Things I Like about my Countryman :: #005 MINI Connected Controls

One of the great things you get with MINI Connected has to be the control joystick, a.k.a Nipple IMHO. It is a well placed, designed, engineered, crafted piece of human-machine interface that also provide a good feedback. With the included center armrest setup, your fingertips are right on the 'Nipple', ready to take control of the in-vehicle infortainment system, all the while your right (or left if you are in some countries) arm is comfortably resting on the 'armrest'. I think ergonomics team at MINI design/engineering should get a star for placing the 'nipple' at an excellent location.

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #004 Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting on Countryman is one feature that really sets it apart from anything else in the market. While there are some other examples, there is no car in the market at the time that has ambient lighting running in the middle of the interior front to back via center rail. My only gripe would be not getting the full, single center rail so that I can enjoy the AL to the max! (my Countryman has split rail set up) Also, the AL via oval shaped door accents is something very unique to Countryman. The ambient lighting add a very cool illuminated 'ambiance' to what would have been an otherwise very dark cockpit and interior space. I also love the fact that I can set up different colors depending on my mood or have them change automatically. Everyone who gets a ride in my Countryman always get 'Wow'ed by it as well (especially at night for obvious reason) I also like how Ambient lighting is always on when engine is on, independent of headlight on or off.

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #003 Performance oriented Handling characteristics

No 003 is the performance oriented ride & handling. MINI is famous for its Go-Kart like handling and Countryman is no exception. With firm spring, front and rear anit-sway bars, combined with fully independent suspension on all 4 wheels, the ride of MINI Countryman is firm and composed with minimal body roll. Steering is quite direct and precise, especially with the Sport button. The bouncy ride is not for everyone as some might say the ride is also harsh as the firm springs do not allow much room to absorb all the bumps on the road, but I very much prefer firm ride as opposed to soft suspension set up. The Countryman does exhibit more body roll than the smaller and lower Hardtop, and I do wish I opted for optional Sport Suspension that beefs up with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and perhaps even firmer springs and shocks, which I am sure will provide even firmer ride and less body roll providing even better experience through winding road.  Nonetheless, MINI Countryman is a fun car to drive around that puts smile every time I get behind the wheels.

Things I Like about MINI Countryman :: #002 Harman/Kardon Sound System

No 002 is the optional harman/kardon sound system I have on my Countryman as a part of Premium Package. While I am no audiophile, I can certainly appreciate the amazing sound quality of harman/kardon sound system. HK sound system features Digital Sound Processor and delivers concert-like experience by 10 speakers on eight channels with 400-watts of dynamic power (MINI USA sites states 480-watt, but HK site states 400-watt. Time to write a letter to MINI!) Read More >>

Things I Like about MINI Countryman :: #001 Solid, Thunk Sound of Door Shut!

There are so many things I like about my MINI Countryman. To see how many, I am going to start counting one by one in no particular order. Without further delay, let's get straight to the point. No 001. is its extremely solid sound of the door shut with nice 'thunk'/'clunk'.

One of the first interaction with any car is when you open/close the door. I value it as a very important moment because it can leave you a lasting impression for a long time. So there is nothing quite like the solid door shut that speaks for the solid quality of a car and how well the car is put together with high strength metal. MINI Countryman's door feels quite heavy and solidly manufactured, and comes with 2 stage opening hinge that's very useful and well adjusted. Then when you close the door, it shuts with extremely solid 'thunk' 'clunk' whichever you call it that is very satisfying and leaves a good impression. You can feel the car is well put together with high strength grade metal, not some cheap, thin tin can - you will be surprised how many cars actually have door shut with cheap 'tink'. It also applies to the rear hatch - I just love the feel and sound of the shut. It feels expensive and fits the premium feel MINI brand strives for.