COSTA MESA, Calif. -

NADAguides recently named its Car of the Month for June and receiving the monthly honors was the 2011 Mini Countryman. Officials said the desicion was based on the vehicle’s European styling, ample space, sportiness and fuel efficiency.

Besides impressing NADAguides analysts with comfort and style, Mini’s compact crossover also gained headway when its safety features scored a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“Driving a unique vehicle like the Mini Countryman definitely gets heads turning your way," said NADAguides director of product development Troy Snyder, while discussing this month’s choice.

"The rugged-looking Countryman is  eye-catching, performance-ready, fun to drive and practical as well — offering great fuel efficiency, ample space and plenty of rich features, including a free one year subscription to SIRIUS Radio and a four year unlimited mileage roadside assistance,” he added. “As the Car of the Month for June, our analysts were thoroughly impressed by the Mini Countryman; car shoppers will be as well."

According to analysts at NADAguides, the automaker surpassed its goal to offer the same Mini Cooper styling but with the convenience of four doors and capacity for four adults in building the new Countryman.

Besides noting the Countryman’s structural highlights, NADAguides mentioned they first took notice of the vehicle when consumer interest on NADAguides.com for the four door MINI shot through the roof, increasing by 106 percent from October to November.  The trend continued into the first quarter of 2011 when consumer interest  rose 101 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2010.

"Mini is very proud of the success that the Mini Countryman has achieved since its introduction earlier this year, and this recognition from NADAguides reinforces that as the brand grows into new vehicle segments, MINI will continue to deliver on its promises for a premium small car experience,” noted Jim McDowell, vice president, Mini USA.

The Countryman, starting at $21,650, comes in three engine options, gets up to an estimated 35 miles per gallon on the highway and according to NADAguides analysts,  even has “four bucket seats comfortable and spacious enough for even the longest of road trips." 

The Countryman will also now be eligible to win the NADAguides 2011 Car of the Year award, joining other 2011 Car of the Month vehicles, such as the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Equus.

"The Mini Countryman has helped Mini to achieve its best sales month ever in the US and has quickly become a core part of the Mini lineup as the brand’s second-best-selling model. We are looking forward to seeing its full potential as our dealer network and monthly sales continue to grow, introducing more people to Mini and its values," McDowell concluded.