2015 MINI, F56, Interior shots cahught in China

Today, we get another sneak-peak at the interior of upcoming F56 MINI Cooper, the 3rd generation MINI Cooper under BMW, courtesy of CarNewsChina.com. As you can see in the image above, while the new interior retains the basic design theme of its predecessor, there are enough new details to call it "Progressive Evolution". Gone is the large center speedometer, which has been the key icon in MINI's interior design. As iconic as it may have been, over the years, it received mixed reviews, some loving it as the original, some calling it "ugly" "weird" "I will never buy a car with cartoonish speedometer", and MINI has decided that it is departing from the original concept. However, the dominant center circular pod does stay, continuing the tradition in a different interpretation for 21st century vehicle infortaintment, which is a must-have now days. While I am personally fine with it, as I would have opted for MINI Connected/Navigation which provides a larger screen within the center pod (just like current generation), what I do not like it the placement of tachometer. I now sits in the outer circle of the main speedometer, and it is rather so TINY! I will certainly miss the current analogue tachometer/digital speedometer setup. As for the rest, toggle switches remain, in addition to new BMW-esque switches above it. Notable in these photos are checkered insert in what look to be sport seats. It's a nice detail. Can't wait for the real thing in November 18.
 

MINI Sales Figures June 2013

274. This is the number that separated the sales of Hardtop models and Countryman, two best selling cars in MINI US lineup. Countryman sales for the month of June surged 14.8% to 2,089 units, compared to 1,819 units from same month last year. Hardtop sales are down 9.2% in June, and down 21.3% YTD - All this could be due to the anticipation of brand new F56 MINI, scheduled for world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, with buyers waiting for the new model. Other notable trend is the sales between Coupe and Roadster model. Sales of Roadster is easily outpacing the Coupe, with the ratio of 3 to 2. It also seems Roadster is not cannibalizing sales from the Convertible, as sales of Convertible has been holding quite steady.  

MINI USA reported the best month ever in June with sales of 6,571 automobiles, an increase of 9.6 percent from the 5,995 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 0.9 percent on volume of 32,356 compared to 32,059 in the first six months of 2012.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles
In June, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 16.3 percent to 1,877 automobiles from the 1,614 sold in June, 2012. MINI NEXT had a strong month with 100 percent increase over June 2012, and 113.2 percent increase year-to-date. January through June, MINI used vehicle sales are up 18.5 percent on volume of 10,324 compared to 8,710 in the same period of 2012.

2014 MINI LINEUP PRICING AND EQUIPMENT UPDATES

MINI has big plans for 2014, as the new F56 generation MINI will be unveiled in the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Thus MY 2013 Hardtop model soldiers on until the production of new F56 hardtop begins. There are no changes to other hardtop-based models other than different package grouping. Even the price stays the same. MY 2014 Countryman/Paceman do receive some changes/updates including SAD elimination of rear bucket seats (which lessens the uniqueness of Countryman in the marketplace and will be dearly missed by me! For the record, for me, no rear buckets, no more Countryman, sadly...) Press release containing detailed info and pricing after the jump.

MINI Says Happy Birthday to Porsche 911

This year marks 50th anniversary for the famous brand Porsche and MINI pays its tribute to the brand with a nice special photo shoot, plus a long press release hailing the famous brand and itself. IMO, those two, one in pale yellow and the other in mustard yellow, look adorable. Full press release after the jump.

[Source  :: MINI ]

MINI Sales Figures May 2013

MINI Brand Sales 
MINI USA reported sales of 5,944 automobiles in May, a decrease of 3.4 percent from the 6,153 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 1.1 percent on volume of 25,785 compared to 26,064 in the first five months of 2012.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles 
In May, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 18.8 percent to 1,964 automobiles from the 1,653 sold in May, 2012. January through May, MINI used vehicle sales are up 19.0 percent on volume of 8,447 compared to 7,096 in the same period of 2012.

This isn't MINI.. but...Spyshot 2014 BMW X5

The other day, as I was driving along the streets of Hollywood, I spotted a large SUV with camouflage. At first, the angel-eye and the snout with pig-nose (kidney grill for those who are in denial) told me it's a BMW with customized camo paint-job, but as it got closer to me, I recognized it as non other than 2014 BMW X5 (code named F15)! So I made a U-turn and followed it a little capturing it on my phone. It certainly looked a bit bigger than the chaser car (current X5 diesel) and whatever engine it had in its engine bay, it did feature Start-Stop. Design-wise, it had shark-nose front profile, sculpted side surfaces, and now familiar BMW signature headlight and tail lamp treatment. With order sheeting floating around the internet, I'd imagine the official debut is quite imminent. Rolling shot after the jump.

MINI Sales Figures April 2013

MINI USA reported sales of 5,786 automobiles in April, an increase of 1.0 percent from the 5,731 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 0.4 percent on volume of 19,841 compared to 19,911 in the first four months of 2012.

MINIprofile #006 :: Jeremy's 2012 MINI Countryman S ALL4

CountrymanMotoring's sixth installment of MINIprofile looks into Jeremy's 2012 Countryman S ALL4, Supa Coopa. Jeremy, an owner of a restaurant in beautiful Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, took the delivery of his CM last November and has been enjoying the new MINI smell. I think we can all agree that his ALL4 looks very natural posing for a camera in snow covered surroundings, as shown above. We find more about Jeremy's Supa Coopa after the jump.

MINI Sales Figures March 2013

MINI USA reported sales of 6,071 automobiles in March, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 5,866 sold in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 0.9 percent on volume of 14,055 compared to 14,180 in the first three months of 2012.

MINI Countryman continues to sell briskly as a second large volume model at 1,761 units sold, increase of 11.5% compared to same month last year. The new Paceman set its first month sales figure at 169 units. It will be interesting to see how Paceman performs in terms of sales and compared to other MINI models, especially Countryman. However, I think any cannibalization from Countryman will be relatively small as buyers like Countryman for its size and functionality of 4 doors. Also, Paceman is a niche model and will ultimately help MINI to increase its overall sales numbers rather than taking much sales from any other model.    

This is the 2014 (2015) MINI Cooper (F56) Interior!

This is it: Almost fully revealed Instrument Panel (IP) of the next generation core MINI models, code named F56 internally, in its base form. While this pre-production testing model features BMW steering wheel and non-textured interior panels, this image, taken by Reddit member, finally reveals the overall look of the IP for F56 MINI that will be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. As previously revealed, the two biggest changes are the elimination of huge center speedometer and circular air vents in the center area. New infortainment unit fills the center ring (lower version shown above, higher spec will feature TFT screen)  along with new supposed ambient lighting along the outer housing. Analogue speedometer moves to on top of steering column, just like the R50/R53 model with navigation. Separate half circle left of the speedometer will house the tacometer. Personally, I'd rather have the tachometer in the middle with digital speedometer. More sporty. From what can be seen and predicted, the material quality of the interior will certainly improve over the current generation of MINIs. One gripe for me is the dismissal of the circular vents in the middle. For me, those rectangular, albeit 3D, vents do not work with the rest of the interior. How will they put Chrome-Line interior trim option on that!

MINI Countryman was the 204th best selling car in the world in 2012

The other day, as I was sharing the image above with one of my colleague, he complained that MINI has 'lost' its edge, producing such a big, un-MINI-like, pointless car: The MINI Countryman. He's even more weary of the new Paceman. We've all heard this countless times, though. While I, of course, defended MINI's position on its behalf with countless sound reasons, I understood that rejecting something new that disturbs one's perception is only a natural human reaction. (It is noteworthy, however, that he has never driven any MINI!)  Regardless of those naysayers, however, MINI has been enjoying quite a success with the Countryman, celebrating it 250,00th production only few weeks ago. And it was 204th best selling car in the whole world in 2012 with 102,250 units sold! (including Paceman) While the 204th place ranking may not be that impressive to you, when you place it in a comparison with MINI hardtop/clubman and other variants numbers, ranking at #104 with 199,276 units sold, it gets interesting. Basically in just 2.5 years since its introduction, 1 in 3 MINIs sold worldwide is now the 'bigger' MINI - Countryman & Paceman. US market also reflects that as Countryman takes roughly 38% MINIs sold year-to-date. Remember Nissan Juke? The car the journalists around the world love to put against MINI Countryman due to its relatively similar price, concept, and appeal? It ranks at respective #85 with 232,128 units sold.

VIDEO :: The New MINI Paceman: Street Attitude

MINI Paceman is undoubtedly a very intriguing vehicle for us, the MINI fans. While there are plenty of haters saying it is a pointless car, its charming, unique look combined with more utility than Hardtop and more 'sport' than Countryman with higher dynamic driving experience, can simply be irresistible, especially in its launching color/trim - Starlight Blue with White Roof/Mirror & 19" Y-Spoke wheels. Need a proof? Watch the "Street Attitude" ads MINI has been promoting with two different endings after the jump!

I've got to have one of these!! Hot Wheels 2013, ' 12MINI Countryman Rally,

I just found out there is a small MINI Countryman that is so very awesome cool. It's out of Hot Wheels 2013 collection: 2012 MINI COUNTRYMAN RALLY! This die cast model is in 1:64 scale, so it is going to be tiny, but super cool! It comes in either Red or Green color you see above. The designer behind this Hot Wheels model is actually one of my friend from school. His name is proudly displayed on both side as a driver with number 27. Big kudos for Kevin! BTW.. I've got to have one of these... and I just ordered the red one! =) You can find them one ebay and amazon.com. More images after the jump.

2013 MINI Countryman Lease starting at $319/month

MINI is currently offering Countryman leasing starting at $319/month for 36 months with $0 for 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman with MSRP of $23,700. That's not too bad! However, if you are in the market for leasing one, make sure you do your research. In contrary to some buyer's belief, it is certainly possible to negotiate on leasing even when you put a factory order. Also, if it is your first time leasing, I recommend visiting LeaseGuide.com and checking out current MF and Residual value with CarMan on Edmunds.com's MINI Cooper Leasing Questions forum. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write them below on comments section and I will try my best to answer! Fine prints to MINI's current lease offer after the jump.

Fascinating look into MINI Countryman's body production at Graz factory

Have you ever wondered how your MINI Countryman goes through its "Birth Canal"? What's it like inside the factory? Will there be thousands of Oompa-Loompas building your MINI Countryman just like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory? Well, if you want to call thousands of robots as Oompa-Loompas, your imagination isn't too far from the reality! Yesterday, we did a fly-by of the Magna Steyr factory in Graz where MINI Countryman is built. Today, we actually go inside the factory and see the production process of creating MINI Countryman's sexy steel body. So get your popcorn and your favorite drink ready. Video after the jump. Enjoy!!

MINI celebrates production of 250,000th MINI Countryman!

Yesterday was a big day celebration for MINI Countryman as 250,000th MINI Countryman has rolled off the production line from the factory in Graz (owned by Magna Steyr, BMW's manufacturing contractor). It's a huge production milestone for MINI as Countryman is the first modern MINI with 4 proper doors with the size that earned its nick name MAXI-MINI, and all wheel drive. It took about 2 1/2 years to reach this milestone as the very-first MINI Countryman rolled off the the production line on August 2nd, 2010. BTW, sexy Black with Red top JCW Countryman being the 250,000th is no coincidence, however. I am sure MINI planned it to have its most potent and exciting model to receive all the spotlights and glory! Full press release after the jump.

Meet MINI Countryman's Surrogate

Though MINI's heritage says "English", MINI Countryman is far from being a proper "English". It has a step parent who is a German, and its birth is carried out by a surrogate in Austria called Magna Steyr. Located about 7.5 km South of Graz City Center, Magna Steyr factory is actually a surrogate to many other cars, including MINI Paceman, Peugeot RCZ, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and SLS aluminum body. In the past, it also gave birth to Aston Martin Rapide, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and BMW X3 to name a few. However, future Countryman might have a surrogate in different country, Netherlands as BMW is considering to withdraw the production from Graz factory and move the production to Mitsubishi's now defunct NedCar factory in Netherlands.

Well, today, I was bored at work and in celebration of 250,000th MINI Countryman leaving the factory, I re-enacted a quick fly-by tour of the Magna Steyr, courtesy of Google Maps & Images. More images after the break. BTW, Is that Red one with white roof and wheels yours?

Countryman will get a big, fat badge

How would you like to have big, fat "C O U N T R Y M A N" emblem plastered on to the hatch of your Countryman? According to MotoringFile, the MINI Countryman will follow the Paceman and become the second MINI to have its model name emblem across the rear hatch. The move will start with March production of Countryman models rolling out of its Austrian factory by Magna Steyr. MotoringFile claims that according to the insider, MINI is bowing to market research that has show how people don't understand the differences between various MINI models.

MINI Sales Figures February 2013

>MINI USA reported sales of 4,302 automobiles in February, a decrease of 13.6 percent from the 4,980 sold in the same month a year ago.

In February, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 15.5 percent to 1,583 automobiles from the 1,371 sold in February, 2012. 

It is notable that while the Hardtop sales are down 18.2% at 1,986 units, Countryman sales remain very strong up 28.4% at 1,662 units. There is only little over 300 unit difference between the Hardtop and Countryman. It is also interesting that Roadster is outselling both the Coupe and Convertible year-to-date.

The low sales numbers of Hardtop might continue throughout this year as buyers anticipate the upcoming next generation F56 models. The new F56 Hardtop will have a world premier at this years Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

[ Source :: MINIUSA ]