In early August, the first MINI Countryman’s graced MINI Cooper dealerships across the county for a preview. As the New Year begins to unfold, sold orders and even some unsold Countryman’s have rolled into dealerships. The first unit in the country was sold in Coconut Creek, Florida at Vista MINI by Brad Kaplan, long time Vista MINI Motoring Advisor.
“You know, there is just a culture that has exploded among MINI owners, and this gentleman who bought the first unit knew that adding a Countryman to his garage was imminent from the time he set eyes on it,” said Kaplan.
Nearly six inches longer, five inches taller, and four inches wider than the MINI Cooper Clubman, it’s definitely a new kind of MINI. Size increases aren’t the only difference, the audacious Countryman also boasts 4-doors and 4×4 off-road capabilities, both of which no other MINI can claim.
Even with all of the changes, the best thing about the Countryman says enthusiasts like Kaplan, it’s still a MINI. Thoughts such as the aforementioned are only echoed by industry giants such as MotorTrend, ‘like a bigger, top-heavy MINI cooper’ and Popular Mechanics, ‘It delivers a very MINI-like sharp turn-in response’.
Vista Motors owner, Charles Dascal says he’s not shocked at all over the success of the Countryman and the media frenzy that has surrounded it.
“Take a product that is already loved by so many the worlds over, and improve its versatility, what’s not to like,” said Dascal. “
