Could the MINI Countryman Become North American Truck of the Year?

HARTFORD, CONN. (10/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Though it may not be the first vehicle to come to mind when the word 'truck' comes up in conversation, the new 2011 MINI Countryman has earned a nomination for 2012 North American Truck of the Year. Available at Connecticut MINI dealerships, the capable Countryman is the biggest of the MINI bunch, but big is a relative term when it comes to the eccentric British automaker's models.

Revealed each January during the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, the North American Truck of the Year award is voted on by up to 50 automotive journalists. Three finalists will be determined in December with a round of voting on the seven nominees announced this month, a group of vehicles that surprisingly included the MINI Countryman.

"I'm not sure I'd call the MINI Countryman a truck, but it's certainly a versatile vehicle that can do many things a conventional truck would normally take care of," said Tim Parker, general manager of New Country MINI, a Hartford, Connecticut MINI dealer. "We've all had a little laugh about the nomination, but this would be a cool award for the Countryman to win and I'd like to think it has a real chance at driving away with the honor."

The MINI Countryman is the only MINI model available with all-wheel drive, which makes it a steady ride for those driving around on New England's treacherous winter roads. Adding to the Countryman's capabilities is its increased size, which totals 41.3 cubic-feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded. That's a big improvement compared with the two-door MINI Cooper's 24 cubic-feet of space.

While it may have nearly twice the interior space, the Countryman makes use of two of the lively engine options found in the MINI Cooper. The MINI Countryman offers a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated unit with 121 horsepower that can return up to 35 mpg on the highway, and a turbocharged version shared with the Cooper S that produces 181 horsepower and still manages to net 32 mpg on the highway. The optional All4 all-wheel-drive system is only available with the turbocharged powerplant, making for an entertaining and sure-footed drive no matter the conditions.

"The Countryman is the right-size crossover for Connecticut drivers that want to weave through traffic without weaving off the road in icy conditions," Parker noted. "Its rugged abilities are only matched by its stylish design and dynamic handling, making it the perfect vehicle for those looking for a little more MINI."

While MINI owners are known for their fun-loving attitude, they also have a charitable side. An example of that giving nature is the New Country MINI Drive & Walk, an event taking place on Sunday, October 16. Starting in West Hartford, a group of MINI drivers will caravan to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, beginning at 1 p.m. in Litchfield, Conn. Both events will raise money for the American Cancer Society, with New Country MINI suggesting a $20 donation from participants. For more information about the MINI event, contact Rick Miller at rmiller@newcountry.com and put "MINIs Fight Cancer" in the subject line, or visit the Facebook event page (www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178689042210162).

About New Country MINI:

Connecticut MINI drivers flock to New Country MINI, a premier Connecticut MINI dealer, for one reason: They work to make sure their customers are happy even after the sale. New Country MINI sells used and new MINIs like the 2011 MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper, and they keep them running like new at their Hartford MINI service center. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group, New Country MINI is located at 1 Weston Park Rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Find them online at www.newcountrymini.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryMINI, or call them at 877-383-5983.