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!!

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!

Video :: What is MINI Connected?

One item that I did not want to miss out when I ordered the Countryman was MINI Connected. Vehicle infotainment and connectivity is a big thing these days and it seems almost all manufacturers either already have or will include them in their cars, and I certainly wanted to experience the best MINI has to offer. MINI Connected allows the driver to simply tuck an iPhone into the built-in USB port making it one with the MINI hi-res cockpit display. Also, you can monitor your driving efficiency and even update your Facebook and Twitter status on the move. On top of that, the GUI - graphic user interface - is very attractive and quite intuitive and iDrive like UI is actually easier to use than I thought. Controlling radio including Sirus Satellite radio and scrolling through my phone book without touching my iPhone via nicely laid out GUI is a breeze and there are various settings you can control, including DRL -daytime running lights - and door lock.

While I will post my own detailed review of MINI Connected in near future, see MINI Connected in a video and get an overview of all the current and up coming functionalities after the jump.

[VIDEO] MINI on Ice - Countryman ALL4

The advantage of having All Wheel Drive is the security of all weather traction in most cases - Countryman ALL4 will fit this bill as MINI's AWD isn't really performance oriented AWD. Occasionally, however, the added benefit of AWD can be had on the snow covered land! Past winter, MINI invited journalists to Italian Alps and let them loose with assortment of Countryman ALL4 (available in S or diesel Cooper & SD trim) including sweet looking Black/White Top JCW kit S Countryman ALL4. Video after the jump

[VIDEO] Wishlist :: MINI Cooper SD Countryman

144hp, 225lb! of torque, and 50 mpg in a MINI Countryman? Well... you can't have it unless you live in the rest of the world. Countryman with most powerful diesel engine yet for MINI (2.0 liter diesel)with a moniker "SD" is on my No. 1 wishlist for MINI. It is also fitted as standard with an extensive range of MINIMALISM technology - Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to produce outstanding fuel economy for this output class.While I like my gasoline engines, the pulling power you feel and the deeper and throaty sound from engine/exhaust is quite irresistible. Too bad MINI has no plans on bring it over to stateside. Short video after the jump

VIDEO :: MINI Countryman hits Cape Town streets. Night Driving!

I love night time driving. Open up the moonroof, play your favorite tune, then just drive wherever it takes you - through the open freeway overlooking downtown to street light lit city streets.... one of the best of way to enjoy motoring, IMO. Read more for short clip of MINI Countryman driving through the night streets of Cape Town, S. Africa by Ruairi Abrahams

Tracking my MINI Countryman :: Auriga Leader passing Miraflores Lock *VIDEO ADDED!

Short animated sequence coming later today Now... off to MINI Rocks the Rivals at Alexander MINI!

*UPDATE 05.01.2011 :: Animated sequence uploaded! Read More for the youtube clip!!!!

*Update 04.30.2011 :: Auriga Leader is heading straight to San Diego and estimated arrival date is May 7, 2011. 

VIDEO :: MINI Countryman Go out and Getaway!

This video is already old news... as it was tagged as "First Exclusive Video!" of MINI Countryman from the mothership, and was made public February of 2010, even before the official launch of the car at Geneva Motor Show in March. Nonetheless, just like any other well done promo video, it's nicely sugar coated capturing the motto of the car 'Life is out there, Go Live it!'

Video after the jump.

VIDEO :: L.A. Surfer Chad Marshall goes 'Wanderlust' with MINI Countryman!

Chad Marshall is a professional longboarder and streetwear mogul from Angoura Hills, CA. He shows us how to 'Wanderlust' party with all-day explosion of food, music, dancing, and day/night surfing! Video after jump! 

VIDEO :: Kris Meeke shows us how awesome WRC MINI Countryman is!

Can my MINI Countryman do that?

[ Source : Youtube ] 

VIDEO :: MINI @ the Burton US Open 2011: Laax is a Wrap - Looking Back, Going Forward

Now I want to go ride even more!!! (in my MINI to ride Burton) and the tune is great! Anyone know the name of the song? Read more for two videos

VIDEO :: MINI @ the BEO 2011: Laax’s Cachet of Creative Cool

I ride Burton. Soon, I will be riding MINI. The perfect match in making? With the introduction of the new bigger, all wheel drive Countryman, MINI teamed up with 'the' snowboard company that started the awesome sport, Burton.  Together, they place the Countryman atop 2,228 meter mountain.  Watching the video makes me want to hit the slopes in Countryman! (Shoot.. perhaps I should've gotten ALL4) 

VIDEO :: MINI Countryman Wanderlust: Dream - Strawberry

MINI is promoting MINI Countryman Wanderlust campaign with this 'lustful' spot. Funny or Lame? you can be the judge of it.

BTW, if you haven't already, Vote for CountrymanMotoring's Wanderlust Event No. 1!

Follow the jump for youtube clip

VIDEO :: MINI Countryman 5 star crash test rating from EURO NCAP

MINI, despite being 'mini' and small, is one heck of a engineered and manufactured car, and safety is something the engineers did not miss out. Since the first generation of new MINI (R50), it has been receiving high scores in various crash tests around the world and proving its safety in the real world. The new MINI Countryman (R60) is no different as it currently holds 5 stars from European NCAP, the highest rating it can earn. The European NCAP test (European New Car Assessment Programme) is viewed as one of the most strict and comprehensive crash test in the world. No one should ever test one out by themselves, but it certainly can provide a piece of mind and highest protection in case of unforeseen event.

Follow the jump to view the crash test video and complete result

VIDEO :: MINI Countryman: Makarapa Roadtrip

Road Trip! I love road trips and can't wait to have one in my own Countryman! Pretty cool video with a nice grooves. Name of the sound track is 'Disco Pants'

Meet the MINI family video

A new video from MINI that's quite cool. It features all its member of family and emphasizes the 'FUN' factor MINI brings.