrulz, who've posted about this huge disappointment on NorthAmericanMotoring. He wrote

"I just noticed below the rear window and the adjacent windows that the chrome trim below the windows are peeling pretty bad. Looks as if they use chrome tape for this. One section is peeled about 3-inches. Looks like this will be my first warranty claim."

Introducing MINIprofile

Sharing a joy is part of great Motoring! CountrymanMotoring introduces MINIprofile. Each MINIprofile will feature a brief Q&A session with MINI Countryman owners around the world. If you'd like to share your enthusiasm and obsession about your MINI, send us the completed form along with plentiful of images showing off your MINI (minimum 800 px wide) - or Flickr/Picasa/other photo link - to countrymanmotoring@gmail.com

KISS-Inspired MINI Countryman: A Behind the Scenes Look

By now, we are all aware of KISS-Inspired MINI Countryman charity auction currently going on ebay (Auction end on June 8) How were those 4 KISS Countryman prepared? MINI has recently posted a behind-the-scenes look images of creation of those KISS-Inspired MINI Countryman to give us some insights. Photo gallery after the jump.

[ Source :: MINI USA Facebook page ]

Living with MINI :: Second Fill Up

My Countryman had its 2nd trip to the gas station this past weekend. This time it put on 265 miles since the last fill up and drank 11.6 gallons of 91 octane gasoline.  This means I had gotten 22.8 mpg. It's prob due to lots of sitting in traffic and city driving rather than highway driving at constant speed. The mileage number compares to my last fill up with 23.4 mpg (last post)

MINI Sales Figures May 2011 [updated]

MINI USA reported sales of 5,801 automobiles in May - my Countryman is counted in this number helping it to edge 5,800 by one! The May 2011 sales are an increase of 37.0% over the 4,233 sold in May 2010. However, this compares disappointingly to previous month's stellar sales numbers of 6,446 cars sold (April 2011) and represents about 10% decrease in sales. Notably, MINI also decided not to release sales details by models at the time of press release ( I will try to source the individual sales numbers from elsewhere and post it up)