Rumormill: Mini delaying U.S. launch of Countryman crossover
Mini Countryman concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
A couple weeks back, we told you that the unveiling of the production Mini Countryman may be delayed from the Detroit Auto Show in January to the Geneva Motor Show in March. The reasoning behind the move was reportedly due to the fact that Countryman production couldn't begin at Magna International's Austrian assembly plant until assembly of the BMW X3 was moved from the Magna plant to Bimmer's facility in South Carolina.
Now, the well-connected Mini fanatics over at MotoringFile are reporting that Mini's first-ever crossover could be delayed by up to a year here in the States, with first deliveries pushed to early 2011. The reported reasoning for the delay is that such an important launch could see minimal success in a down economic climate, While we could definitely see how the woeful (yet perhaps slowly improving) auto industry might hinder the initial success of the Countryman launch, we're thinking Mini's expanding U.S. dealer base would be more than thrilled to have some additional help on the showroom floor – especially as Mini sees the Countryman as the larger, more spacious alternative for customers who have outgrown their Mini Cooper.
We're thinking the Mini Countryman sounds pretty interesting to us, with the expected availability of an "All4" all-wheel drive system, two JCW versions and multiple efficient engine choices. Add seating for four full-sized human beings and some additional cargo space and Mini could be looking at a winner – provided that bigger and taller doesn't kill the nimble handling that makes Mini so much fun.
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
[Source: MotoringFile]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MajorGeek 1:08PM (11/11/2009)
Good. I can't imagine this will help the resale of my Clubman. Hate to see them take away from the Mini brand with the 4 doors, high stance, etc. Can't imagine it would be as fun (sporty) to drive as the Mini is known for.... Not feeling it. Anyone actually consider buying this, I am curious?
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Russell 1:40PM (11/11/2009)
As much as I hate to see Mini getting bigger, I can definitely see this selling well.. I imagine this will be the thing to have for women. It's cute, it's larger (and safer) than the cooper, and it will have a higher seating height that women like.
Women love the cooper but I think it's size is unsettling to most people.
t_bracelin 1:42PM (11/11/2009)
I would buy one if I needed the space, but the Cooper S is what I have my eyes on.
MajorGeek 1:54PM (11/11/2009)
Russell, you might be right. I got the Clubman because of the third door to move friends around if needed and the wife wanted a Mini. 2fer. Not sure she would want this, have to show it to her. Personally, I would look at something else, it just does not look like a "Mini" to me....
Carguy 1:55PM (11/11/2009)
I had planned on buying one of these for my wife when I first heard of it like, what, 2 years ago? But man, seems like I have been waiting forever for this thing. I might have to go with something else....
MajorGeek 2:37PM (11/11/2009)
Ok, I was wrong, the response from the wifey was:
"It's cute"
"It reminds me of the Infiniti FX".
Guess I am not in touch with my inner woman ;)
fixitfixitstop 7:28PM (11/11/2009)
Russell, I have yet to see how any SUV is safer than any subcompact. Then again, I prefer to avoid accidents rather than surviving them.
jonathan.chung1 1:10PM (11/11/2009)
Good. This gives me more time to spend with my precious eyes before Mini makes haste and off with them.
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Car Asheville Guy 1:15PM (11/11/2009)
I love this car!! Way better then the Mini Coop. I Think its a smart move to delay the launch, even if its a very cool car.
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jte 1:22PM (11/11/2009)
Just make it a 4 door wagon.
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DiRF 1:32PM (11/11/2009)
Can it, like, be delayed indefinitely? Please?
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Ben Roethig 1:37PM (11/11/2009)
Why? Unlike the other minis, this looks interesting.
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Aloysius Vampa 1:39PM (11/11/2009)
And nothing of value was lost.
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LimeDaiquiri 1:40PM (11/11/2009)
Are you serious? The Countryman?
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neutralgear 2:15PM (11/11/2009)
What's next? VW Stag Beetle Crossover?
hurry make everything a crossover! crossovers forever!
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fixitfixitstop 7:35PM (11/11/2009)
I think you're describing the VW Dune concept vehicle.
Kumar 2:20PM (11/11/2009)
In other news, several more companies, along with BMW/Mini decide to delay their diesel offering in the US by a few more years.
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Clippy 2:35PM (11/11/2009)
That car is horrid. Really.
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Aeromax 3:31PM (11/11/2009)
Why? WHY?! It doesn't even look like a damn Mini! What a peice of crap.
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**WoodysCarSite.Com*** 4:42PM (11/11/2009)
This isn't just for women. I would love to have one of these if I could ever afford one
and get rid of my old vw.
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