The MINI Roadster becomes the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s current line-up and promises to add a new level of fun to the brands already go-kart like driving image.

Covered by a classic manually operating soft-top, the MINI Roadster can be opened or closed quickly with the flick of a wrist to adapt to weather conditions or the driver’s mood.

The MINI Roadster is the only open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. The principles of the MINI design language are faithfully reflected in the body design of the new concept with taut surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines typical of MINI cars.  The Roadster sports a sloping windscreen frame raked by an extra 13 degrees over the MINI Convertible, a short passenger compartment distilled around two seats, and a flat boot lid. A waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body to the clearly stepped boot and the deliberately low-slung silhouette – even with the roof closed – give the MINI Roadster an elegantly stretched appearance.

Unlike many other two-seat roadsters, the MINI has a generous 8.5 cubic foot trunk, along with a wide through-loading system behind the seats to improve functionality and capacity.

The front-wheel drive MINI Roadster will be available with a choice of three powerful yet efficient engines. The base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 121-hp. The turbocharged MINI Cooper S Roadster version has181-hp and the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster has 208-hp version of the engine.  The trio produces performance figures that range from 8.7 seconds to 6.3 seconds for 0 to 60 runs and top speeds from 121 mph to 147 mph. Fuel economy numbers are not yet available.

Chassis technology includes Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a very rigid body (complete with special strengthening elements) and the car’s lower center of gravity.  Roadster safety is enhanced an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars fixed to the rear body. The aerodynamic balance of the MINI Roadster is optimized by an active rear spoiler that deploys when it reaches 50 mph.

The premium nature of the MINI Roadster means a high level of standard equipment, including air conditioning, speed-sensitive steering assistance, the Openometer (that clocks how long the top has been down) and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Significant options include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housings, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, and the innovative MINI Connected infotainment system with Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeakers.

Other hi-tech options include   system include, a navigation system, and MINI Connected, which has features that include the Driving Excitement app, web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.

The MINI Cooper Roadster debuts at the Detroit International Auto Show in January 2012 and is expected to go on sale in later in the spring.

Yet I wasn’t at all sure what to think when MINI announced the Countryman. It seemed to violate everything I loved about my old Cooper S. It had four doors, it was going to be bigger than my MINI, and while I love all wheel drive, I wasn’t sure that they could keep the cheerful sporty aspects that have made MINI successful while simultaneously delivering the Utility in Sport Utility Vehicle.  Personally, I always thought that the Tardis-like cargo capacity in a MINI hatchback made it the ultimate in Sport and Utility – and if you needed more, well, there’s the Clubman.

But the real challenge before the MINI engineers was always going to be the drivetrain. How can you make a car roughly 20% bigger and use the same engine? After all, the Cooper hatchback is OK power-wise, but the Cooper Clubman is drastically underpowered with just a few hundred extra pounds to carry. Would the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine be enough to make the grade in the Countryman?

Here’s a little-known fact: All Wheel Drive systems tend to eat up torque. Because you’re splitting the engine’s torque 4 ways rather than two ways, your perceived engine torque is reduced – and there are greater parasitic losses in the drivetrain. And our dear little 1600cc MINI engines just don’t have the displacement to develop a lot of grunt.

So, that was all in my mind when I picked up the 2011 MINI Countryman for a week-long test drive.  Here’s how it all played out – those crafty MINI engineers used gearing (or tire size) to give the Countryman a very sportive driving experience. Even though the gearing and final drive are the same as any R56 Cooper S, I noticed that in any given gear at a given speed, my revs were higher in the Countryman than in my 2005 R53 Cooper S hatchback. In my hatch, 70 MPH in 6^th gear is about 3,000 RPM. It was about 3,200 RPM in the Countryman. This means the Countryman will have a lower top speed – but I’ve never had my Cooper S close to its theoretically governed top speed of about 135-142 MPH, so who cares?

But what this does is give the Countryman something close to the kind of zip and zowie performance that you expect from a MINI Cooper S derivative. Plus – and this is huge – the 6-speed manual transmission still shifts and drives like a MINI. You can get an automatic, but if you want the sports car experience in your crossover SUV MINI, then you can get the 6-speed and save some money.

The Countryman S gives you 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway – which is in line with all the MINI turbo models. The engine makes about 180 horsepower.

Handling is where the Countryman really differs from the hatchback MINI. You can’t escape the physics, and the Countryman has a softer suspension.  It’s not bad – especially compared to most crossover SUVs – and I’d fix the problem with a quick call to my friends at Texas Speedwerks for some of their great aftermarket springs.

The ALL4 all wheel drive system is nice – you don’t notice it at all, and it will make the Countryman popular up here in the Pacific Northwest and anywhere they get serious winter weather – which is just about everywhere in North America. Even the people in L.A. like to go skiing in the mountains.

Inside, the Countryman is indistinguishable from any other MINI. It’s nice, and the MINI designers get extra points for putting two more bucket seats in the back row, and still leaving a healthy cargo space in the back. You get all the standard features – nice CD stereo, air, cruise, and all the safety gear you expect in a new car.

The base price on a 2011 Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a thrifty $26,950, but by the time you put the must-have cold weather package with seat heat and the destination charge on it, you’ll be pushing $29,000 – which is a great price compared to just about every other compact SUV on the market.

So, the bottom line on the MINI Countryman is this – if you love your MINI but you need a compact SUV, this is the one to buy. But be sure to get the turbo S version.

In our own unofficial and unscientific study of Mini Cooper owners it appears most Mini Cooper drivers are young (or at least young-at-heart), single and enthusiastic about their cars.

We make these assumptions based on the people we normally see behind the wheel and the fact that Mini Coopers are not the typical small economy car.  They tend to be premium (more expensive), more fun to drive and not overly practical for a family than many competitors.

At least that was our assumption until we spent a week driving the Mini Cooper S Countryman recently.  This is a different kind of Mini – it has four doors providing comfortable and more easily accessible rear seats.  It might even be a good car for a small close family, that doesn’t need to carry a lot of stuff.  It does have 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space with all the rear seat backs in place, or it can be expanded to 41.0 cubic feet when the rear seat backs are folded.  We’re told two mountain bikes will fit in the cargo are with when the front wheel is removed.  Not having mountain bikes ourselves, we have to take Mini’s word for it.

The Countryman is also the first Mini to be offered with a permanent all-wheel drive, which they call MINI ALL4.  The system uses an electro-hydraulic differential, which is mounted alongside the transmission.  The smart system switches the power distribution from front to rear, depending on which wheels have the best traction.  Under normal conditions, up to 50 percent of the power goes to the rear wheels.  Under extreme conditions the full power can be directed to the front or rear wheels as needed.

Front MacPherson spring struts and forged lower control arm and a rear multi-link suspension work with the Servotronic electric power steering to provide the trademark Mini go-cart-like handling.

The base Countryman has a naturally-aspired 1.6-liter (121-hp) four-cylinder engine.  The “S” model has the same engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and a fully-variable valve management system based on the parent company’s (BMW) Valvetronic technology which combines to produce 50 percent more horsepower (181-hp).  The Cooper S accelerates from  0 to 60 mph is just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed track speed of 128 mph.  The EPA fuel economy on the turbocharged version is 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (the naturally aspired version is 28/35 mpg).  We averaged 29.5 mpg on a quick weekend trip to the Oregon coast.

With its larger size (a foot longer and six-inches wider than the Mini Cooper hardtop), four doors and higher ground clearance, the Countryman loses the racy cuteness of the other Mini Coopers.  Rather the Countryman has a more rugged masculine persona we expect from an SUV or crossover, but without the slick styling that some of the new models are offering.

The four-door Mini is available in three trim levels:  front wheel drive Countryman and Countryman S and the Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4.  Prices start at $23,050, including the destination charge for the Countryman and go to $27,650 for the S ALL4.  Mini proudly claims 10 million variations, but that means options.  Put an “X” in most of the option boxes, and there are hundreds of them, you get a very distinctive Countryman, but the price tag can easily climb to and pass $40,000, which put this little car into the price range of some very impressive competitive vehicles.

The Countryman works for some mild off-road driving, but it’s not suited for much more than a rough dirt road, or a run in the snow, sand or mud.  Countryman is fun car with much of the distinction that sets it apart from the crowd, however, like the other Mini’s it has a limited appeal when compared to many of the less expensive competitors.  But for shoppers looking to make their own statement and wanting a little more Mini, this is the car.

Barbara & Bill Schaffer

Designed as the first “three box” Mini, the coupe has a stepped rear end in the classic style of a Gran Turismo with a sporty, flat coupe silhouette.  The coupe sits a full inch lower than Mini Hardtop with its distinctive “helmet roof” with integral roof spoiler.  The active rear spoiler optimizes airflow at higher speeds extending at 50 mph.

A high-opening tailgate and large luggage area with through-loading facility give the Coupe extra versatility for day-to-day driving and when transporting sports gear and luggage.

The Mini Coupe comes with a standard 121 horsepower four-cylinder engine, but two engine options boost the power to 181 hp for the Mini Cooper S Coupe and all the way up to 208 hp for the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.  The resulting power makes this Mini the fastest ever in both acceleration and top speed.  The base engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 127 mph.  The John Cooper Works version makes the 0 to 60 mph run in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Mini Cooper Coupe, Mini Cooper S Coupe with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox as an alternative.  The automatic gearbox with Steptronic function has exceptionally short shift times and direct “target gear” finding capability on downshifts showcasing the sporting character of the Coupe. The driver can also change gear manually using the selector lever, while shift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an additional option.

The chassis set-up, weight balance and body structure are geared to providing go-kart-like handling. The Coupe has a MacPherson strut front suspension and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. Aluminum longitudinal control arms cut weight and front and rear anti-roll bars are used reduce body roll.

Standard trim includes 15-inch alloy wheels with a 16-inch version standard on the Mini Cooper S Coupe. The Mini John Cooper Works Coupe is specified with 17-inch, weight-optimized alloy wheels in John Cooper Works Cross Spoke Challenge styling.  In the US, the Cooper S and John Cooper Works Coupe models are equipped with standard run-flat tires, so it is possible to continue driving, subject to certain restrictions, even after a complete loss of tire pressure. The run-flat tires are optional for the Mini Cooper Coupe model. All models feature a Tire Pressure Monitor System as standard.

The Coupe is scheduled to arrive at Mini dealers this summer.  Pricing is expected to start near $27,000.

Since BMW purchased the iconic Mini brand in 1994 and produced the first of the new generation of Mini Coopers in 2002, the size of the classic small car has increased by more than 34 percent from the original. (The original Mini which was built from 1959 through 2000 was about 120 inches long.  The latest Mini Cooper Countryman is 161.8 inches long.)

Enter the Rocketman, no that’s not a character from an Elton John song or a Disney movie sequel, its BMW’s study of what it might be like to bring the mini back to a more diminutive size – 134.6 inches or less.  That is at least 8 inches shorter than the first new generation Mini from 2002.

Debuting at the recent Geneva auto show, the Mini Rocketman concept is a study of what kind of vehicle might work best for people living in big cities.

The mini Mini is designed as a 3+1 passenger vehicle with wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry. Inside, lightweight seats are contoured in customary Mini style and can be arranged in a variety of different positions. This allows owners to choose between maximum driving fun two-up, a comfortable amount of room for three occupants, or even an exceptionally efficient division of space accommodating four seats.

Rocketman uses a weight saving carbon fiber spaceframe construction that is visible at the front end of the car, a

round its doors and in the interior.

The capacity of the luggage compartment can be adapted to passenger requirements just as flexibly. The two-part tailgate consists of one section which is attached to the roof and opens extremely high, and a lower section which extends out of the body in the form of a drawer.

A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is expected to be under the hood in both gasoline and diesel variants and in a horsepower range from 75 to 155.

Production has not been approved for this smallest of Minis and it would likely be until 2017 if it is approved.

The fourth and latest model to join the popular and ever-growing MINI family, is the all-new Countryman, which delivers maximum interior space within a minimum footprint, while managing to maintain MINI’s core values in an instantly recognizable and authentic design language, albeit it a larger form. It is both longer and taller than its sibling models. This newest family member, despite it’s subtle increase in size, still delivers both performance and efficiency with active and passive safety features in a genuine crossover vehicle.

The 2011 MINI Countryman still provides MINI’s iconic Go-kart driving sensation, but with additional space and functionality in MINI’s first four door configuration that is quieter and more comfortable, with available all-wheel drive. The MINI clan refers to the Countryman as their “Biggest small idea yet”.

Power for the MINI Countryman comes in two forms of a 1.6-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine – one naturally aspirated and one with twin-scroll turbocharging. There are actually six versions of the new Countryman available. There are two naturally aspirated Cooper levels of the MINI Countryman – one with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the other with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Next up are the Cooper S models with the same two transmission variants and turbocharging. The top model pairing consists of the MINI Cooper S ALL4, powered by the turbocharged four-banger and offering a choice between the two transmissions and providing MINI’s ALL4 full-time intelligent all-wheel drive system. Pricing for a MINI Cooper Countryman will begin at $21,650, with a well-equipped top-of-the-line MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4 will start at $26,950.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-liter motor generates 121 horsepower at 6,000 rpm along with 114 pound feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, while the turbocharged engine cranks out 181 horses at 5,500 rpm and 177 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm.

The MINI Countryman faithfully re-interprets MINI’s classic features such as: the roofline; the hexagonal radiator grille element; the large headlights and turn signal indicators integrated into the engine lid; the prominent wheel arches; and the upright rear light clusters. The MINI Countryman crossover, measures 161.3 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches (up from 145.6 and 97.1 inches, respectively, for the MINI Hardtop), featuring an interior that provides a new dimension of space and function.

The vehicle’s front end provides a strong presence that is engineered to optimize pedestrian safety. Extra interior space is emphasized by extra-large windows, with a unique window design behind the C-pillar and the distinctive roofline shape. The noticeably wide frame around the lower body and the boldly-flared wheel arches highlight the car’s athletic character.

A newly functional diagonal line transitions from the front side panel to the front door distinguishing the MINI Countryman from other MINI vehicles within the range. This feature – another re-interpretation of the body welding seam that was located on the classic Mini – also houses the side direction indicator. Conceived and designed as a wide, robust-looking band, the diagonal function line continues the course of the A-pillar towards the front wheel. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting securely on its wheels.

The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear body structure, widening out in steps from top to bottom, and emphasizing the car’s stable stance, while the muscular shoulder line highlights its masculine character. The roof appears to almost hover above the glass of the cabin. The rear MINI logo provides a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo allows the MINI owner to release the tail gate, which is hinged at the top. The rear license plate recess has the same shape as the air intake located in the front bumper, linking the front and rear ends through their design cues. The rear air dam functions as a diffuser, guiding the flow of air beneath the rear of the car and optimizing its aerodynamic properties. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system and striking openings in the rear wheel arches.

Moving to the inside, there are innovative design and function elements throughout. The seating position is slightly elevated guaranteeing comfort and optimizing the driver’s all-round view. The most unique interior feature is its innovative Center Rail system, which extends from the front to the rear replacing a conventional center console. It opens up new, individual options for integrating various storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. The rear seats move fore-and-aft 5.1 inches independently, and the backrests tilt for angle or fold flat, offering up to 41.3 cu ft of space in the boot… enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. For those who need more options to carry their lifestyle activity items, a standard low-profile roof rail system allows owners to add a full line of MINI accessories. Sports seats are standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman (optional on the Cooper), offering two different combinations of cloth/leather seating as well as various choices of all-leather upholstery as an option.

My test MINI Countryman was a Cooper S version with the six-speed manual gearbox and All-Wheel drive. The exterior of my Countryman was sprayed Royal Grey metallic, with Black bonnet stripe graphics. The interior was executed in Light Tobacco and Carbon Black tones. The base price was set at $ 26,950 with optional features and equipment elevating the final sticker to $35,400.

SUMMARY: Though seemingly on the pricey side for a MINI, a fully loaded 2011 Clubman Cooper S version with ALL4 delivers a hefty inventory of standard features and equipment as well as lengthy list of optional fare. Both active and passive safety technological features abound, such as: ABS, DSC, DTC, EBD, Hill Start Assist and more. Tires are of the runflat variety.

The MINI Cooper S version of the Countryman with ALL4 and manual shifter seems to be the MINI with the mostest, even though I have a personal affinity for open cars. It is by far the most comfortable MINI model available in terms of interior ambience and ride quality.

Acceleration is above brisk and the handling characteristics are truly “go-Kart-like”. I like almost everything about this latest MINI model offering, from its looks to its performance delivery. I found only one thing to niggle about – I’m not a big fan of the “T”-handle parking brake, with its release positioned beneath the handle which feels awkward to manipulate – a left-side thumb release button would be more intuitive and easier to operate.

The price point of a fully loaded, top-of-the-line Countryman may seem initially hefty, but the feature content and added size and resultant functionality and versatility certainly brings it into a worthwhile perspective. The MINI Countryman is a truly global vehicle, consisting of 35 percent German parts, 30 percent Austrian content, an engine originating in France and the transmission coming from Germany. Final assembly is in Graz, Austria. The MINI Countryman is genuinely ALL4 fun and fun for all.

Measuring 161.3 inches long and with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches, the Mini Countryman offers more passenger space than any other Mini vehicle, along with nearly 40 cubic feet of cargo space.  That makes it 17.7 inches longer, 6.1-inches taller and with a 6-inch longer wheelbase than the Mini Cooper hardtop.

“The Countryman is the most striking addition to our vehicle lineup so far,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, Mini USA. “And development of this vehicle has inspired our engineers and designers; the brand is taking on a new, even feistier, fun-loving attitude.”

As a small crossover, the Mini Countryman bridges the gap between the classic Mini concept and a modern crossover vehicle. The Mini Countryman is a completely new car, but its likeness to the rest of its family is immediately apparent.  While it is Mini’s largest production vehicle ever, it is still only a size “small,” and the company remains committed to the its core values… practicing fiscal, environmental and adrenal responsibility at all times.

Mini The extra interior space is made possible by the additional height of the body, and by the car’s longer wheelbase.

A key feature that is unique to this model is the innovative Center Rail. The aluminum track stretches from the front to the rear of the cabin and offers storage for personal items, electrical and USB connections for seamless integration of smartphones and other devices and a large number of attachments to fit customers’ lifestyle.

Mini Countryman powertrain options include Cooper, Cooper S or Cooper S with ALL4. The Countryman will be the first crossover on the market to feature a turbocharged and direct-injected engine with VALVETRONIC technology.  For shoppers who are focused on gas mileage, Mini Countryman is expected to offer the best fuel economy in the crossover segment.