Review: MINI Countryman John Cooper Works
What is it?
You’ll have probably heard of MINI’s John Cooper Works division already. Inspired by the go-faster rally versions of the tiny original, the modern JCW cars are often the most spirited and powerful variants of the latest generation of MINI models. Now, it’s time for a new one, with a go-faster take on the latest Countryman SUV.
While MINI is launching the Countryman with a fully electric version for the first time, that JCW fire-breathing prowess isn’t being taken away just yet - which brings us to this new performance model.
What’s new?
While the Countryman name remains, very little has been kept the same. This latest generation of MINI’s SUV is less-MINI than ever, with a 14cm growth spurt over its predecessor making this the largest car the brand has ever made. But that does mean it’s got more space to offer, alongside some of the very latest tech to ensure that this Countryman can keep pace with its rivals.
When it comes to the JCW version, things take a familiar route. There’s loads of sporty styling with blacked-out touches and plenty of trademark red accents that you’d associate with a proper JCW. There’s even a chequered-flag pattern integrated into the front grille.
What’s under the bonnet?
The new Countryman JCW makes use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - just like the car it replaces - but because of stricter emissions regulations, it’s actually slightly down on power at 296bhp and 400Nm of torque. Because of this change, its 0-60mph time is three-tenths down on its predecessor at 5.2 seconds, though its 180mph top speed remains the same.
You do get MINI’s All4 all-wheel-drive system as standard, too, while a seven-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard from the off - there’s no manual option. MINI claims up to 35mpg combined as well as CO2 emissions of between 177 and 188g/km. Remember too that if you’re after more efficient options, MINI will do the Countryman with more ‘normal’ 1.5- and 2.0-litre engines.
What’s it like to drive?
The JCW ethos has always been to increase the fun factor of any MINI model and you could say that it has achieved this once again with the new Countryman. You can put this car in dedicated ‘Go-Kart’ mode which, thanks to sharpened steering and improved throttle response, makes this SUV quite a giggle to drive. It makes a nice sound, too, though a lot of this is artificially enhanced and piped into the cabin.
Though it is down on power compared with the car it replaces on paper, it still feels more than urgent enough out on the road while its smooth-shifting gearbox makes switching cogs easy. One negative is the ride - on massive 20-inch wheels the JCW does feel very firm.
How does it look?
The Countryman follows quite a standard format in its switch to a JCW, but it’s not boring as a result. With its new quad exhaust setup, lowered ride height and huge brakes, the Countryman JCW looks like it means business. It’s all applied to a new Countryman design which looks pleasingly different to the car which comes before it but is still reassuringly familiar.
At the rear of the car, this MINI’s growth spurt is most noticeable and from some angles, it can look a little bloated. However, as always, looks are a very personal thing. It’s certainly got plenty of presence, however.
What’s it like inside?
John Cooper Works cars have never been shy and retiring and it’s safe to say that this new Countryman is no different. There’s a quirky ‘knitted’ dashboard which stands out, while a clever projector system even beams an intricate design onto it at night. There are quality materials used throughout, too, but in classic MINI fashion, it’s all put together with some verve and style.
The new central OLED screen - one of the first of its kind in a road car - is clear and packed full of features. You can even set it to resemble the classic speed readout that you’d find on the original MINI, too. Plus, because of its larger size, the Countryman now offers a respectable 460 litres of boot space with some additional underfloor storage too.
What’s the spec like?
As the range-topping specification, JCW Countryman models get more equipment than you can practically list out, with standard features including 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED interior lighting and the aforementioned infotainment screen which includes wireless smartphone mirroring as standard and a full satellite navigation system as well.
Other headlining features include heated seats, a head-up display and a punchy Harmon Kardon sound system. In truth, there’s little else you could want from a modern SUV in terms of on-board equipment.
Verdict
The Countryman JCW is a pleasing new addition to the performance SUV segment. Against rivals like the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Audi SQ2, it offers far more character, as well as plenty of equipment that can keep the most avid of button-pressers happy.
An increased size makes the Countryman more practical on a daily basis, too, with a decent boot space making it a sure thing for drivers who need a little extra roominess. Though it may not be a ‘MINI’ in the true sense of the word, you can’t argue that this latest Countryman is more fun, more spacious and more usable overall than ever before.
