Five Things We Love About the 2016 MINI Countryman

Everyone deserves to fall in love with what they drive.  Today’s marketplace demands that, as vehicles grow more advanced, an organic sense of driver involvement and emotion must remain.  Offering a more-than-generous helping of the aforementioned, the 2016 MINI Countryman has solidified a spot in our enthusiast hearts.  Here’s our list of five things we love about the car, and why it needs to be on the top of your compact crossover shopping list.

Speaking of shopping, for the ideal last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, Schomp MINI is offering a 20-percent discount on all in-stock MINI motoring gear through Tuesday, February 16th!

1.   MINI driving experience

Despite its relative size, the 2016 MINI Countryman loves to devour curvy blacktop.  Steering response is sharp, offering immediate off-center response and quick turn in.  The ride is firm yet composed, affording the driver authentic feedback without being overly abrupt or intrusive.  We love the fact that something this flexible and versatile can still be so much fun to fling around corners.

2.  Maximum versatility

Our six-foot staffers have no trouble finding all four of the Countryman’s outboard seating positions comfortable.  Headroom abounds front and rear with the optional panoramic sunroof, while a standard driver’s side window visor is an unexpected nicety for keeping glare at bay.  For cargo, the rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 split, so hauling sets of skis, snowboards, 2x4s or PVC pipe is a breeze, even with four adults on board.

3.  Advanced, BMW-derived technology

From dynamic traction control to the MINI Connected interface, much of the 2016 MINI Countryman’s technology is derived from parent company BMW.  With the luxury marque’s reputation for longstanding quality and safety, there’s no doubt the Countryman’s suite of tech will keep you on the leading edge of what’s available for many years to come.

4.  Available all-wheel drive and manual transmission (together!)

With manual transmission take rates declining, several manufacturers are beginning to opt out of offering a row-your-own option altogether.  For the ultimate in control, finding this trait paired with all-wheel drive is even more difficult.  We love that MINI’s focus on the “DIY” gearbox hasn’t waned a bit and, moreover, that the Countryman can be optioned with ALL4 and a manual.  Light clutch take-up, short gear lever throws and an engaging personality make it the perfect combination.

5.  Three years of free maintenance

Who doesn’t love free oil changes?  Let’s also throw in brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, fluid replacement, new filters…you get the idea.  MINI offers three years or 36,000 miles of the aforementioned, completely free, with every new MINI purchase.  That means genuinely worry-free motoring wherever the road takes you.  All of us at Schomp MINI wish you and yours a very happy Valentine’s Day!  Stay tuned for more updates on the forthcoming all-wheel-drive 2016 MINI Clubman, as well as sneak peeks at our all-new facility in Highlands Ranch!