14 replies to this topic

[Youngowner93]

http://blogs.wsj.com...oogle_news_blog

Why do they have to take the BMW mini and make it worse?

[leroy26]

can we stop with the bmw mini bashing please, it's been 10yrs now and it's still here NOT rusting!
my everyday car is a bini and the only time it sees the garage is when it askes for a service!
I luv my classic to bits course I do, but to be honest I spend more time fixing it than driving it!

also luvin the coupe!

[Youngowner93]

This isnt bmw mini bashing yes i liked the orignal bmw it was a great little car, i just think they have gone a little downhill with the countyman and this.

[leroy26]

I stand corrected! LOL
( no what ya mean with the countryman, I liked it at first but looking at it now
it's unnessercy!)

[liam_italian]

Personally I think it looks the mutts nuts!

But then again I do own a BMW Mini!

[carts60]

I actually like this new design. I used to Bini bas, but if i could buy a new car (student) theres no doubt it would be a Bini, purely as they're good cars and look good (not as good as the real thing obviously)

[roga]

To be honest I really like the coupe (at least the photos I've seen) and for the record I don't think the original post was a "bash", frankly people have to be able to say what they think as long as it's reasonable and not trying to wind people up.

I have a first gen New MINI myself as well as the classic and it's a great car (the classic is the most fun though), I actually really like the Clubman too but do prefer the first generation New MINI to the current version overall, don't like the bonnet line on the standard Cooper but am looking forward to seeing this Mini MINI car that's been punted as the Rocketman ... However where I might just be tempted to start ranting is that "Countryman" thing, I won't say much in case I get accused of bashing but ... well let's just say it's definitely a bloat too far for me!

Edited by roga, 06 June 2011 - 06:40 PM.

[leroy26]

roga couldn't agree more!
I too can't wait for the new mini mini, and also prefer the r50 to the new shape ones

[the_r_sole]

the only problem with the coupe is that it looks like a rank rotten pug 206 convertible...

[shaun617]

This isnt bmw mini bashing yes i liked the orignal bmw it was a great little car, i just think they have gone a little downhill with the countyman and this.

I love the countryman



not sure on the coupe though!

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

The Coupe concept has been around for a year now. If you're gonna add fuel to the MINI bashing fire at least make sure its fresh fuel.... or shut up

Edited by Mini-Mad-Craig, 06 June 2011 - 09:59 PM.

[the_r_sole]

saucer of milk for mini-mad-craig!!

[mab01uk]

http://blogs.wsj.com...oogle_news_blog

Why do they have to take the BMW mini and make it worse?

Why not?.......the MINI Coupe will probably be a top seller and is to be built in Oxford along with a Roadster version, both already in pre-production at the Cowley factory. BMC/BL/Rover would have added this Broadspeed Coupe and MG Roadster below, based on the Mini to the production range of classic Mini variants if only they could have afforded to at the time.............
http://www.motoringf...specs-revealed/

Edited by mab01uk, 06 June 2011 - 11:16 PM.

[mab01uk]

However where I might just be tempted to start ranting is that "Countryman" thing, I won't say much in case I get accused of bashing but ... well let's just say it's definitely a bloat too far for me!

Quote from Motoring File in the USA:
"Whether you approve of the (R60) MINI Countryman or not, it’s hard to argue against it’s success in adding to MINI’s bottom line and subsequently the brand’s future growth.
In fact the R60 is selling at well over double the rate of the Clubman and, for May, was only 1000 units behind the standard hatch."
http://www.motoringf...ay-46-for-2011/

So I guess as they say whether some of us like it or not, its an important addition to the MINI range for increasing their sales in the USA market.

Edited by mab01uk, 06 June 2011 - 11:26 PM.

[roga]

Yeah, each to their own and if it helps to further establish MINI in the USA (now I believe the biggest market) so be it. For me though it just doesn't work and I'd far rather have a Clubman of the two (I note the remarks on Motoring file about Clubman sales and that some seem to think it'll get dropped, I hope not). Ironically an AWD vehicle would be useful for me because I drive snowy mountain roads all the time in winter with skis and gear slung in the back but a Clubman with winter tyres would I suspect do just as well and aesthetically I can actually cope with them. In the USA with their obsession with size (yeah I've driven there!) I can see how the Countryman as a relatively small and economical AWD/SUV type vehicle will be popular and it comes as no surprise that it is proving to be. However the weirdest thing about seeing the car is I find myself echoing the comments of people in the classic Mini scene who've said "it's not a Mini" when commenting on the standard hatch for the last decade. For me personally I frankly can't accept it as a MINI but I accept it is badged as one but it does make me feel uncomfortable but hey it's only a car and it's only my opinion and hopefully I'm being rational about it!

I'd be interested to see if Countrymen are actually bought by some enthusists or if it will just be a 'hit' with the types who are just buying a car, which is obviously the vast majority anyway so it doesn't matter in sales terms. I have a sneaking suspicion that enthusists couldn't possibly buy that thing but I'm probably wrong ... lol!