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.

MINI Countryman Rear Bucket vs. Bench Seat! It's going down! [UPDATE]

There seems to have been quite a commotion regarding the upcoming availability of rear bench seat in US among MINI Countryman community. At the moment, you can only order MINI Countryman with individual rear bucket seat for 4 passengers. According to MINI, you will soon be able to order it with rear bench seat allowing 5 passenger configuration, possibly as early as July of this year. Rear bench seat is likely to be no cost option while 4 passenger bucket seat is the standard feature (similar to full or split rail option)

MINI designers look for inspiration from... Mickey Mouse?

As a designer, inspirations are very valuable. They are like food for creativity. They can truly get your creative juices flowing in you brain. They can also come from anywhere & everywhere... including Disney's classic! I can't stop myself from imagining a MINI interior designer sitting down at his desk watching Disney's Mickey Mouse as he was sketching the center multimedia screen/speedometer/air vents cluster design!