Customer testing for the electric version of the MINI is doing quite well. Many of those who leased the cars tell BMW that they want to keep the car when the leasing program is finished.

In an interview with Just-Auto, BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said that this trial will be followed next year with a customer test fleet based on the current study with the BMW Concept ActiveE, which will be produced at the Leipzig plant. Earlier this year, BMW announced the initial results of the performances of the MINI E in the US. <strong>Continued after the jump!

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Tags:car news, electric mini, Mini, mini e
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Have you ever wondered which would be the craziest thing you’d use to redecorate your kitchen? Apparently Danish stylist Katrine Martensen-Larsen thought that it would be very interesting to have in your kitchen a… Mini Cooper! Yes, a Mini…but not the whole car, only half of it, just like a painting. It is also cheap, because if we compare it with half a Porsche or a Ferrari… the car would be more expensive than the whole kitchen, but a Mini Cooper it appears to be the best solution! Photos after the jump!

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Tags:car news, Mini, mini cooper, mini cooper kitchen
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MINI has launched an international design competition that seeks to find the best tools for the MINI Center Rail in the new MINI Countryman. The contest was kicked off on the same day as MINI”s introduction of the fourth model in its lineup.

Those who would like to participate can use the MINI Space internet platform to enter the competition. The Center Rail links the front and rear of the interior and actually runs in a straight line between the seats of the Countryman. It also serves as a multifunctional platform, which can be used to carry various travel items. MINI has designed features, which include sunglasses cases, cupholders, iPod docking stations, etc. The Center Rail could also include a stowage space for charger leads for electronic devices like mobile phones and MP3 players. The competition will run until May 11, 2010. The MINI Design team, which is headed by Gert Hildebrand, will be assessing the designs that will be received. The public will get a glimpse of the prototypes of the three best entries at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. The grand winner will receive a four-day trip to Paris for two people, including a visit to the Motor Show. However, other top-quality prizes, such as MacBooks and iPods, will also be given. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:car news, Mini, mini countryman product design
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BMW has finally unveiled the fourth model of the MINI range, the Countryman Crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. The MINI Countryman is available with three petrol and two diesel engines.

Power outputs range from 90 hp (MINI One D Countryman) to 184 hp (MINI Cooper S Countryman). The car’s 1.6l four-cylinder petrol engine comes with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, as well as fully variable valve management. The MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept utilized by these engines helps to meet EU5 and ULEV II emission standards. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 geneva motor show, 2011 mini countryman, car news, Geneva Motor Show, mini crossover
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MINI announced today that, in March at the Geneva Motor Show, it will launch the all-new, world-first in-car entertainment solution: MINI Connected. This new system offers new options in order to enhance the hallmark driving fun associated with the brand and will make its official debut in the brand new Countryman.

The Mini Connected will also bring a newly developed USB interface whose unique functionality allows maximum integration of the iPhone into the in-car audio and infotainment system. The new system will provide the basis for new and unprecedented integration of smartphone functions. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 geneva motor show, Geneva Motor Show, Mini, mini connected
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Riding on the success of MINI USA’s recent (ultra) limited edition Rally Clubman, the US division is introducing another set of limited edition models. Watch out for the launch of the Lauren Sport edition in March 2010.

Each dealer only receives one hardtop (R56), one Clubman (R55) and one convertible (R57). For the US market, only 100 vehicles per model will be built. MINI gave the Laurel Sport Edition some combined sporty components with exclusive accessories inspired by a classic British style. For a sporty look, MINI added the John Cooper Works Aero Kit, the MINI driving lights, the black 17” Alloy Wheels and the black Mirror Caps. The model’s British heritage is exemplified in the Laurel Sport Edition Door Sills, Side Scuttles and Stripes on the Bonnet, Tailgate, Roof and Side Panel. Buyers are assured of the exclusivity of this model. It boasts of having unique components, including the contrasting Black Mirror Covers. What MINI guarantees is that this limited Edition is different from all other existing MINI’s in the US.

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Tags:car news, laurent sport edition, Mini, mini laurent sport edition
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According to the latest reports from Bmw representatives who were guests of Prodrive boss David Richards at Rally Sweden in Karlstad, we found out that the manufacturer is working car on the the MINI project. Apparently, the Prodrive MINI Countryman WRC will use a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and the initial testing program is expected to start this summer. Same sources added that the official launch of the Prodrive MINI Countryman WRC is expected to take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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Tags:2010 geneva motor show, 2011 mini countryman, Geneva Motor Show, Mini, mini countryman wrc, prodrive mini countryman wrc
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The customers’ real-life experiences of the electric Mini E will be used to help develop BMW’s future city car, according to sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson.

In an interview with Autocar, Robertson said that this information will help engineers establish the capabilities of the upcoming baby BMW, known internally as the ‘Mega City’. This vehicle is being developed under the Project i banner and is set to go on sale around 2013. It’s interesting how Mini E drivers apparently have not been as bothered by the limited battery range as what had been expected. They say that they generally don’t exceed the battery life for their daily commutes. Robertson also said that data from the electric 1-Series, which is due to go on sale next year with more sophisticated battery tech than the Mini, would be used to assess BMW’s future electric car projects. He said further that Mini E customer data could lead to the BMW ‘Mega city’ electric car requiring smaller batteries and a smaller daily range than expected. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:Bmw, bmw future city car, car news, mini e feedback
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Prices for the Mini Countryman, which will go on sale this September, will start from £16,000. Buyers will have to choose from three petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 89bhp in the One D Countryman to 181bhp in the Cooper S Countryman.

Compared to a Mini Hatch, the Countryman is 398 mm longer (at 4097mm), 316 mm wider (at 1789 mm) and 170mm higher (at 1577mm). The Countryman offers 190 liters more luggage capacity than a Mini Hatch with the seats up (a total of 350 liters) and 1170 liters with the rear seats folded flat. Coming in as standard on all UK models is a rear bench seat (which has a 40:20:40 backrest). Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 countryman uk price, 2010 mini countryman, car news, Mini
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The MINI Countryman, which will debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, will go on sale in Germany in September 2010. In its lineup, the fourth model is offered in a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, developing between 66 kW/90 hp and 135 kW/184 hp.

MINI said that the all-wheel-drive system ALL4 will be offered for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman. Aside from the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the petrol variants will also get a six-speed automatic with Steptronic variant. When it comes to standard equipment, the MINI Countryman models will be fitted with air conditioning, MINI Centre Rail stowage, attachment system and an audio system with CD player. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 mini countryman pricing, car news, Mini, mini countryman price
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