The new Mini Countryman will be launched both as an electric car and with a petrol engine, and the JCW version belongs to the latter camp.
The JCW designation stands for John Cooper Works, and is reserved for the brand’s sportiest models.
An even bigger Mini
There has long been muttering in car circles that Mini’s cars are not very “mini” anymore, and this applies to the highest degree to the new Countryman, which has grown by a full 14 centimeters in length.
It is thus now in the same segment as the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The new Countryman has grown by 14 centimeters – Photo: Mini
The exterior design focuses on a more “upright and stripped down design” than before, and in my eyes they have succeeded really well. The car stands out and looks exciting enough, without the design language looking too exaggerated. However, the Countryman is more reminiscent of an upscale hatchback rather than an SUV.
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A nice interior
The exterior’s design focus continues inside, and the design language centers around the round MMI screen that Mini likes to point out is the first round OLED screen in a production car.
The interior is centered around the round MMI screen – Photo: Mini
On this screen we find an MMI system that looks good and is easy to use, and Mini emphasized during the event that it is currently focusing a lot on digitization.
In the interior in general, the quality of the materials is high, and all controls feel robust. The overall theme is that the new Mini Countryman offers a distinctive design, both interior and exterior.
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With playfulness in the first place
According to Mini, the new JCW Countryman should be a playful element of the model range, and to test this we had the opportunity to test the car on winding Portuguese country roads, as well as on motorways and in city traffic.
Looking at the performance figures, the new JCW Countryman is actually a bit slower than the outgoing model. According to Mini, it is about the fact that 300 horsepower is indeed enough, and that it is also a matter of emissions.
The Mini JCW Countryman is easy and fun to drive – Photo: Mini
Out on the road, the gearbox shifts quickly enough for the purpose, and even if the car does not offer any break-neck acceleration, the JCW Countryman is still experienced as lively.
If you drive the car in comfort mode, the steering is a bit too light. If, on the other hand, you choose the so-called go-kart mode, the steering becomes heavier, while engine noise is pumped into the passenger compartment and the gearbox shifts more aggressively.
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A fun family carrier
The roads on the test route were in a rather poor condition in places, but the Countryman had no great difficulty handling most of the bumps. At times, however, it appeared that the suspension was not completely comfortable with the surface.
The chassis of the new JCW Countryman is set in the slightly stiffer direction, which provides for better road holding but affects ride comfort somewhat.
The car is a fun family hauler – Photo: Mini
There are a total of seven driving modes, which are called “Experience Modes” by Mini. However, most of these do not have a major impact on how the car is driven, but mostly change the lighting and graphics on the interior screens.
However, a few of the modes have a definite impact on the driving dynamics, and the fact that you have to find your way to these appears odd.
When driving more inspiringly, the JCW Countryman is experienced as playful, and delivers a substantial dose of driving pleasure. It is easy to drive and accommodating. At the same time, it feels robust thanks to the SUV-like seating position.
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A positive first impression
The new Mini JCW Countryman makes a positive first impression thanks to its combination of driving pleasure, practicality and appealing design. In other words, the classic British brand has delivered an elaborate product.
The car is expensive, but gives a good first impression – Photo: Mini
However, the staggering price tag of north of SEK 600,000 is difficult to justify, even if it is on par with competitors such as the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. We will have to come back with a more detailed test at home to find out whether the overall impression can match the price tag.
Mini JCW Countryman ALL4 (2024)
Engine: 2.0-liter I4, 300 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Weight: 1,735 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4447/1843/1645 mm
Award: From SEK 641,700