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 ]