The New Mini 5-door

A few months ago, the brand new F56 Mini has arrived and when I carefully investigated this machine, I concluded that while the new Mini maybe more of a Wumbo and the interior looks a bit all wrong judging by the trademark Mini center speedo is gone and the speedo is now centered on the driver's side rather than the center because this is where the radio is now located at, it's still worth a humble machine that will make you feel humbled at the end of the day. Now, for the first time, there's a brand new 5-door model that has the same stuff as the Mini but the added accessibility for your mates.

2015 Mini 5-door

Wait a minute. Did Mini already have a 5-door model called the Countryman? Yeah, they do had the Countryman and word from the mouth is that the upcoming Clubman will have its club door removed and replaced with a...is it 5 or a 6 door because I just notice two doors at the rear end. But anyway, this is by no means the most confusing trick done by the books from BMW since they've confused us with the 3-Series GT and the 4-Series GC for being the same cars. With the new 5-door Mini, could this be end of the Clubman? That question is denied because BMW's now currently working on the production model but you should remember that it has a bigger boot than the standard Mini. Don't forget it.

2015 Mini 5-door

Anyway, the new 5-door Mini, does it still act like its 3-door brother even though it has additional doors for accessibility? Well, for starters, the new 5-door Mini is BMW's answer to Audi's A1 Sportback but it feels more like a bloated F56 Mini or maybe its Chinese copycat from Lifan perhaps?

2015 Mini 5-door interior

2015 Mini 5-door interior

The new 5-door model extends the F56 Mini by 72mm in the wheelbase and 89mm in the rear overhang. The result is the added rear space fit enough to have your barkadas snuggle through the plush cabin and you're ready for a day out at the streets just for the fun of it. However, for that added dimension, the 5-door model adds 60kg of weight so performance figures have been cut. It feels like you've been intimidated at the first match and you felt weakened to fight but mobility wise, the added weight couldn't stop you from having fun not to mention the clever suspension system, the most responsive electric steering, and the use of the UKL1 platform like you get from the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. Still, I'd like the Mini though because...it's a Mini! Who cares?

2015 Mini 5-door

Like the 3-door version, the new Mini 5-door can be offered with the entry-level One that comes with either a 1.3L petrol or a 1.5L diesel engine, a Mini Cooper that comes with either s 1.5L petrol engine or a 1.5L diesel engine, a Mini Cooper S that comes with the 2.0L petrol engine producing 192PS of power and 300Nm of torque, and the new Mini Cooper SD that comes with a 2.0L diesel engine developing 170PS of power and 360Nm of torque. Whichever Mini you'll be choosing, it's always going to be a good one and if by good, I mean wise.

For pricing, the new Mini 5-door starts at 18,350 Euros, almost a thousand more than the 3-door version and almost a thousand more than the Audi A1 Sportback, so should you buy one for yourself? Make your choice...

Photo: MINI

Forza Motorsport 5: MINI - When you've got nothing to prove...

This is what every purists will say that this is a proper Mini Cooper. It's an original Mini Cooper, the one made in the UK and the one Sir Alec Issigonis gave birth to it since the 1950's. Despite being known to be the car targeted for the housewives, this boxy classic was been a proper track weapon and its involvement in the world of motorsports can't be outlooked in the middle of the race. For a small but mighty compact, the classic Mini Cooper is definitely a favorite among Forza fans everywhere because not only it was recognized as Mr. Bean's car but it had a starring role in the original Italian Job. Well, there's more to it than that, am I right?



Most big boys always go for big fancy sportscars to make up for their personal shortcomings but what if you got nothing to prove to the big boys? What do you got in front of them? Well, yes, you got yourself a Mini and you felt that you've been embarrassed in front of the big boys but when it comes to the cornering stakes, you know that the Mini does well than the big boys. It goes to show that might can be light and that Mini really toppled the convention where size matters. It's much more fun to drive than what any other big sports car do and in the end, looks like they had the last laugh now...



When you've got nothing to prove, the classic Mini Cooper S is here to help. It maybe small in size but it's one of the most enjoyable vintage classics to drive in Forza Motorsport 5.

Gran Turismo 6: Timeless Classic Icons

The Mini Cooper, the VW Beetle, and the Fiat 500, classic icons that changed the automotive world through the years and now, it's time to find out which of these three timeless classic icons is the most iconic.

The place? Brands Hatch. The layout? The short Indy Circuit. The rule? Fastest time wins.

The Mini Cooper is a product of Sir Alec Issigonis and remains a purists' favorite over the Germanized modern Mini while the classic VW Beetle is the worldwide phenomenon that gave Volkswagen the reputation of being the "people's car" and the Fiat 500 is...well, it's one of Italy's contribution to the world. Mr. Bean drives a Mini, the Beetle is Herbie the Love Bug, and Lupin the Third drove a Fiat 500. They're all part of the pop culture craze but still, this is a GT6 science experiment and we're finding out whose the most iconic.

Although the Mini has the highest power of the three, it's heavier than the Fiat 500 but lighter than the Beetle, so it's a well-balanced classic city car that not only it looks good on the city streets but it's a good track-day car because the classic Mini has a racing pedigree. From the racetrack to the dirttrack, the Mini is always the David that trumps all the Goliaths in the motorsports history. The Fiat 500 may have a very low output but because it weighs over 500kg, you can find this car to be more maneuverable and more enjoyable to turn thanks to its lightweight bodywork. The Beetle though...it maybe the best of both worlds but even though it has more power than the old 500, it's heavier than the old 500.

After a lap round the Brands Hatch, here come the results...

1:06.219 - MINI

1:15.592 - Beetle

1:22.898 - 500

It's proven that the original and British-made classic Mini Cooper is by no means the most iconic of the three timeless classic due to its motorsports pedigree and a very high popularity among car enthusiasts and historians. Maybe that's why most purists prefer this more than the modern Mini that is made by BMW.

 

The New MINI (F56)

Once upon a time in 1959, the Mini compact was born and the design penned by Sir Alec Issigonis is a timeless masterpiece. Everyone loves this because of its timeless looks and compact sizing as well as its athletic characteristics. Fast forward to present day and Mini has been evolved into the piece you see it now. When BMW took over the responsibilities for the new Mini, the modern remake shares nothing from the old Mini Cooper. Now that it reached the third-generation model, codenamed F56, the New Mini is less of a Mini, more of a...Wumbo. If you don't know what in the word is Wumbo, well go ask Patrick from SpongeBob. You know? I wumbo...you wumbo...he, she, me wumbo...wumbo...wumboing...wumbology! The study of wumbo! That's first grade!

2015 Mini hatch

At first glance, you might think that this latest Mini is a bit more of a facelift but YOU ARE WRONG. VERY WRONG because everything's brand new from every nook and cranny...well almost because that's the way the Mini looks like through the years but anyway, since the new model is now bigger than the last model, perhaps the engineers from BMW had a degree of wumbology and again, such size should no longer be called a Mini anymore and it should have been called Wumbo. Uhh...did they set it to wumbo?

2015 Mini hatch interior

2015 Mini hatch interior

Apart from being a wumbo on the sizing department, looks like wumbo gets a new interior and for some purists, it seems all wrong because the new model's speedometer is now on the driver's side rather than being on a center like most Minis had through the years. They're not very pleased by this because the center console where the speedo used to be is now been occupied by the radio or sat-nav depending on the variant. If the new layout on the dashboard doesn't bother if you're more of a casual type of person, there's a lot of explanation to do once you're inside the new Mini because even though the dashboard's feel all wrong, the seats are all nice and friendly and because this car is bigger than the old one, you can really fit your mates especially at the back but as a warning, you can't bring your big momma to the back because. well that's the reason why is their a big momma in the scenario, she can't squeeze herself in.

So, what about the way it behaves? Well, even though a wumbo in the dimensions stake, the new Mini is still quite an enjoyable car to drive if you're free and even in the high-end Cooper S model, loaded with the 2.0L petrol engine producing 192PS of power and 300Nm of torque, you really can't tell. The entry-level One comes with either a 1.3L petrol or a 1.5L diesel engine while the normal Mini Cooper comes with either s 1.5L petrol engine or a 1.5L diesel engine. All of those engines are turbocharged but whichever variant you chose, the Mini is still as casual as a modern Fiat 500 or a modern VW Beetle. Those modern remakes of all-time classics may not be more sensible for the purists but I think they can still take the time and the effort to join the club if you had admission.

2015 Mini hatch

Back to the Cooper S model of the Mini, this car, in its manual gearbox configuration, can do 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds and flatout in 235kph. That's quite impressive if you're going to outrun a wheelchair rigged with fire extinguishers and with the combined fuel economy of about 17.5km/L (5.7L/100km), it's still a frugal car as well. I am humbled by the way this new Mini behaves judging by the way it behaves like a hot hatch and how it still got its charisma retained from the last model.

Price-wise and since this is a BMW-made machine, I'd expect this to be quite an expensive hatchback...but I was wrong-ish. The base One starts at 17,450 Euros up to 23,800 Euros for the Cooper S model. It's a smart buy for casual drivers but it's not quite as reasonably-priced as the Beetle or the 500.

In conclusion; the new Mini maybe more of a Wumbo and the interior looks a bit all wrong judging by the trademark Mini center speedo is gone and the speedo is now centered on the driver's side rather than the center because this is where the radio is now located at, it's still worth a humble machine that will make you feel humbled at the end of the day. Thanks to the new turbocharged engine and the new UKL1 platform, the new Mini is still a game-changing city car that truly lives in the Mini tradition of NOT NORMAL. This is the NEW NORMAL, after all.

Photo: MINI

Forza Horizon: Are you disrespecting the house of Cooper?

The House of Cooper

Most of the car enthusiasts admit that a German carmaker like BMW did ruined the Mini heritage because a modern Mini is too German for its own kind. Some Mini enthusiasts defended that opinion saying that the Gerrys are staying loyal to the Mini's roots. I'm neither on one of their side because driving a Mini Cooper like these on Horizon rather seems fine for me because of its compact sizing that makes it for a nimble getaway. It is a swift car on the corners but for some of you who like the modern Mini, why not take a look back on memory lane in one of these?

Mr Bean at the House of Cooper!

This is a 1965 Mini Cooper S. It's not one of the cars that tickles my fancy on Horizon. It's not the nicest looking car in my mind, and also it's one of the most hideous-looking cars I have ever seen in my life. But, ever since I drove one of these in one of Horizon's Showcase Events, I am willing to take back what I said about the classic Mini Cooper because such sizing and agility REALLY tickles my fancy. On the right circumstances, it's a brilliant little car if you're in a mood for some fun and games. It's really really that fun to drive and such a superb lightweight body makes it a winning formula for those who want a good handling car.

MINI Paceman

In a not too distant past, I always point that the MINI Countryman is the MINI I always hate not only because by the looks of it, well because it's quite an ugly looking MINI, but it's because it had so much vile and hateful things about it. (whispers) Especially when it showed up on Gran Turismo 5. It's all terrible rubbish but for MINI, they've launched a new version. Hmmm...

2014 MINI Paceman

(eating)

Oh, hey! Sorry, I was just eating my favorite chicken mamon inside but anyway what you're looking up here is the MINI Paceman, a new model from MINI which is essentially a three door version of the car I really hate about because of numerous reasons. A quick reminder about the Mini Countryman is simple, about how I really hate about because if I was a girl and if I put on my Punkish Gothic costume, the Countryman says OFF LIMITS. Why OFF LIMITS? Because (whispering) Countrymans hate people who dressed as Punkish Gothics. Also what I hate about the Countryman is for people who think bowties, fezzes, and stetsons are cool. (laughing) Really? Well, these are some of the reasons why I hate about the Countryman. If you were a girl who puts on her Punkish Gothic costume, you are not invited. If you are moron who thinks bowties, fezzes, and stetsons are cool, you are invited.

For this three-door version of the Countryman, called the PACEMAN, I would expect the same feeling that I'd expect on the MINI Countryman except for one thing. The name PACEMAN doesn't sound like Pacman or a spaceman as Donna Noble from Doctor Who might yell to The Doctor four little words "Oi, Watch It Spaceman!" on the telly. This is exactly I might wanna tell exactly about this car. Ahem...OI, WATCH IT PACEMAN!.(laughing) Now you try!

Anyway, it's worth a try yelling four little words Donna Noble or Catherine Tate told you on the telly but it would best if you are an "earth girl" and your partner's a "spaceman". Ah yes, spaceman and earth girl in a Paceman. Pun intended, right? Yes, indeed. Pun intended but as a driver's car, there are so many issues regarding the Paceman.

First of all, the Paceman is not quite a good looking MINI I have ever seen in my life but question is, do you hate it more than you hate the look of the Nissan Juke? Only one way to find out, just park the Paceman right next to the Nissan Juke and when you got out, you really knew how much horrible these two were. Also, getting inside the Paceman is simple on the front but access to the rear seats is far too complicated. Besides, the rear seats have a very few legroom and sitting through the rear seats can be someone as idiotic as filling up a car with a bunch of people who doesn't care about driving this car at all. It's not quite an effective family car if you have a family because it only seats up to four people and an average family has about five to seven.

2014 MINI Paceman

If you're in a mood for a normal ice cream that you bought from your neighborhood bakery, you can have a 1.6L or a 1.6L petrol engine but if you're at home and if you're waiting for the bell ringinig from a person who sells dirty ice cream, then you're the sort of person who chose either a 1.6L or 2.0L diesel engines. Those powerful and efficient engines doesn't seem bad but as for the handling, this is about as harsh as studying all night for some meaningless tests, especially finals. This kind of metaphor also applies on the ALL4 models of the Paceman because I can also expect the same kind of stress as doing next week's homework or reciting something for some meaningless "graded recitation". Geez, I really don't like graded recitations when I was in my school days. Graded recitations really put out the worst for students. He he he...

So, the MINI Paceman, like the Countryman, is rubbish to drive, interior's too uncomfortable, as stressful as a final exam that you took when you were at school, and overall, I still had the same feeling I'd expect from my most hated car of all time but question is, do you hate this Paceman more than its high-performance model?

2014 MINI John Cooper Works Paceman

It's a John Cooper Works model of the Paceman. It has a turbocharged engine that develops 218hp of power, 6-speed manual standard with optional 6-speed auto, ALL4, and some sporting credentials expected from other JCW models. It does 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and flatout in an estimated 226kph. Do you think I need to appreciate this high-performance version of the car which is a three door version of a MINI I really hate because it's OFF LIMITS for those who are in Punkish Gothic costumes and only those who think bowties, stetsons, and fezzes are cool are welcomed? Let me think about it but in a meantime, as the Got Talent judges might say, it's a NO. Uh-huh, it's a no. Sorry...

Forza Horizon: IT'S BACK! (sort of...)

Back from the parallel world...nearly...

Back in Forza Motorsport 3, the Mini Coupe (in concept form) was one of my favorite Mini of all time because it maybe another Mini but it's so agile, it's so mild, it's so delicate, and it's one of the cars I fell in love but sadly by the time FM4 came, the Mini Coupe dropped and efforts to bring the Mini Coupe back are failed miserably

For some unknown reasons, well Horizon offered us the modern 2011 Mini Cooper S and the classic Mini Cooper which we all love for its good handling, it seems that the producers placed the new Mini Coupe, in JCW form, in the list of unicorns to get through special event set up by the producers such as Photo Missions in forums, Game with Devs, and some of it that Producer-san would throw us at it. I was shocked upon this surprised and I played harder just to get my hands back to the Mini Coupe and guess what? When the producers set up the FYI About DLC thread and found out that they liked my impression about the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Performante, they rewarded me the Mini Coupe, which can only be one thing...IT'S BACK! (sort of...)

As the Mini Coupe returns, the producers gave us the lowdown on the unicorns of Horizon. It's just like the cover of the June 21-27 2008 issue of RadioTimes but that's a lotsa nonsense. The producers told us the list of unicorns we're hunting on Horizon...there are seven unicorns.

1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

1971 Lotus Elan Sprint

1991 Honda CR-X SiR

2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec S

2010 Mazda MX-5 Superlight

2010 Saleen S5S Raptor

2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe

As of now I got two out of the seven unicorns. I got a MINI JCW Coupe (seen above) and the Saleen S5S Raptor. For a quick recap, everybody got the Saleen Raptor concept car as a reward for playing Forza Horizon from the day this game was released. As of now, I'm targeting the CR-X SiR which is a reward for beating the lap time set by ApexHunterT10 at the Parks and Recreation event.

In the meantime, time to enjoy the return of the Mini Coupe in the world of Forza! Woo-hoo!!!

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

We start off with the MINI COUNTRYMAN. Sadly though, I really really hate this car because of numerous reasons. One, it's targeted for those who have a Playstation3. Two, it's for those who got tantalized over the PS3-only DLC costumes on THE IDOLM@STER 2 such as Stratos Butterfly, Burning Performer, White School Swimsuit, Cutie Insect, Rainy Suzuran, Dressy Alice, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Full Bloom Yukata Dress, and Devilkin Swimming Suit. Three, it's for those who got busy watching anime shows on Crunchyroll on their PS3. And worst of all, it's also for Whovians. Bowties are cool, fezzes are cool, stetsons are cool, bunk beds are cool, glasses are cool, hmph. Sorry if I have to waste the whole day about why I hate this car but now, there's a hotter version which I hate it in every different way...

2013 Mini JCW Countryman

This is the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman, the car I really hate has now been spiced up a bit. First of all, it comes from the hot John Cooper Works models, which are known to be the hotter MINIs for the serious enthusiasts but for the first time, JCW with ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard is definitely calling out as the road-going version of the Countryman WRC car. It seems that with the know-how of the rally car, the JCW Countryman is like a different kind of wild animal...wearing a fez really.

2013 Mini JCW Countryman interior

But still, this is the bulkiest MINI I have ever encountered because it has four doors or maybe because of its 4WD layout. It takes a single half-765 Productions producer, half-Gallifreyan to understand this car of this size and for this one, this gets worse. The turbocharged 1.6L engine produces 218HP of power, a wibbly wobbly timey wimey 0-60mph time of seven seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) for the manual and 223 km/h (139 mph) for its automatic sibling. Sounds intriguing but for a real fun, it might be best to drive if you're putting on either of your Stratos Butterfly, Burning Performer, White School Swimsuit, Cutie Insect, Rainy Suzuran, Dressy Alice, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Full Bloom Yukata Dress, or Devilkin Swimming Suit.

2013 Mini JCW Countryman

The recipe of making a JCW Countryman is simple. First, start off with everything why I hate the Mini Countryman beginning with the outfits I mentioned several times. I got a huge washing machine which I will do some ridiculous things serving as a tortured metaphor for this car. (Insert Top Gear V8 invention joke here) Put those PS3-only IM@S 2 outfits such as Stratos Butterfly, Burning Performer, White School Swimsuit, Cutie Insect, Rainy Suzuran, Dressy Alice, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Full Bloom Yukata Dress, and the Devilkin Swimming Suit in the washing machine. These will serve as the bodywork for the JCW Countryman. Next, let's put something such as Tiny TARDIS Pies, Sonic Screwdrivers, Radioactive-Spuds with Cool Avocado Cream, K-9 Dogs with Mustard Onions, Ginger Companions, Fish Fingers (and Chips) with Custard, Mini Chocolate Dalek Cakes, those kind of snacks when you're planning for a Doctor Who viewing party. These will serve as the turbocharged engine that powered the 1.6L Turbo engine for the JCW Countryman. What's next? Oh yeah! Bowties! Fezzes! Stetsons! Glasses! I should put it too and these will serve as the JCW Countryman's coolness. For an added bite, some bovril, beef, and brick. (laughing) Set the LOAD SIZE to SUPER, TEMPERATURE to COOL, pull knob to start, and wait for 1 hour....

While waiting for an hour. Who should I be? I should be dressed either as the 9th, Rose, the 10th, Martha, The Master, Donna, the 11th, Amy, Rory, River, or any Doctor Who character I know. If I chose which Who character I'd be, preferably the 11th because he's cool, I should head back to the washing machine and for the finished product. Serve it in and enjoy...

Well, obviously, the finished product will leave my Gallifreyan cardiovascular system (two hearts) pulse faster and blow my skull into bits but as a taste sensation, I'm not sure if it works because basically, I got the name for it! THE BLOODY AWFUL!!!

This is often the way cars are meant to be "IT'S MORE FUN IN GRAN TURISMO", they have the weirdest of ingredients but there's no heart, there's no fun, and worst of all, quite shocking and dangerous. This isn't shocking or dangerous but there is one big drawbacks. First of all, it was the price, the JCW Countryman will cost you about 34,800 Euros for the one with 6MT while the one with the 6AT may cost you 36,340 Euros. Another drawback to this car is its 4WD. Because it's heavy, handling the JCW Countryman is as hard as you've been wrestled down a panda in sumo wrestler's attire. Sports suspension works fine on racetracks but on the road, it's a bit nasty and uncomfortable. And lastly, well, being a Mini Countryman, I really hate it for being "IT'S MORE FUN IN GRAN TURISMO". I once drove the MINI COOPER S COUNTRYMAN in GT5 and I have to say that this is the kind of car I really hate for being, well, you get the idea.

To sum up then, the spiced-up version of the Countryman is definitely not a good car to keep it in your garage. This car might be best if you were living in either Leadworth or Cwmtaff.

MINI Roadster

2013 Mini Roadster

There was already a convertible variant for the Mini, which is the MINI CABRIO, but who would need another open-top MINI on their lineup anyway? The all new Mini Roadster is somewhat the same as the Mini Cabrio but instead of a four-seater layout, the Mini Roadster has two seats! TWO SEATS! That makes the Mini Roadster different than the Mini Cabrio! The Mini Roadster has rivals on its sleeves such as the Renault Wind and the Mazda Roadster.

It's actually the drop-top version of last year's Mini Coupe and the result is 20 millimeters lower than the Mini Cabrio as this new model cuts a distinctive, low-slung and elegantly stretched figure from the side. Unlike modern roadsters, the black soft-top roof can be folded by hand, not by machine, but on the plus side, closing or open the roof manually saves time rather that waiting for 10 to 20 seconds to close or open the roof automatically.

On the inside, there goes the same old Mini interior but with the black interior, it was made to be road-focused and avoiding the driver of getting distracted by something that attracts him or her, especially the combination of upholstery variant, trim elements and Color Lines chosen by the MINI Roadster owner.

Firstly, the entry-level of the range was the Mini Cooper Roadster, the most economical variant was the Mini Cooper SD Roadster, and the sportiest model was the Mini Cooper S Roadster. Those variants have a choice of a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission. Because I can't take this too long, here are the specs of each variants;

MINI Cooper S Roadster
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Power Output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600-5,000 rpm (260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730-4,500 rpm)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds
Top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph)
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 l/100 km (47.1 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km

MINI Cooper Roadster
Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Power Output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph)
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 l/100 km (49.6 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km

MINI Cooper SD Roadster
Four-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
Displacement: 1,995 cc
Power Output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
Max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750-2,700 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph)
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 118 g/km

If you're not interested in those, consider this, the JCW (John Cooper Works) version of the Mini Roadster.

2013 Mini John Cooper Works Roadster

Being the latest of Mini's John Cooper Works range that consist of the original, JCW Cabrio, JCW Clubman, JCW Coupe, and the upcoming JCW Countryman, the new JCW Roadster has go-kart agility with a turbocharged engine, which sounds perfect to mess around your neighbors.

SPECS:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Power Output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850-5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000-5,100 rpm)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph)
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.3 l/100 km (38.7 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km

Colors Available for the Mini Roadster such as Chili Red, Pepper White, British Racing Green II, Eclipse Grey, Lightning Blue, Midnight Black, Spice Orange, White Silver, and Reef Blue.

My comment:
It wasn't a good idea to have another convertible model with the same size as the Mini Cabrio but the Mini Roadster is somewhat known to be the Cabrio's evil twin because it was highly a soft-top version of the Mini Coupe. Because it has two seats, this car was made for the singles who want to take their girls to a date at a five-star restaurant. The Mini Roadster is a silly addition of the Mini range but it does pack some serious performance. Well, another day, another adventure...

Photo: MINI

Mini JCW Clubman in Forza Motorsport 4

Back at the studio, boys!!

The Mini John Cooper Works Clubman seems to be the kind of car that I haven't tried it yet but wow, this ugly-looking, squarish, MINI really gonna put that James May's "bloody awful" dialogue spent where it matters. This car was a pre-order bonus for those who've pre-ordered Forza Motorsport 4 at Wal-Mart and for the last time, I didn't pre-ordered Forza 4 there because I pre-ordered mine at Gamestop. With the Launch Bonus Car Pack now available worldwide, I got myself a chance to drive this ugly-looking MINI that I though it was ugly on the outside but this one's still a fun-to-drive MINI that you would want to have it on your personal car collection. Take note, it still has the same turbocharged 1.6L engine that comes from the original MINI JCW hatchback but this wagon look really made a bit squarish and slightly heavier. Still, it looks fun to decorate something else on the outside of the JCW Clubman. Think of something checkered, something cute, something cool, something funny, something, well you get the idea...

A GT5 Mini Countryman/Crossover Getaway

Song played in my Personal BGM: リゾラ by Iori Minase (CV: Rie Kugimiya)

From the album: THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 2 -SECOND SEASON- 01 Iori Minase

This is freaking sweet. I've never tried the MINI Countryman (known in Japan as the MINI Crossover) before but thanks to Gran Turismo 5's 3rd DLC, it made me possible to try out the all new MINI Countryman/Crossover on this game and this car's about to say "Hey Diddle Diddle" because this cow's about to jump over the moon! Or maybe just throw it.

Hey Diddle Diddle! This Countryman's about to
jump over the sun! Or maybe just throw it.

Not bad driving at the snow...

Despite being an FF car, the MINI Countryman can perform well on dirt and snow because the SUV look really make it up to its name. However, despite it's offroad fun, the Countryman finds it struggling on wet courses and a little Scandinavian Flick won't do a thing either. Remember, don't overcook it unless you're a professional MINI Countryman owner at GT5 because the handling is too delicate to overcook it or it will ruin it.

Mini Countryman meets the original Mini Cooper S

What makes the MINI Countryman differ to the 2011 Mini Cooper S is its weight. You see, the 2011 Mini Cooper S weighs 1140kg, the MINI Cooper S Countryman weighs about 1310kg, that's 170kg heavier than the original despite they're both equipped with the 1.6L engine that produces 181HP of power and 177.2ft-lb of torque.

Stig takes a day-off with the Mini Countryman in Italy

Yes! Stig's coming home!

For a pint-sized crossover, the MINI Countryman is all about being adventurous and with that being featured in Gran Turismo 5, I wonder what adventures will the Countryman take, especially when it takes on the top speed at Special Stage Route X or set a lap time at the Top Gear Test Track! When your online players saw your Countryman, they'll think you're more annoying than orange! 

I'm glad that this is the first time driving the MINI Countryman right here on GT5, and that made me as adventurous as an explorer. MINI's first 4-door crossover is definitely big reason why you're calling it the "Hey Diddle Diddle" because you just want to find a dirt course to make a leap for it. Sadly though, this MINI Countryman is not track-ready and it needs some professional care to make it more fast and agile as the original MINI but a bit more sensible to annoy your pals.

MINI Coupe tuning by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer MINI Coupe 

The new MINI Coupe gets tuned by AC Schnitzer for the very first time. While we're still don't know about the performance figures yet, this modified MINI Coupe comes with a limited slip differential that locks up 75% for the Cooper S Coupe and it comes with a special exhaust for the Cooper S Coupe and the JCW Coupe. It also comes with a specially modified braking system, height-adjustable suspension, spring kit, aluminum strut brace, and rear anti-roll bar for the Cooper Coupe. Most have a choice of either a 17-inch or 18-inch rims. This Mini Coupe can't get even more wicked for the "cruising" scene.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01/ac-schnitzer-tricks-out-new-mini-cooper.html

MINI Coupe

When the MINI line-up consists of a 3-door original, a 2+1 door Clubman, a 4-seater MINI Cabrio, and a 5-door SUV called the MINI Countryman, it seems that a new member of the MINI family has arrived and yes, it's a two-door, two-seater sports car called the MINI Coupe.

2012 MINI Coupe

This model was inspired from the 2009 Mini Coupe Concept as seen from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and why did MINI wanted to spawn a two-door sports car model was a complete mystery. As a sports car, the MINI Coupe ditches its hatchback look and gains some attractive side profile to make it more of a coupe rather than being a MINI. Compare this side view to some female swimmer who wears a Speedo and the results are inevitable. Because it is an FF car, the MINI Coupe finds a fist fight against the Scion tC.

2012 MINI Coupe interior

How should you ask about getting inside the MINI Coupe? It's quite simple really. This MINI Coupe allows seating for two adults and opening the back of the MINI Coupe is just like opening the back of the Scion tC and the Nissan Fairlady Z but with such luggage space, it is applicable for only three suitcases and a purse, whatever you want to put it on the back.

Now onto the performance side, well, the new MINI offers three kinds such as the Mini Cooper Coupe, the Mini Cooper S Coupe, and the Mini Cooper SD Coupe. The entry-level Mini Cooper Coupe is powered with the 1.6L Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. It gets about 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm of power, 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm of torque, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 9 seconds, 204 km/h (127 mph) of top speed, 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres (52.3 mpg imp) of fuel consumption, and 127 g/km of CO2 emissions. the hardcore Mini Cooper S Coupe uses an improved version of the turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that produces 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm of power, 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600-5,000 rpm of torque, 0-100kmh in 6.9 seconds, 230 km/h (143 mph) of top speed, and 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg imp) of fuel consumption. The Mini Cooper SD Coupe uses the 2.0L Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry, resulting to greater fuel economy of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) and the lowest CO2 emission of 114 g/km.

Most MINI Coupe variants are great on handling thanks to its weight and its tuned suspension and it gets better for the eco-car fans, the MINIMALISM environmental technology offers MINI's Micro Hybrid Technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop+, Shift Point Display+, Electric Power Steering, and ancillary components to make it more fuel efficient. It is mated with either a 6-speed manual or a flappy-paddle 6-speed semi-automatic transmission with Steptronic function. There is a Sport Button placed on the MINI Coupe and if you pressed that, it delivers a much sharper handling and cornering, which is essential to technical courses such as the Nurburgring and Fuji Speedway. Do you think it is highly essential to tackle tough mountain passes such as Iroha-zaka, Shomaru, Tsukuba, or Akagi? It maybe an FF car with a Sport Button but it takes practice to tenderize the technical turns.

There are a lot of other features on the MINI Coupe as well such as the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. The DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) are considered optional but one MINI Coupe considers these features standard is the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.

2012 MINI John Cooper Works Coupe

The Mini John Cooper Works Coupe is the hardcore addition to the Mini John Cooper Works range, the MINI family with powerful upgrades courtesy of BMW M Power. The new Mini John Cooper Works Coupe features a powerful version of the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine, delivering 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm of power, 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 2,000-5,100 rpm of torque, 0-100kmh in 6.4 seconds, 240 km/h (149 mph) of top speed, 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres (39.8 mpg imp) of fuel consumption, and 165 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Depending on the variant, the MINI Coupe is available in nine exterior colors such as Chili Red, Pepper White, British Racing Green, Eclipse Grey, Lightning Blue, Midnight Black, Spice Orange, White Silver, and Laguna Green (not applicable on the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe).

My Comment:
Outrageously funny, witty, wicked, and hard to resist its temptation that what you've expect from peeping on some schoolgirl readying with her Speedo one-piece swimsuit for swimming class, but sorry, we're not on the same league. This MINI Coupe's not in a same league with the BMW 3-Series Coupe, BMW 1-Series Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, and the Audi A5. It will compete only against FF sports cars such as the Scion tC and the Kia Forte Koup. The bigger the MINI Coupe gets, the smaller the rivals will get.

Welcome to the Book of Balls...

Philippine Getaway...?

BMW MINI Crossover '11

Whether if its ready to take flight, take an emergency getaway when your baby's about to pee, order some sushi and slide it on the multi-functional center rail, looking for some wool, or just to multiply this car for the flow, you can't blame it on the BMW Mini Countryman (known in the JDM market as the BMW Mini Crossover).

Slated for an April Fool's Day release (April 1, which explains a lot), official Mini distributor, British United Automobiles, announced the pricing of this Mini Crossover starting at 2.38 million Philippine pesos for the Mini Cooper Countryman (chassis code: ZA16) up to 3.15 million Philippine pesos for the range-topping Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 (Chassis Code: ZC16).

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mini-countryman-pricing-revealed

Smells expensive but whatever. It's ready to getaway for April Fools!

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

It may be its first crossover utility vehicle that defies the MINI nameplate, but the MINI Countryman is built for the most active people who are getting used to their active lifestyles, especially from work.

The design of the MINI Countryman was based on the MINI Crossover Concept as seen on the 2008 Mondial D' Automobile at Paris, France, taking a new approach from the MINI lineup consisting from the original, the cabriolet, and the odd-looking Clubman. If looks can be distinctive, the MINI Countryman has three different forms; the base One variant offers an entry-level experience, suited for the starters while the Cooper variant offers a balance of sportiness and cuteness inside and out. The flagship Cooper S variant offers the best looks and it comes with MINI's first ALL4 four-wheel drive system, which brings excitement to the next level.

To add fun for the MINI Countryman, the interior comes with the multi-functional center rail that allows its amenities to be slided, great for those who are hungry for sushi and ask them for your order, then slided for you. Aside from the center rail, the MINI Countryman is the first MINI to have five doors for easy access.

On the MINI One Countryman, this base variant comes with a petrol (98 PS) engine, and the diesel (90 PS) engine. The Cooper variant also comes with the petrol (122 PS) engine and the diesel (112 PS) engine. The flagship Cooper S Countryman is available only with the high-performance, turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine with 184 PS of power output.

Most car enthusiasts prefer the Cooper S variant because of such sporty performance thanks to the turbocharged engine but for those who are interested in eco-cars prefer the MINI One variant because of its fuel efficiency.

My thoughts about the Countryman:


From the airport, the countdown before the baby's unexpected jingle, the sushi bar, to sheep's clothing, this MINI is all-round fun no matter which situation you are facing while having fun with the brand's first dedicated crossover utility vehicle. If I would choose between the MINI Countryman and the BMW X1, I would rather switch to the X1 because of the luxury amenities offered. If the pricing is the issue on these two, the MINI Countryman is a winner because of the suggested retail price of 20,200 Euros for the MINI One Countryman to 29,440 Euros for the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4. This car will be on sale all over Europe this September and as expected, the MINI Countryman will come to our shores if MINI Global City announced when this crossover would come to our shores. I am sure that this crossover will come late next year or sooner.

Can a Euro hatch beat a super fast car?

A few weeks ago, MINI has just issued a challenge against Porsche for a dead heat race, but not just any dead heat race, it's a grudge match between the Porsche 911 and the Mini Cooper S.

Question for car addicts is, can a lightweight sports hatch really beat the ultra-fast, ultra expensive German sports car in the American racetrack?

If you guys already know about these two, you probably know what that meant.

Watch the clip:

"IN THE END, PORSCHE BEAT MINI BY 2 SECONDS..."

How should they know? It's the speed that counts. It's impossible for an over 100 BHP compact to beat an over 300 BHP sports car! The only thing you can beat is the price itself! 

Oh well, you know how this grudge match at Road Atlanta ends...

Time to use the words of spoiled brat Angelina, if I already know this;

You're such a loser!

Joke lang po! Walang Personalan! Ha ha ha!