Hi all,

I've been patiently waiting for my new countryman to arrive and, in the meantime, I was just interested in what new countryman drivers have to say about their vehicle. Has it been a good purchase? What do you like the most about it? What don't you like about it since purchasing? What's the best feature of your countryman, etc, etc??

Tell us about your Countryman. What spec did you buy and what options?

On launch day, Feb 26, I ordered an absolute black Countryman S All4 Chilli........Just couldn't resist, especially after the test drive! Options were limited on my part because the chilli pack included a lot of what I wanted. However, I did go for the 18" double spoke composites, the chrome line interior & exterior, the sun glazing, visual boost and comfort access. Was really disappointed that MINI Connected is not available in Australia. Anyway, I was told that the order would take 12 weeks to arrive but only found out at the end of March that it would be delivered 8-12 weeks after it's build date which is sometime this month. So, all in all, about a 20 week wait. Good thing I have my R53 MCS to keep me happy until then! Been feeding off all the forums online to get a sense of what to expect when I get mine - overall owners outlooks have been very positive.........can't wait, just about 10 weeks to go......almost there! Almost......lol!!

Sounds nice.

Which dealer did you buy from?

Thanks mowog...... I can't seem to find many photos online of what I've ordered - so am left with the configurator options to look at from time to time before mine arrives.

I ordered the vehicle from Brisbane MINI in the Valley. Great service from both Nick, the manager, and, Monique, the sales rep.

My only complaints are the lack of MINI Connected in Australia and the excessively long time we have to wait for our orders to arrive, when compared to other countries - none of which the dealers can do anything about. Just the way it is over here - shipping takes 45 days on average if I'm correct.

Still, I must say the situation has improved since 2004 when I purchased my first MCS - back then, the waiting time was over 6 months.

Are you thinking of getting a Countryman?

I have brought 2 Mini's from Monique.

Me Countryman not likely I am a classic Mini lover so it was a stretch for me to buy the BMW Mini. At the moment I have 2 Mini's a Cooper D that was a factory order I waited 12 weeks for. The other is a Clubman Cooper S which was a dealer demo car.

My ideal car would be a Clubman Cooper SD but based on past trends it's unlikely BMW Australia will import them.

I don't know if I supposed to reply on this thread since I'm from the UK but I have a Cooper S All 4 with Chilli in Cosmic Blue and it's my first mini. I've had a couple of BMWs but mainly Audi or VW in the past.

First impressions are that it's nippy, smooth in terms of engine, a bit noisier than I was expecting re cabin noise, handles well except for lateral ridges on the road where it skips a bit. Gets a lot of attention and is very quirky - I love it because it's different and has character. I couldn't stand another Audi/VW clone despite fabulous build quality and rear wheel drive BMW is not an option in Scotland.

So overall - very pleased.

I have brought 2 Mini's from Monique.

Me Countryman not likely I am a classic Mini lover so it was a stretch for me to buy the BMW Mini. At the moment I have 2 Mini's a Cooper D that was a factory order I waited 12 weeks for. The other is a Clubman Cooper S which was a dealer demo car.

My ideal car would be a Clubman Cooper SD but based on past trends it's unlikely BMW Australia will import them.

The dealers recently said that the SD Countryman is available to order so, I'm thinking that it shouldn't be too long off before you can order any of the variants with the SD engine. We are starting to see a few more model variants being made available to us (Mini Ray, Coupe coming end of year, etc). I really like the Clubman Hampton edition - that in an SD would be insanely great! Just wonder when/if we'll see Mini Yours introduced here..... Aaahhhh, the options can drive a person insane!

I don't know if I supposed to reply on this thread since I'm from the UK but I have a Cooper S All 4 with Chilli in Cosmic Blue and it's my first mini. I've had a couple of BMWs but mainly Audi or VW in the past.

First impressions are that it's nippy, smooth in terms of engine, a bit noisier than I was expecting re cabin noise, handles well except for lateral ridges on the road where it skips a bit. Gets a lot of attention and is very quirky - I love it because it's different and has character. I couldn't stand another Audi/VW clone despite fabulous build quality and rear wheel drive BMW is not an option in Scotland.

So overall - very pleased.

Thanks Dlanod - great pics of your car on the photo thread! Colour me envious!! This wait is never ending over here.......!

I had a very similar experience of the car during my test drive. Coming from a R53 MCS, I do like the change in driving position and the All4 is fun in the corners as well!

I probably shouldnt mention that we can order a Hampton Clubman SD over here then :)

I sat in one the other day, very very nice.

A Clubman SD would be the pick for me. I am afraid the Countryman does nothing for me. If we don't get the SD in the Mini range in Oz then I will look at tuning my Cooper D.

The D has been available across the range overseas for a long time now but BMW Oz still limit us to the Hatch only.

Well, just a quick update - I phoned my dealer today and got my VIN number. Did a little online tracking and if all goes to plan, my new toy will arrive in Brisbane in early July! Now the countdown can really start!