MINI IMPRESSIONS BRANDI BOYKIN’S ODE TO GREAT BRITAIN

When hardworking marketing professional Brandi Boykin decided to reward herself with a new vehicle, she chose a 2023 MINI Cooper Countryman S knowing full well it would get noticed. So, while she was at it, she decided to go for one of the brightest color options available: island blue.

“Blue is my favorite color, and it stands out, so I thought, ‘I might as well,’” Boykin said, adding that her vehicle instantly communicates several things. “It says I have a lot of pride, that I like British classics, and that I’m fun.”

One playful design detail Boykin especially likes is a taillight option—standard in the United Kingdom but an add-on in the United States—a nod to the MINI’s U.K. origins; the brand was originally produced by the British Motor Corporation, although it is owned by BMW today. Boykin has a special connection to the U.K., which happens to be where she attended college.

“When you brake, the taillights pop out and signify a Union Jack. I love that feature. I used to live in London,” she said. “It’s only in newer models; the older MINIs don’t have that.”

The MINI Countryman is MINI’s largest and roomiest model, classified as a compact crossover SUV. It comfortably seats five in a rich standard interior that also provides generous cargo space. Roof rails are standard for additional cargo flexibility. The MINI Countryman is still a relatively small vehicle; however, it nevertheless boasts a powerful engine and fast acceleration, plus a full complement of safety features from an advanced airbag system to a rearview camera and park-distance control sensors.

Boykin said she appreciates that her MINI is as practical as it is visually appealing, with its all-wheel drive especially useful in the winter or in heavy rain.

“Because I live in Nebraska, the weather is temperamental,” Boykin said. “The ALL4 feature helps out with the rain, ice, and snow when it’s cold here.”

And on the nicer days? “I can open my sunroof when it’s warm outside,” she said.

Boykin said she also enjoys the Sport Mode feature on her MINI, which adjusts the throttle response, transmission shift points, suspension, and steering as it turns off traction control for a “sporti- er” experience driving the vehicle. Or as Boykin puts it, “A fun part of my MINI is the Sport Mode.”

MINIs are known for being remarkably fuel-efficient, and that can be maximized, Boykin said. “If I want to save on fuel, I can choose the eco mode,” she explained. Eco mode changes the vehicle’s throttle response to optimize fuel consumption and even displays eco tips on the MINI’s dash screen.

The MINI is a good fit for her lifestyle and budding career, Boykin said, whether she’s commuting, running personal errands, driving around town for work activities, or traveling.

“I can get anywhere quickly and easily park anywhere if I’m at an event or if I need to pick up print promotions or signage,” Boykin said, adding that whether the trip is long or short, she enjoys her vehicle’s comfortable interior and highquality sound system.

Plus, the esteemed MINI brand conveys success, she said. “I do some acting and modeling on the side, so it helps make a great first impression when I’m walking into a shoot or an audition.”

She notices other MINIs now more than ever. But even before Boykin became an owner, she was fond of the brand and noted that MINI has increased in popularity in the US over time.

“When I was living here in high school, there were no MINIs,” she said. “When I came back from college, they were everywhere.”

Nevertheless, Boykin finds that people still take immediate notice of her standout Countryman.

“It’s usually the only MINI in the parking lot. People say, ‘That is such a cool car!’” she said. And they’ll get no argument from her. “It’s fun to drive.”

Boykin’s MINI Cooper Countryman was her first vehicle purchase from ONYX, and she said she’d heartily recommend the dealership to other buyers, citing the personable staff and outstanding customer service.

“The employees there are best in class and they always want to make sure you’re more than okay before you leave,” she said.

For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.