John Cooper Works, or JCW for brief, provides spice, efficiency, and rowdy exhausts to the newest MINI Coopers together with the most important of the lot, the Countryman. You’ll be able to consider it because the M to BMW, or AMG to Mercedes.
Outfitted with the identical 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine because the Countryman S, energy has been uprated to 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, up 11 hp from the final JCW but it surely’s curiously down 36 lb-ft of torque, and three-tenths slower from 0-100 km/h (5.4s vs 5.1s). What provides? Maybe the truth that this Countryman is considerably bigger than the one it replaces, or that the brand new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox can’t deal with that a lot torque, together with packaging restraints from the usual all-wheel drive system.
It is sensible, contemplating that Countryman rides on the identical platform because the BMW X1 and X2, adopting Bavarian ranges of rigidity and agility. On a optimistic observe, the journey is supple and fewer taxing than the X1 M35i. Excessive-speed stability is a major enchancment over the outgoing JCW as effectively. Even at turbulent speeds over 120 km/h, the MINI doesn’t weave sideways and stays rock stable, settling shortly and confidently after negotiating bumps. At sluggish speeds, the JCW simply dismantles damaged roads, and there’s sufficient chassis fluency right here to name it snug.
In comparison with the Countryman S, the JCW is extra frenetic off the road. It revs with an eagerness not discovered within the S, and deciding on the Go Kart driving mode reduces the traction and stability management intervention and perks up the engine for some added driver engagement. That being mentioned, this MINI is just not as uncooked as JCW fashions of the previous.
The Countryman JCW is extra docile and forgiving, and it has misplaced the corner-entry sharpness and corner-exit enthusiasm that made these hot-rodded MINIs so thrilling to start with. Skimming the floor as a substitute of digging in, it gives drivers marginally much less in return for his or her inputs. The steering is tense and decided however not as hyperactive or as excitable as earlier than. Cornering limits aren’t practically as excessive despite the fact that this JCW is a essentially better-sorted SUV, but it surely’s a extra appropriate automobile for the informal fanatic on the lookout for extra fervor from their household carriage. Extra of a heat hatch than a sizzling hatch. These in search of extra efficiency ought to look to the BMW X1 M35i as a substitute.
A few of that blame falls on the anodyne dual-clutch gearbox, which is fast and snappy however hesitant to shift when manually rowing through a budget and flimsy paddle shifters, zapping a few of the spirit and eagerness away from the spectacular engine and chassis. That reluctancy to manually downshift additionally ends in a powertrain that appears out of breath and lazy when throttle is utilized. Convey again the outgoing, smoother, and extra compliant 8-speed auto, please.
The exhaust nonetheless sounds good, extra muted than earlier than however extra mature as effectively and fits the Countryman’s grown-up character. Burbles emit on throttle overrun through the exhaust and cabin audio system, and in Go Kart mode these can reverberate closely all through the cabin, a pleasant contact that units it aside from the S.
Apart from its snorty vocals, it’s simple to identify a JCW from afar. Distinctive to the mannequin are quad exhaust suggestions, a sculpted entrance hood, optionally available hood stripes, completely different 20-inch wheel designs, and a contrasting purple roof that compliments the flurry of purple accents all through the cabin, of which there’s just one inside spec accessible: black and purple. So in the event you favor a extra vibrant inside, you’re sadly out of luck.
The JCW seats are new and the built-in headrests lean ahead but it surely’s simple to discover a snug seating place with a steering wheel that telescopes and tilts a substantial distance (although not as versatile as BMW’s). The paddle shifters are distinctive, as are the purple accents on the door panel and sprint.
From its overly cumbersome leather-based grips to the gold-coloured accents, the steering wheel is the star merchandise of the inside. The underside spoke is changed by an ornamental cloth strap, the leather-based wrap is perforated, and the buttons usually are not these touch-sensitive haptic sensors like they’ve on Mercedes or Ferrari wheels, so the buttons really feel far more optimistic, participating, and logical to make use of with out taking your eyes off the street.
There may be BMW switchgear all over the place which is spectacular at this worth level, from the window switches to the seat controls and flush door handles. And check out the brand new toggle bar located beneath the touchscreen. Whereas the final era of MINIs adopted airplane-style switches to make you’re feeling like a pilot, right here they’ve built-in a turn-key change like they’ve on Porsches, a throwback to ignition begin sequences that elevates the Countryman’s sense of event. Even the dashboard illuminates with completely different colors and patterns relying on the driving mode.
The remainder of the cabin is cleverly packaged with a cubby field within the heart console, full with a pull strap to open it. The wi-fi charging pad receives an elevated dock for straightforward entry and the middle armrest not will get in the way in which of your elbow as you attain for the cupholders. Every layer feels purposeful and ergonomically designed, and the Countryman’s swollen dimensions have actually aided this aim.
The 9.4-inch frameless round OLED touchscreen gives the newest MINI infotainment system and it’s suitably lag-free and responsive to the touch inputs. MINI invested quite a lot of money and time into designing a vibrant and alluring interface for every menu display, all the things from the air conditioning menu to the driving modes, making every button press a pleasant shock.
Ergonomics was a big focus and we’re glad they didn’t resort to hidden fan vents with difficult toggles like they’ve in BMWs. To scale back litter, it might have been a logical determination to implement quantity management into the touchscreen, however there’s an precise quantity dial right here. Not so fortunate for the temperature controls although, which will be cumbersome to function.
Just like the Volvo EX30 with no driver’s instrument panel, we have been displeased by all the principle info solely being displayed on the middle touchscreen, forcing you to take your eyes off the street to capitalize on very important knowledge and to make touchscreen changes. There’s a small head-up show however its dimension limits how a lot info will be proven directly. We by chance knocked the sign stalk with our knees however didn’t notice it till we went to regulate the temp management and seen the blinking inexperienced arrow.
Commanding a $11,000 premium over the S, it’s a surcharge value investing in if you would like extra spice in your every day commuter. The JCW is an attractive and well-rounded package deal with its newfound street consolation, spacious cabin, and high quality supplies that wouldn’t look misplaced in a mid-grade BMW, and it’s an inherently higher product than the Countryman it’s changing, however those who don’t want the added horsepower or shouty aesthetics will discover extra consolation and worth within the S or electrical fashions as a substitute.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4
Paint Kind: Legend Gray
Base Worth: $56,990
Worth as Examined: $59,985
Wheelbase(mm): 2,692
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,433 / 1,843 / 1,656
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 312 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gas Economic system (L/100km): 10.2
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Winter; 245/40R20
