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.

Another Review, Different perspective : 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman vs 2011 NIssan Juke *Update

Last time, I've posted a comparison test of MINI Countryman and Nissan Juke done by Belgium's DRIVR magazine >>here>>. As these two fine cars beg to be compared, the showdown between the two has been a popular subject among automotive media outlets. This time, Automobile magazine drove them in remote, unspoiled, snow covered Michigan's upper peninsula in their recent issue. So, how did they fare out this time around?  Here is the hint - "It is more natural in corners, boasts a more energetic powertrain, and feels more connected through its transmission." Head over to Automobile magazine's article to find out. 

*UPDATE  Behind the scene video added after the jump!

Doing homework :: Researching MINI Countryman PART 2

Ok. Now that I've decided to get a new car, the real fun part begins... deciding which car will steal my waller! Well... we already know what car that is, do we not? Yup. The new 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman! So, I will skip the part on test driving and looking at other candidates and just focus on our superstar MINI Countryman.

MINI Countryman Inventory list is growing at your local MINI dealerships (So Cal)

It seems like MINI is producing enough number of MINI Countryman models out of Magna Steyr factory in Graz to meet the growing demand for the car. Other than meeting the demand for custom factory orders from customers, it is also producing enough Countryman models for MINI dealers to beef up their inventory for those who cannot wait for 2 month and got to have the Countryman right away. Quick search for the inventory of Los Angeles area MINI dealerships reveals 140 MINI Cooper, Cooper S, and ALL4 Countryman models sitting at the dealership lot. Interestingly, of those 140, only 30 cars, about 22%, are the non-turbo Cooper models while the remaining 110 are Cooper S and ALL4 models. (ALL4 take up less than 20% of 110 available).

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

Doing homework :: Researching MINI Countryman PART 1

This whole journey of getting a new car started when this thought came to my mind one fine afternoon day..........
"I want something new!" Obviously, it doesn't require a rocket scientist to come up with such idea!

So what did I do to put that idea into an action?