Too Much Of A Good Thing? Mini Cooper S Countryman All4 Road Test

IT’S an immutable law of the car business: the more focused a company’s lineup, the greater the outrage when that company decides to expand its product range.

When Porsche introduced the Cayenne S.U.V. as a 2004 model, purist fans reacted as if the company had announced it was branching into unicycles and Justin Bieber merchandise. “That’s not a Porsche!” cried many people who have never bought, nor will ever buy, a Porsche.

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dumpsty - 3/7/2011 3:48:55 PM

+2 Boost

After seeing a Countryman in the sheetmetal (flesh?), I can say that it's instantly recognizable as MINI. I was surprised at much larger it is than the Cooper. I like it though. And having the all4 AWD system seems like a "plus" for the vehicle.

Why didn't they just name it MINI Countryman? Like Land Rover, they gotta get out of naming every new vehicle after its most popular/recognizable model. They'll never be known for anything else but by one model name with dozens of references to trim options.

Agent63 - 3/8/2011 11:35:34 AM

+1 Boost

Whatever happened to the MINI MINI?

M5twinturbo - 3/8/2011 10:36:57 PM

+2 Boost

The Rocketman which BMW has confirmed for production.