2011 MINI Cooper Countryman

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman

The 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman will carry a base price of $22,350 including destination charges when it goes on sale at the end of this year.

Automotive News reports from this week's media launch of the Countryman, that the MSRP begins only $550 below that of the three-door MINI Cooper Clubman, though the Countryman is larger and built off a distinct platform from the rest of the MINI lineup.

With popular features and optional, including a Cooper S turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive, the Countryman will still be priced below $30,000, according to the industry paper.

MINI began the launch of the new crossover earlier this year with "MINI Takes The States," a cross-country meeting of MINI owners. The rally collected participants in six cities and aimed them at Denver, where those current owners and fans got their first look at the 2011 Countryman.
Based on the architecture that also spawned the 2012 BMW X1, the Countryman offers four-passenger seating (in U.S. versions; there's a bench available in the back row for European customers), a choice of normally aspirated and turbocharged engines, and a six-speed automatic--and the usual MINI options for custom trim and graphics.
The Countryman earns kudos for its driving feel, which maintains its MINI character, and for its interior space. How will it fare against the likes of the Acura RDX and other compact luxury crossovers? Take a look at the first drive of the 2011 MINI Countryman to find out more.

[Automotive News]