MINI Bulks Up, Heads for the Woods

PEABODY, MA (12/14/2010)(readMedia)-- MINI Cooper is most at home in an urban setting, where the vehicle's small size and nimble handling thrive, but New England is about to meet a new MINI, capable of confidently cruising through ski country and snowy backroads. MINI of Peabody, a Massachusetts MINI dealer, recently received its first 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman. This first-generation model adds size, strength and available all-wheel drive to make it the most versatile MINI yet.

For Boston MINI drivers, the Countryman's arrival is right on time, as the challenges of snow and ice typically steer car buyers toward larger vehicles with better traction and winter handling.

Marshal Cabot, general manager of the North Shore MINI Cooper dealer, expects the new Countryman, the first four-door car in the automaker's lineup, to attract a large number of buyers who may have previously passed on the iconic MINI because of its small size.

"Massachusetts MINI drivers love taking their cars into the city, because they're easy to park on the congested streets of Cambridge, Somerville and South Boston," Cabot said. "But those same drivers are conditioned to look for something more rugged in the winter months, which is why MINI has introduced the Countryman. Its available all-wheel drive adds a whole new element to the MINI lineup and will stretch the MINI driving experience through all seasons."

At 13.475 feet in length, the MINI Cooper Countryman is the biggest model the brand has ever produced. With the seats folded down, owners will have 41.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and all four of the vehicle's bucket seats can recline and slide forward and back to provide additional legroom and more comfort for both front and rear passengers.

In the Cooper S Countryman All4 trim, all-wheel drive will keep the vehicle stuck to the road even on winter commutes and trips to the White and Green mountains. Dynamic stability control (DSC) is standard on all Countryman models, and the system automatically adjusts to any instability while driving. When DSC is turned off, dynamic traction control (DTC) will increase traction during acceleration on slippery surfaces.

Along with the practical amenities, the newest MINI serves up the sprightly handling that is a hallmark of the brand. Sport appeal grows from performance suspension and engines that pump out 121 horsepower in the base model and 181 horsepower in the turbocharged Countryman S, allowing the Countryman to retain the quick acceleration and steering response of the smaller MINI. Acknowledging the performance of the Countryman, Automotive Leasing Group (ALG) named it the Best Sporty Car in their annual Residual Value Awards, an industry benchmark of future vehicle prices.

"The Countryman is an all-purpose sports vehicle," said Cabot. "It has SUV characteristics but can still fit into those small parking spots in the city that other drivers are forced to pass up. This model is poised to become the iconic crossover utility vehicle, just as the MINI Cooper has become the iconic compact, and we're excited to have our customers test-drive the newest MINI."

About MINI of Peabody:

Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their brand new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their MINI inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call (877) 212-9727, like them on Facebook or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, MA.