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.