Low Ownership Costs Garner IntelliChoice Recognition

Already known for their sporty handling, reliability and miserly attitude at the gas pump, the 2011 MINI Cooper Convertible and 2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback can now add Best Overall Value of 2011 to their list of achievements.

IntelliChoice, a leading provider of automotive information, named the MINI Convertible as its Best Overall Value of 2011 in the Convertible category, while the MINI Hardtop took the honor in the Sporty/Coupe category. IntelliChoice presents these awards based on predicted ownership costs over five years, including fuel costs, maintenance and repairs, recognizing those new vehicles that offer the best return on investment in their class.

“Consumers need to know that fuel efficiency isn’t the only thing that matters when you’re talking about ownership costs,” said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Massachusetts MINI Cooper dealer MINI of Peabody. “With prices rising again at the pump, gas mileage is a big consideration for buyers, but shoppers also need to think about resale value and what it will cost to maintain a new car. MINI shines in all of these areas, and it’s great to see independent recognition of the value our models offer.”

With EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the 2011 MINI Cooper Convertible matches up to Detroit’s new subcompacts and most hybrids in the fuel efficiency category. The MINI Cooper Hardtop fares even better, kicking city mileage up to 28 mpg in automatic-transmission models. Greater Boston MINI buyers will find themselves spending less time at the gas station, even if Central Artery congestion is part of their daily routines.

While fuel economy is an asset, what truly sets the MINI apart from the sporty subcompacts waiting at most showrooms is its pedigree. Beneath the hood, the MINI Convertible and MINI Hardtop carry on the tradition of automotive engineering excellence of their parent company, BMW. The influence of BMW can be seen in the engine design and sporty handling of both models, as well as the reliability of the cars as they age.

Owners who want to take the sportiness of the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper Hardtop to the limit can now upgrade their cars with a John Cooper Works performance package. Originally available only for Cooper S models, a new John Cooper Works package has been announced for the basic Cooper Convertible and Cooper Hardtop. The package includes a new front bumper, a bigger radiator grille, new side sills and lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels in the John Cooper cross-spoke design.

“Just looking at a MINI Convertible gives the impression that this is a well-built car, and that’s a design feature that some subcompacts simply cannot match,” Cabot said. “Get up close and look under the hood, and the true quality of these cars is apparent. A MINI Cooper is built for everyday use in demanding conditions. People who are thinking about smaller cars for fuel efficiency should give MINI a look to see just how well made a small car can be.”

Massachusetts MINI Cooper Dealer Celebrates New Model Arrival with Cook-Off

Amid piles of snow and ice, things got downright “chili” at MINI of Peabody on January 16, as the Massachusetts MINI dealer welcomed the first MINI Countryman models to its lot with a midwinter “bootgate” party and chili cook-off.

More than 100 MINI enthusiasts attended, getting their first look at the biggest MINI in the company’s history and sampling 21 different flavors of homemade chili. The winner received a $200 gift card and the use of a new MINI Countryman for a weekend.

“Events like this are what make our MINI dealership special,” said Marshal Cabot, general manager of MINI of Peabody. “We got a chance to spend time having fun with New England MINI owners, gave away some MINI footballs and gift cards, and let everyone see the four MINI Countryman models we had on display.”

The winter backdrop was an appropriate setting for the MINI Cooper Countryman, which promises to tame snow-packed roads with a new level of flair. As MINI’s entry into the crossover category, the Countryman is 15.7 inches longer than the MINI Cooper S. That means no driving up and down narrow staircases, Italian Job style, but it also means that buyers can opt for a rear bench seat with room for a fifth passenger.

The Countryman base model features the same engine found in MINI Cooper and Clubman models, a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 121 horsepower, but New England drivers who want the most fun in the snow will want to upgrade to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Offering all-wheel drive for surer footing in the snow, the Cooper S Countryman also ups the drivetrain power with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine capable of 192 pound-feet of torque and 181 horsepower.

Owners of the MINI Cooper S Countryman will also get a dash of parent company BMW’s technology in the form of the Valvetronic variable lift system, which uses an electric motor to control valve timing and improve fuel economy.

Every passenger in the new Countryman will be sheltered from the elements in rare comfort, with reclining seats in both the front and back rows. When the back seats are filled with friends and family, 12.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity remains in the easy-to-access trunk, or “boot,” as they call it in the UK. If extra cargo capacity is needed, owners can give backseat passengers the boot and fold the seats down to increase storage space to 41.3 cubic feet.

“This may be the biggest MINI that we’ve ever had in the showroom, but it still has the peppy MINI handling that owners love,” Cabot added. “With the available all-wheel drive, it also becomes a very capable winter crossover for everyday use, no matter how difficult the roads get.”

MINI of Peabody is proud to raise the curtain on the 2011 MINI Countryman, the first-ever four-door, not-quite-so-mini MINI Cooper, which is set to make its debut this January.

Currently MINI of Peabody is taking pre-orders from Boston MINI shoppers for the all-new Countryman.

MINI Countryman Boston

The Countryman’s four doors open onto the biggest MINI Cooper in production, with plenty of space for passengers in the front and back leatherette bucket seats and 41.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is easily accessed with the Countryman’s “open-wide” tailgate.  An available and no-cost option is a bench seat in the back, which allows the Countryman to seat five in total.

No surprises here, but the Countryman is built for performance with an efficient 1.6-liter, 16-valve engine with 121 horsepower beneath its hood.  That engine is mated with a standard Getrag 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed Aisin automatic.

The Countryman delivers fuel economy one would expect from a MINI at 35 mpg on the highway, 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg combined.  But drivers shouldn’t be fooled.  This MINI Cooper can move with the best of them, especially in standard Sport Mode.  At the push of a button, settings within the Countryman adjust to offer more rapid acceleration response and tighter steering.

The MINI Countryman is packed full of added standard and available features.  The ride is even more enjoyable with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system playing SIRIUS Satellite Radio during a free 1-year subscription.  Getting in and driving off are both made easier with remote entry and a start/stop button.

As with every new MINI, the Countryman also includes peace of mind with its warranty, maintenance and roadside assistance plans, all of which come standard.  Customer assurance begins with a 4-year, / 50,000-mile New Passenger Car Limited Warranty and keeps on coming with No Cost, Boot-to-Bonnet Maintenance, which means free oil changes, fluid services, filter replacement, brake pads, and rotor replacements.

Change is coming with the MINI Countryman.  Big change.

Boston MINI drivers who want to know more about that change should contact a sales representative at MINI of Peabody by calling (877) 212-9727 or by visiting: http://www.minipeabody.com/

At the Grand Opening Celebration of the new MINI of Peabody on Route 114, the Lyon~Waugh Automotive Group presented a $25,000 donation to the Peabody Education Council. Members of the Peabody Education Council including Mayor Bonfanti, Tom Gould, Sudi Smoller, Marlene Atkin and Katrina Gravel were at the Grand Opening event on October 21st to accept the donation from Warren Waugh, Managing Partner of the Lyon~Waugh Auto Group.

The donation will be used for the Partners in Education (PIE) initiative to purchase 6 Smart Carts for the Higgins Middle School. Smart Carts will be used by teachers at the Higgins Middle School to allow them to present and share information and resources to their students in the classroom. Each Smart Cart is an audiovisual cart on wheels with a laptop, a projector and an Elmo system.

The Lyon~Waugh Auto Group has always been a proud supporter of the City of Peabody and area programs. The dealership recently placed several advertisements in the 2010-2011 Calendar Fundraiser for the PEC and the Rotary Club of Peabody.

The dealership group is extremely thrilled to have had the opportunity of presenting this donation to the Peabody Education Council.

Lyon~Waugh Auto Group

The Lyon Waugh Auto Group includes BMW of Peabody, Acura of Peabody, Land Rover Peabody, MINI of Peabody, Audi of Nashua, and Porsche of Nashua. The dealerships are owned by Bud Lyon and Warren Waugh who are extremely philanthropic in the Peabody community. In years past, the Lyon~Waugh Auto Group has contributed to the Peabody-Lynnfield YMCA and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Warren Waugh is also a former recipient of the Harry Ankeles Community Service Award.

Boston MINI dealers MINI of Peabody have opened a new dealership- with a brand new service center- to meet the needs of all MINI owners. MINI of Peabody in MA is proud to announce that they’re growing! The Massachusetts MINI dealers have recently expanded and opened a new dealership to be able to meet all the needs of their customers. Their new dealership, located on Route 114 in Peabody, includes an expanded service department and numerous amenities to enhance the MINI ownership experience.

The Boston area MINI Cooper service center now offers MINI owners guaranteed next-day service appointments.  With additional service writers, factory trained technicians and service bays, owners can be assured that they can schedule an appointment at their preferred date and time, even on the next day.

Boston MINI Customers waiting for service also have the luxury of added perks including an exclusive owner’s lounge, a café with gourmet coffee and a high-tech game room.  Genuine MINI apparel and gear is also on display and available for purchase throughout the dealership.

“We’ve done everything possible to create a fun, friendly and convenient service experience,” says Marshal Cabot, General Manager.  “It was very important to create an environment that fits the personality of our MINI clientele.  They are spirited, enthusiastic and loyal owners.”

Massachusetts MINI Cooper Service

The dealership has always prided themselves on their extraordinary service.  The department is run by Service Manager Gary King, who has been with the dealership from day one.  Since the dealership opened its doors in 2002 on Route 1 South, customers have traveled from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont because of their loyalty to the store.

The service department at MINI of Peabody is open 6 days a week and appointments can be made online at http://www.minipeabody.com/ServiceApptForm.  For owners new to the service at MINI of Peabody, please inquire about New Owners Clinics, now held quarterly at the new facility.

For more information on the new MINI dealership or services available, please visit http://www.minipeabody.com.