Has A Classic Concept Been Diluted?

Vehicle enthusiasts were not disappointed when BMW launched its crossover SUV, the MINI Countryman, early in 2011. There was a lot of anticipation to see and experience this vehicle and not a lot of the buzz surrounding the MINI Countryman launch was positive. This 5 door model certainly has a lot of advantages to offer buyers but purists have been very vocal in their criticism of it. Their arguments focus mainly on the fact that this vehicle can hardly be called a Mini considering that it has been built for off-road driving, albeit in minimal levels since it is not as rugged as many other SUVs available today.

In its various communications to the public, BMW states that this crossover vehicle has been designed to offer the same level of fun and excitement that the standard MINI offers with a greater number of enhanced features such as greater space as well as motoring comfort. MINI Cooper forums have been abuzz with speculation whether the designers have been able to deliver what they promised without messing up the concept of the hugely popular car.

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Mini Countryman

The MINI Countryman crossover certainly resembles a standard MINI at a superficial level. For instance, it has many design similarities, especially when it comes to the windshield, hood and headlights. In fact, this SUV has retained the distinctive look that all other cars of this series have. The main difference with regards to appearance is that the Countryman is substantially larger and more muscular than the other vehicles in the MINI range. At the same time it is slightly smaller than a BMW X3. The length of this SUV increases by almost 16 inches and this is not something that is easy to ignore. It now has a length of 161.3 inches and also offers increased ground clearance since it has a height of 61.5 inches. This impressive vehicle also has a wheelbase of 102.2 inches.

This vehicle certainly exceeds a lot of expectations when it comes to the important indicators of performance and price. It has to be admitted that vehicle buyers these days are looking for many more features that will help them get the best possible performance from their vehicles.

To begin with, this vehicle has been provided with a powerful engine that showcases the best of BMW design. It is available in the United States in three versions. These are the Cooper Countryman, the Cooper S Countryman and finally the Cooper S Countryman ALL4.

The MINI Cooper Countryman has a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine. This engine is considered quite satisfactory since it delivers 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm. This car can travel at a top speed of 118 mph and is quite powerful since it manages 118 pound-feet of torque. The MINI Cooper S Countryman has a more powerful engine since its designers have provided it with a turbocharger as well as direct fuel injection. This car is certainly the preferable one if a person wants more speed and power. It has a top speed of 128 mph and can deliver 180 hp at 5500 rpm. This powerful vehicle offers 177 pound-feet of torque at 1600 rpm. This engine can help the car hit a speed of 62 mph within a fairly rapid 7.6 seconds which is significantly faster when compared to the basic option which can do it in 10.5 seconds.

This vehicle comes with a six speed manual transmission although buyers can exercise the option of going in for a six speed automatic transmission. There is no doubt that the MINI Cooper S Countryman is more popular than the entry level model because it has a permanent all wheel drive system. Whether a person chooses a front drive or all wheel drive version, the vehicle will have a MacPherson strut front suspension. This is sport tuned and has forged lower control arms as a result of which the vehicle is a dream to drive. The other advantage of buying this car is that it has an electromechanical power steering system called EPS. It also comes with a Dynamic Stability Control system. People who are looking for added features in their Mini Cooper Countryman can opt for a Dynamic Traction Control or an electronic locking function for the front axle differential. These features are standard on the other models of the car.

This new vehicle has been designed to comfortably seat four people. It is also offered with a three seat bench and owners can avail of this option at no extra cost. This vehicle is far more comfortable than the other MINI vehicles and it is particularly suitable for long drives since there is sufficient headroom as well as legroom in it. The seats can easily be adjusted in order to accommodate the needs of the people travelling in it and also so that luggage capacity can be increased on demand.

Mini Countryman Design

The designers from BMW have taken great pains to ensure that the interior of the MINI Countryman SUV is recognizable to fans of the MINI series while ensuring that it has plenty of added features in keeping with changed requirements of present day car users. The style of the interiors is definitely familiar since they have retained certain elements that have a retro look. The features and facilities are however very definitely modern, which makes this vehicle very popular with potential buyers.

This vehicle has been provided with slightly raised seating. This enables people to enter it easily even if they are taller than average. Drivers enjoy the fact that they have an excellent view of the road thanks to the elevated seating. There is a centre rail that runs lengthwise through the middle of the front and rear seats. Apart from providing a very clever visual connection between the front and the rear or the car it also can be used as an arm rest. A clever thing that the designers have done is to provide this rail with clips so that the people in the car can use it to hang a variety of their belongings such as cell phones or purses and also those they can customize how they use them. The interiors of the car are made very attractive thanks to the choice of colors as well as upholstery materials. The other factor that is well appreciated is that it also has special ambient lighting. It is also equipped with an air conditioning and audio system of very high quality. It also has integration capability for smart phones in keeping with the growing popularity of these devices.

The newly launched MINI Countryman is a very safe vehicle to drive. We have already discussed about how well it handles on the road. However, it has also been given a body structure that is crash-optimized. It has been provided with safety features that include airbags for the front and rear seats as well as side curtain airbags for these seats. The seat belts that this vehicle is equipped with are also of the best quality.

There have been murmurs of discontent that it is very cramped for people who are very tall or overweight. However, you will find the same complaint against almost all crossover SUVs and it is hardly unexpected in this one considering that it is called ‘MINI’. It is difficult to come up with any other drawbacks of this efficient and attractive vehicle from BMW.

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This car has clearly been designed to appeal to a wider range of vehicle buyers and is a welcome addition to the MINI lineup. There is a very obvious increase in demand for a compact SUV and this vehicle seems poised to give the others in this segment a run for their money. Market research indicates that many MINI Cooper owners are very happy with their vehicles but are looking to trade them in for ones that are slightly larger because of changing needs such as an increase in their family size.

It will be very surprising if this newly launched vehicle does not become a success in the marketplace. Customers these days are very knowledgeable about what they want from a car and this one seems to be able to satisfy all their needs. Of course, it is more expensive than the other MINIs but there is no denying the fact that it offers great value for money.

There are certainly many ways in which the original concept of the MINI have been changed but most people who have done a MINI Countryman test drive attest to the fact that it is a fantastic vehicle that has all the right components to make it a success on the roads. They are also very emphatic in saying that the vehicle has plenty of features that justify it being called a MINI since it has managed to preserve the character of the compact cars in a very efficient manner. If you have any lingering doubts you should just put them to rest once and for all by taking the car out for a test drive.

Please share your thoughts on the Mini Countryman via http://twitter.com/#!/usedminicoopers.

We believe the Mini Countryman is one of the best cars of 2011 and the Mini/BMW family have done well.

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CLICK HERE to read The Mini Cooper Paceman Article

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Die-hard Mini fans will want to bury their faces into their Italian Job pillowcases because the company is about to unleash a new concept for the Detroit Motor Show.

It is this, the Mini Paceman, and is essentially a Coupe version of the Mini Countryman, continuing the lightweight car’s gradual ascent into Foreman-esque plumper.

Lots of brand identity has been hurled at this car to ensure image conscious types will flock to its chubby charms in droves; Mini claims it is the world’s first premium miniature SUV coupe, and its design is ‘horizontal’ rather than the Countryman’s ‘vertical’.

The concept on display in Detroit will be fitted with the JCW’s cooking 211bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot pumping out 192lb ft of torque (207 on overboost), and the Countryman’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, which in extreme circumstances sends 100 per cent of power to the rear wheels. This gets a gold star from us. There will also be the option of front-wheel-drive.

Be assured that despite its rather generous heft, it will handle with the agility of a standard Mini – they always do. It gets a MacPherson type front axle coupled to electric speed-sensitive steering, while the rear is a multi-link setup using “proven BMW Group chassis expertise”.

The interior is built to emulate a ‘club lounge’ feel, and comes with light shades of leather, front sport seats and two rear seats which blend into the sides to create a cosy environment. No word on whether your legs get breathing room in the back, but the Countryman was generous, so this should be sufficient.

We’ll let you come to your own conclusions about the styling, but a few words from us: Mini says the roof is almost ‘suspended’ on top of the windows, and is thus known as a ‘helmet roof’.

It’s only a concept but could very well go into production very soon…watch this space. Until then, feast your peepers over the gallery, and let us know if you like the idea of driving a car with a ‘helmet roof’. Brand extension too far, or the car you’ve had sleepless nights waiting for?

More PACEMAN IMAGES

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Mini Coopers built in the UK are being investigated by the US authorities into potential power steering problems.

A US government agency has received 54 complaints from drivers relating to power steering on the 2004/5 model, which was built at Oxford’s Mini plant.

It said there were an estimated 80,000 of that year’s models in circulation.

BMW, which owns Mini, said it would cooperate with the inquiry. It builds more than 200,000 models a year at its Oxford plant and sells to 74 countries.

Production began in 2001, in Oxford, which is the only Mini plant worldwide.

The complaints were brought to light by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the US Department of Transportation.

A report on its website said it had received complaints that some drivers had reported “difficulty when trying to steer or control the vehicle”.

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The British Motor Corporation (BMC) who built the classic Mini wanted to increase the image of the Mini and so insisted it was used in competition and so it was duly handed over to BMC Competition Department at the well-known Abingdon plant (later know as the Special Tuning division), just south of Oxford in England. buy used mini cooper

Who promptly spent much of their time trying to avoid it. With an engine of 848cc and only 34 bhp it was terribly underpowered for any form of competition even rallying where the huge Healys were gaining success, not least because they were built like tanks and could sustain more hurt than most cars of the day and still make the end. The problem was compounded as Saab had recently released the 96 driven by a dominant Erik Carlsson. The 841cc two-stroke triple could kick out around 80 bhp in full rally spec whereas the Mini was excellent for 50 bhp at most (and reliability was suspect at that figure). buy used mini cooper

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Even things like the original steel wheels proved fragile in competition use, cracking around the studs. So the first two years of the cars’ competition life were spent on pursuing reliability. But then something happened that changed everything.

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John Cooper was a race car constructor who found that several of the race car drivers he hired really like driving the Mini, but perhaps most vital of all that other versions of the BMC A series engine where far more tunable that the 848cc lump and could easily be adapted for the Mini. Other models in the BMC line up used the A series engine in 948cc guise which was much better to tune.

It wasn’t long before John Cooper was using the A Series engine in his Formula Junior single-seater racing cars. The next step was to start selling tuning kits for Mini’s themselves. And after much lobbying of the BMC management he persuaded them to start building factory cars with a Cooper conversion built in. A part of the deal allowed BMC to use the Cooper name on the cars for which John Cooper got £2 for each car sold. (Somewhere around 125,000 Cooper and Cooper S models were made in total.)

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Mini Cooper in races

The 1963 BMC tweak to the A series block made it stronger and allowed larger bore sizes to be used. Cylinder head castings were also modified at the same time. The result was the 1071cc Cooper S being born. It was shortly followed by a limited number of 970cc cars and then the well-known 1275 Cooper S. A car that achieved fame not only in the movie The Italian Job but also by repeatedly winning the Monte Carlo Rally (including the infamous 1966 incident when it was disqualified at post-event scrutineering having won, due, according to the organisers, to illegal lighting. Many saw it as a case of sour grapes by the French organisers.) The 970cc Cooper S used a unique small-stroke motor and was designed as a car for the under 1000cc class in racing. It was in a 1071cc Cooper S that Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. But it was the 1275cc Cooper S which always received most attention from the Competition Department as it was the car with the most chance of not only a class win but winning an event overall. It was the 1275 Cooper S that won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1965, 1966 (disqualified), and 1967.

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From as early as 1964 when the 1275 was born it was capable of 100 bhp at the flywheel in modified form. Development work went on improving reliability, reducing the weight of the car overall and sorting out the transmission, always the weak point in the A Series. Some of the Group 6 cars for racing had 1293cc engines fitted with an eight-port head and fuel injection and five-speed gearboxes and made around 125-130 bhp at the flywheel in the late sixties. They also had a second radiator added to aid cooling. buy used mini cooper

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Past Mini Cooper Models

In 2002 the legendary Mini Cooper returned with a modern, space-efficient interior, a chassis by BMW and a generous list of standard features for under 17 grand. The standard Cooper had just 115 hp, but the supercharged Cooper S weighed in with a more forceful 163 horse power. Detail improvements and color changes carried the Mini Cooper through its first few years, so even early examples look up to date and can make particularly fine used car values. Expect lively handling from either model, but be aware that the suspension setup of the Cooper S — though enthusiasts will like it — might be overly stiff for some. Previous generation Mini Coopers from 2002-’06 tend to retain their value and outshine the competition in many ways, so they’re highly sought after among used car shoppers. classic mini cooper for sale

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To keep things fresh and perky in 2005, Mini updated the Cooper’s front and rear fascias and introduced a convertible version, whose canvas top could be lowered in just 15 seconds. The Mini Cooper convertible combined the enjoyment of open-air driving with the expressive, hip Euro attitude and carefree agility that made its hatchback coupe sibling so well-known. For those who wanted their hatchback served up extra-hot, there was a special John Cooper Works option that upped the power to 207 horses and fortified the chassis with larger brakes. classic mini cooper for sale

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The current Mini Cooper was redesigned for the 2007 model year. The goal was an evolutionary one, as befitting an icon. Though scarcely different looking, the Mini Cooper’s mechanicals were updated, most shortcomings were addressed and other changes were made to accommodate regulations that have changed since the last generation debuted.

The front end was reshaped to be more pedestrian-friendly in the event of a collision and the car is nearly 3 inches longer than its predecessor, but the width and height carry over. Its wheelbase is also unchanged, but despite similar appearances, no body panels are shared between these two generations. For now, this version is offered as a hatchback only. That new front end also provides more underhood space for two new, more fuel-efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines.

The base version develops 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged, direct-injected engine in the Cooper S (which replaces last year’s supercharged engine) turns out 172 hp and 177 lb-ft of twist. Power is directed through six forward gears, with your choice of manual or automatic control.

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Inside, the interior adds a bit more function to the Mini’s already well-sculpted form. There’s an even larger central speedo pod that now houses the audio system controls, a tilt wheel that now telescopes and cupholders that really hold cups. Best of all, the cabin is more spacious and refined with upgraded materials, more comfortable seating and simpler-to-use controls. Although slightly larger, stronger, quicker and demonstrably improved over its predecessor for most drivers, there does appear to be a trade-off for hard-core enthusiasts: The new Mini Cooper seems to have lost something dynamically at the edge. It feels a small heavier and more buttoned-down when driven with gusto, perhaps a small less keen to be tossed into corners than the last-generation Cooper.

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For each major redesign, a vehicle is said to start a new “generation.”

The two-door hatchback and convertible Cooper feature a 118-hp 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control. used mini cooper

The convertible Cooper features head/thorax side airbags and an active rollover bar. A wide variety of interior trim materials and colors are available.

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Features such as Xenon headlights, sport suspension, Dynamic Traction Control, power sunroof, navigation system, parking sensors, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and satellite radio are optional. used mini cooper

After a lengthy break, the Mini Cooper returned to our shores in 2002 under BMW’s direction to resurrect the legend. As before, the current Mini Cooper hatchback coupe and convertible appeal to a diverse audience. Its high style is embraced by pop stars and celebrities, while an affordable bottom line enables middle-class commoners to easily scrape together the entry-level price of admission. It’s a uniquely sporting blend of classic British mini-car heritage and charm combined with precise German engineering and construction underneath. used mini cooper

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The born-again Mini Cooper and supercharged (later turbocharged) Mini Cooper S are stylish, affordable go-karts for adults. As such, whether new or used, our editors prefer to option the Mini Cooper sparingly. Though available with loads of premium — and premium-priced — upgrades and packages, Minis are an even better value and more right to their roots with just a few options. Equipped thusly, you won’t find a more satisfying subcompact hatchback or convertible for the price.

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The 2010 MINI Cooper returns for the latest model year unchanged, and to enthusiasts that’s perfectly fine. The MINI Cooper lineup brims with personality and a timeless flair, and in any version-hatchback or convertible, base or turbo or John Cooper Works-it’s a delightful car to drive. With a base price of $19,500 for the Cooper hatchback, $23,000 for the Cooper S hatchback, $24,950 for the Cooper Convertible, and $27,850 for the Cooper S ragtop, it competes against the likes of the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Mazda Miata, making possible inroads with Ford Mustang shoppers. For this year, or really since the hatchback was revamped in 2008, the MINI Cooper’s styling hasn’t changed much. And it doesn’t need to-it’s a picture-perfect homage to the original MINI-as it “brims with character,” ConsumerGuide says, though it’s grown considerably larger for the modern era, with its 15-inch wheels outsizing the original 10-inchers, and the higher front end couching all sorts of safety gear. used mini coopers for sale

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It’s a small kitschy-the smiling grille, the wide patches of chrome, the bug-eye headlamps-and utterly endearing. It’s “available in mild, medium and caliente flavors,” states Autoblog, “officially designated as the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works edition.” Cooper S and JCW models get a slightly bulged hood to accommodate their turbochargers-and of course, all MINIs can be personalized with a dizzying array of paint colors, decals, fabrics, door and dash trim pieces, and body add-ons. Convertibles lose the roofline that sets the MINI’s wedgy stance, but the top design apes it closely, and a wide band of chrome at the shoulder line is a smart touch. used mini coopers for sale

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In all, it’s a spot-on recollection of older MINIs, and though MyRide slams its “clown-car styling,” Edmunds simply likes the “endearing retro styling.” Inside the MINI Cooper has a dash that’s wild with circles, winged shapes, chromed switches, and a 160-mph speedometer sitting dead center, not in front of the driver. It’s fascinating to look at, less enjoyable to really use-at times, clever overkill, and that’s before you add your own color and trim scheme to the fray.used mini coopers for sale.

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Cute, impressive and packs a punch despite its size… I could go on! There are so many ways to describe the ‘retro’ MINI Cooper. BMW did an brilliant job when they engineered the fun go-kart design behind MINI Cooper cars. used mini cooper S

If you’re looking for a trendy and urban styled car that’s nimble on corners and rather quick to boot, you need to drive a MINI Cooper S. I fell in like with this cutie as soon as I drove it. With spacious front seats, responsive steering and expert sporty handling, it ticks all the boxes.

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The MINI Cooper S is a blast to drive and extremely manoeuvrable. The mountains of grip and traction provide complete control on the road, even when the conditions are slippery. Although small, this car still boasts agility and crisp performance. When pitted against other cars in its class, the MINI wins hands down – it combines speed and a stylish exterior with tons of cheeky character. BMW haven’t scrimped on quality interior materials either. The Cooper S feels surprisingly spacious up-front, more so than its small dimensions might imply. Used mini cooper S

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The unique and recognisable style of the MINI is a huge selling point for the car, and the Cooper S has it in spades with all the fun of a standard model plus a sporty overhaul. The retro bodywork alone attracts lots of buyers as well as contributing towards the perky all-round appeal. The only downside to the MINI Cooper S is the price – it’s a small expensive for a small car. But, it does retain its value so most buyers find it’s worth the money. Knowing that BMW are behind the car gives extra peace of mind – no need to worry about it not lasting very long! The Coopers S isn’t too terrible with fuel either – I find I make some savings in that department. If you’re environmentally aware (or should I say, if you’re an ‘eco warrior’), the MINI has very low carbon emissions too – so you can drive around in an adorable small car safe in the knowledge that you’re keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum! Used mini cooper s

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The MINI Cooper S is a fantastic small car. It offers chic style, a compact yet quick drive and unique, appealing looks. It might leave a small hole in your wallet… but drive one and you’ll know it’s worth it.

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