I really like the idea of 4 bucket seats. Even with a bench there's really not enough room for 3 people (unless they are small children) back there. At least the rear buckets will still be an option.
Exactly, that's the part many seem to be missing, the update to the article: "Updated – MINI USA isn’t entirely killing the buckets but is making them an option rather than standard"
Even the title over on MF has been altered to reflect: "MINI USA Makes the Rear Bench Seat Standard on 2013 Countryman"
The cynic in me insists I point out that though the bench-standard version will be $250 cheaper there's no word on whether ordering buckets will bump the price back up just $250 or if MINI will take advantage of this as a way to charge a bit more for them now as an optional upgrade. [/cynic mode]
Either way, I think they're stressing the wrong point if they advertise this as a switch to a standard bench seat. They should spin it as even greater flexibility for the Countryman as a standard 5-seater that can be optionally ordered as a 4-seater with buckets in the back. (never mind the argument that there may not be room back there for 3 :wink: )
I think the fault here lies with the way the headline was written on MotoringFile. It's sensationalism to catch your eye. Being as many just scan headlines these days it creates a false impression that MINI has dropped the bucket seats totally.
