By Marty Bernstein
Last year at MINI United, the bi-annual international gathering of the brand's most loyal followers outside London, rumors began circulating that MINI's version of a station wagon or small SUV was in the works.
The rumor mill was correct. The 2011 MINI Countryman has arrived, and only five American journalists were invited to a recent preview of the vehicle in Hamburg, Germany.
On first glance, the 2011 MINI Countryman looks to be the larger sibling of the famous MINI Cooper. It's the first of its kind with four doors, a large tailgate, and a versatile interior that can hold up to five people.
Gert Hildebrand, chief design of Mini's noted, "The MINI Countryman manifests an effective and assured development of the brand's design language. The new model combines larger body
dimensions, increased ground clearance, and four side doors with the hallmark features of MINI design. Short overhangs, a high window line, a commanding over-the-wheel stance, and the wrap-around look of the windows - extending all the way around the vehicle - create typical
MINI proportions. The Countryman provides a fresh interpretation of classic MINI features, such as the roof line, hexagonal radiator grille, [and] large headlights set into the front of the hood side indicators."
The interior is pure MINI, retaining the brand's familiar style with a fresh design and functional elements that enhance the driving experience. The slightly raised seating position allows for easy entry and optimizes the driver's view of the road.
Utilizing every spare inch of space, the Mini Countryman has a unique center rail that runs lengthwise through the middle of the interior in place of a conventional center console and opens up new ways of integrating storage boxes, cup holders, external audio devices, mobile phones and other comfort-enhancing elements. Clip-in fixtures for the rail have a flexible range position that allows the storage area to be divided as desired and items to be kept handy at all times.
Specs for the U.S. models are due soon. Stay tuned for a full review of the Countryman.
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