MINI JOHN COOPER A FUN RIDE,
And it can also make claim to versatility
There’s s omething odd about describing any Mini as versatile. I’ve used fun, c ute, s porty, zi ppy and charming as descriptors in the past. But “versatile” seems the antithesis of the brand; it’s a kind of catchall term that can be applied to j ust about any mainstream vehicle beyond a sports car or convertible. And Minis are not ordinary, nor are they mainstream. This is especially true of the Countryman, notably the John Cooper Works ( JCW) All4, its most performanceoriented version.
Yet, t hanks to its i ncreased dimensions, there is much more versatility to the four- door Countryman, the biggest model in Mini’s lineup. Of course, the weasel clause is that this is versatility when compared with other Minis; it’s a harder sell when put up against the crossover’s competition.
The JCW Countryman All4 is about 200 millimetres longer, 30 mm wider and has a wheelbase extension of 75 mm over its predecessor, offering some legitimacy for being called a family vehicle. The luggage compartment can also be expanded as required, from 450 litres to as much as 1,390L. With the rear seats down, I was able to stash four winter tires in the back.
The Countryman tends to be slotted in with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX- 3, Kia Soul and about 10 more tall hatches and small crossovers. But when you are talk- ing price ($ 38,890 to start) and power, it’s duking it out with a very different set of vehicles. Interestingly, it is a close relative, maybe even a fraternal twin, to BMW’s X1. Both are built on the same UKL2 platform and the JCW has identical 2.0- L turbocharged four- cylinder engines and eight- speed automatic transmissions.
This means there’s plenty of punch ( zero to 100 km/ h in 6.5 seconds, according to Mini), thanks to 228 horsepower and a substantial 258 pound-feet of torque, starting at a low 1,450 rpm. Keep in mind, though, this is a crossover. It will show its back bumper to the likes of a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 all day long. Against one of its own brethren, such as the three-door Mini Cooper JCW, the Countryman is more ungainly, the doughy- looking ute weighing in at a rather unflattering — for a Mini product — 1,657 kilograms (though it’s still 20 kg lighter than the X1).
As a family- oriented runabout, the maxi Mini is decidedly rambunctious, especially when compared with the more formal X1. It is aided and abetted by copious John Cooper Works mechanical and body bits. The serious performance stuff, other than the engine, includes a sport exhaust, an upgraded sports suspension with standard 18-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brakes. Cosmetically, added exterior body features highlight the vehicle’s jaunty credentials, as well as improving the crossover’s aerodynamic properties.
There’s also a toggle at the base of the centre console to activate the settings Sport, Mid and Green. Flicking to Sport from Mid ( the default) awakens the vehicle’s inner beast, complete with a far more sonorous tone from the twin exhausts and hooligan-like snaps, crackles and pops on the downshifts.
Still, like the X1, the JCW Countryman’s forte is handling. Yes, it’s the least nimble of the Mini brand, but it’s still pretty good, with a low centre of gravity, wide track and all the benefits of a tight, well-tuned sport suspension. The speed-sensitive steering provides excellent feel in the turns and at lower speeds, such as when manoeuvring into a parking space.
The available dynamic stability control system — a $ 500 option — also ensures optimum traction when hooning about. Its functions include dynamic traction control, electronic differential lock control (which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential) and “performance control” for added confidence when cornering at less than prudent speeds. Curiously, the Countryman doesn’t feel as choppy over rougher surfaces as the X1, which I put down to the Mini wearing higher- profile ( P225/ 50R18) winter tires rather than the optional P225/ 35R19 performance run- flats it would be shod with during the milder months.
Inside, there are five fullfledged seats, the two up front featuring integrated headrests. As for going three wide in the back: good luck with that! And the JCW has a steering wheel with multi- f unction buttons, JCW shifter and a roof liner in anthracite. Anyone who has spent time in a Mini will find the cabin layout familiar — large, round gauges, round buttons and controls, overhead toggles switches — though newbies tend to think of it as funky and cool.
Standard features include the Mini Connected infotainment system with 6.5- inch high- resolution display ( an 8.8-inch display is optional), rear park distance control, automatic headlights, parking sensors and a rear- view camera with guidelines.
The pricey ($ 750) but handy head- up display presents a variety of information, including road speed, speed limits, navigation directions and “check control” messages, feedback from the driver assistance systems, telephone contacts and entertainment controls. The head-up display also features a specific JCW mode where it is possible to display the selected gear and a multicoloured engine speed scale.
Clearly the Countryman is a non- conformist among its larger, more mainstream competition, exploiting Mini’s much vaunted performance and handling bona fides. The John Cooper Works version ramps up the sportiness to max, which makes it a hoot on tarmac, but limits even further any pretence as an off-roader. Still, for those willing to overlook its compromises, it’s a fun ride — for a crossover.