According to research MINI USA has just received, the number one complaint from US about the MINI Countryman is that it’s too small. Yep, the largest MINI ever made, the one that has caused a huge uproar within the MINI community is apparently not large enough for some within the American market. Sound familiar? It was the same complaint that the US market had about the R50, R53 and R56 hatch. So here are our thoughts; It’s a MINI. That means, if it’s in the crossover segment, it will be the smallest one available. Yes it’s tight with four people and luggage. But it’s doable. And that’s the key with the Countryman. It makes things possible that weren’t when owning a MINI previously while staying true to the brand’s ideology. Does it handle 100% like the hatch? No. Does it out-handle anything else (by a wide margin) within the small cross-over segment? In our experience, yes (the only thing close being the Nissan Juke – if you can get past the pretty much everything else wrong with it) But enough of what we think. Let’s hear your thoughts. Should MINI care that the #1 complaint from the American market is that the Countryman is too small? Should the next generation be larger to accommodate more storage space? Or should MINI stand their ground and be MINI? This news comes from our recent interview with Vinnie Kung at the LA show (which you can hear tomorrow). MotoringFile/url]
I was not the biggest fan of the Countryman until just the other day. I inspected a Countryman Red Line option at the dealer. This was black on black with black wheels...first black wheels I've liked as well...a large red center stripe bonnet to boot and driving lights. It had a JCW aero package which is aggressive and invites study. Best JCW appearance package out there and I like it better than the R56 package. It needs a proper JCW engine, but this is one hot looking Countryman. Larger? Not a chance! That's not it's market. I think a properly designed, roof rack could integrate and be sexy, if you need to travel four with luggage. This rig had the sunroof. Anyway, If I had the big bucks I'd likely be driving my second MINI... Kent
That's just because Americans are..... well..... BIG. Stay the course MINI.... We don't need no Ginormasman. The Countryman is big enough.....
Too small.... :nonod: :lol: I find it a great touring size, great local commuter too. Of course since it is Pat's DD, I get to drive it when I fill it up and clean it up. :smilewinkgrin:
Reminds me a bit of things we read in 2002-3 when the biggest US market complaint about the R50/53 was the "bouncy" ride. In response, in 2004 (I think...along with the facelift?) they switched to different shocks/struts to make the ride less jarring but supposedly retain the same great handling, etc. The difference this time is they can't just change out a couple components to make the Countryman bigger...
I should have mentioned that I think this is a good thing. I had (still have) an '02 and saw no need for a change to the suspension, neither do I think they should enlarge the Countryman.
this is typical amongst folks that do not understand the product. Only if those folks understand that's it's Mini, means small and from the outset, go-cart handling, means hard. Understanding that the product, I think it's the beginning of wisdom.... LOL Cp Motor On...
A MINI whould be mini is size. I for one do not think of the Countryman as a TRUE MINI because it is already too BIG. If BMW wants a small cross-over make a X 1.5 and leave the MINI brand out of the mix.
It's not hard to understand coming from a generation that has been hammered from every direction to 'super size' this or that and actually fell for it.
Typical for americans. Bigger is not always better. My mom drives a damn Expedition. And she complains constantly about gas.... really? :crazy: