Discussion
I had a Cooper D Countryman as a courtesy car today... not my cup of tea, but could see why they're popular.
I thought the handbrake was absolutely pants - they should've gone for an electric one or used a "normal" handle rather than the weird thing they've fitted.
I also wasn't overly impressed by the fact that they've just used the standard engine line-up - the Cooper D needs at least 20BHP more than the current version has IMO. Can't talk for the Cooper S though.
The basic concept is a good idea though - it's a quirky take on the medium family car formula and is reasonably roomy. People were interested to see what it was at work etc... I just think it's a shame that it isn't quite the car it could have been.
I thought the handbrake was absolutely pants - they should've gone for an electric one or used a "normal" handle rather than the weird thing they've fitted.
I also wasn't overly impressed by the fact that they've just used the standard engine line-up - the Cooper D needs at least 20BHP more than the current version has IMO. Can't talk for the Cooper S though.
The basic concept is a good idea though - it's a quirky take on the medium family car formula and is reasonably roomy. People were interested to see what it was at work etc... I just think it's a shame that it isn't quite the car it could have been.
I did have a very good look at one the things last week & I just find it an ugly looking car. I will admit to not being a big fan of the Mini anyway so maybe no judgement is clouded a little.
The car looks a little out of proportion - to me it just looks odd & ugly. The car looks to be riding too high, almost as if the suspension has been pumped up too much giving it an odd look on the road.
I also think that the rear window just looks bizarre. It just doesnt look right to my eye.
Not helped by the jumped up BMW salesmen at my local dealer who have the usual attitude problems that BMW dealers seem to have these days.
The car looks a little out of proportion - to me it just looks odd & ugly. The car looks to be riding too high, almost as if the suspension has been pumped up too much giving it an odd look on the road.
I also think that the rear window just looks bizarre. It just doesnt look right to my eye.
Not helped by the jumped up BMW salesmen at my local dealer who have the usual attitude problems that BMW dealers seem to have these days.
Sam.F said:
I had a Cooper D Countryman as a courtesy car today... not my cup of tea, but could see why they're popular.
Are they popular?I have seen a grand total of two Countymen. One that my wife test drove and another one on the road last week.
Not exactly travelling in flocks yet.
espresso said:
I looked at getting one as a school run / local trip car, mainly because I miss my old JCW so much.
I have three kids though, so the Countryman is the only option in the MINI stable.
Not true, my daughters are aged 11, 9 and 7, so two using booster seats, and they are fine in the back of a Clubman.I have three kids though, so the Countryman is the only option in the MINI stable.
Sam.F said:
Manks said:
Are they popular?
5 on my Grandma's estate (Surrey... go figure), and have seen quite a few up here (Carlisle). They're hard to miss as most seem to have those awful stripes all over them!I like the mixed roof/mirrors and body colour look on Minis, but don't get what this obsession is with the stripes and having the Countryman come with anthracite wheels by default.
I think in total in London I've seen maybe 10 on the road (and 2 in Paris) and really like them!
Onemcs said:
Shmee,
If I were you ask if you can see it being built in the factory? I went to the plant in oxford for the tour and was rather spectacular!
No point as it's already built but also I'm not sure it would be worth a trip to Austria for.If I were you ask if you can see it being built in the factory? I went to the plant in oxford for the tour and was rather spectacular!
As I'm off on holiday for a bit soon I've arranged to not collect it until 2nd April, seems a while off but it will fly I'm sure!
Regarding demand, I was originally told 4-5 months for a new order but got a cancelled build slot so that's the reason it came through so quickly.
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