The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33537
C ontroversy over the all-new 2011 Countryman has been swirling around like an F5 tornado within the MINI community. At issue is whether this ‘Maxi-MINI’ will take some of the pioneering edginess out of the brand. Some follow the ethic that the large SUV just doesn’t represent the true MINI identity because it is huge and has 4-doors. Others in the community say that MINIness is about a style and mindset and it doesn’t matter if the new vehicle has four doors and is big by MINI standards. It’s a debate that is sure to continue at least as long as the classic vs new MINI debate has gone on. Whatever the public at large decides, the Countryman is a done deal and is a groundbreaking vehicle automotive world in general. for both MINI, and the It’s the company’s first four-door, features its first production, optional all-wheel drive system and it is also the biggest MINI yet to roll off the production line. Yep, MINI has a big dog straining against the leash, but even they seem unsure in which direction to let it run. Mission Statement? When asked about the Countryman’s competitors MINI officials called out the Nissan Juke, Nissan Rogue, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota RAV4 crossover SUVs, but their hearts weren’t in it. They readily admitted that the Countryman is also an extension of the MINI line, with the added doors and the peace of mind of all-wheel drive to appeal to MINI fans with families in tow. In short, MINI is looking for a younger buyer demographic and they think the Countryman will attract them. So there are two sets of benchmarks for the newest MINI to live up to. By The Numbers Looking at the tale of the tape is the best way to better understand how the Countryman will stack up against its competition and its own brethren. The Countryman is 20 inches shorter and rides more than an inch-and-a-half lower than the Toyota RAV4. Compared Issue 29 MC2 Magazine 25 by Evan Griffey photos by Evan Griffey & MINI USA 2011 MINI Countryman: ‘ C r o s T so B o v e r S e A D i UVr ’ Dy W o eos rnd t ’ t H a v e