In one week I’ve gotten more questions and comments driving the Countryman than I have driving any car since the Tesla Roadster. And that includes the 1M press car I had two weeks ago. Seemingly everyone is at least interested in this new MINI and doesn’t mind coming up to me to share it. And why not. It’s the same general cross-over shape we’ve seen for years but made miniature and more interesting. From the driver’s seat our Countryman is off to a great start as well. After 500 miles I’m getting seeing anywhere from 20-26 mpg in the city and 30-32 on the highway. However with the heat in Chicago well into the 90′s I have noticed one issue that I hadn’t seen in a MINI since my 2002 Cooper. More...