The largest, the first with all-wheel drive, the first to be manufactured outside Oxford, and the first with an SUV look. That's how we can introduce this week's test driver, the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW). A model with the essence of a MINI but with the versatility of other models and countless customization options, plus a 218hp engine. We had a preview of this car in our GTI supermini comparison.
The JCW trim of this Countryman is not only the top of the range, but also the most powerful and sporty of them all. It's immediately apparent that this is no ordinary Countryman , especially in this press vehicle, which, as usual, stands out for its striking appearance with red stripes running along the body, a matching red roof, and the characteristic elements of the JCW trim, giving this model—the most practical of all MINIs—a truly sporty and confident look.
And although many people were shocked that MINI released a five-door SUV, the truth is that it's the most sensible MINI of them all , something that becomes clear after spending a week with it. It maintains a relatively compact size at 4,13 meters long and 1,78 meters wide, resulting in the most spacious interior in the MINI range, with good rear seats and a 350-liter trunk—small, but with a usable shape. It doesn't matter whether we're talking about the 218-hp version tested or the base model with a 90-hp diesel engine.
turning heads
The MINI Countryman is undeniably eye-catching, especially the JCW. Its appearance is quite distinctive, and some people don't like it (I used to be one of them, but I'm weak). With the combination we tested, it's clear you'll turn heads . Those who aren't drawn to its striking looks will look at you out of curiosity, wanting to know what that backfiring sound is. Yes, the MINI Countryman JCW backfires, but we'll talk about that tomorrow.
Despite its robust, SUV-style appearance with a noticeably high front end, this John Cooper Works exudes sportiness . The 18-inch two-tone wheels, side skirts, and sporty bumpers, complete with dual exhaust outlets at the rear, give the Countryman a sporty look, while the plastic cladding protecting the fenders maintains its SUV image. And best of all, people still recognize it as a MINI—strange, but a MINI nonetheless.
The surprise continues when people get in and see the dashboard design. It's spectacular, but that's where it ends because, unfortunately, "practicality" is as absent from the interior of this MINI as the word itself. It's nonexistent, and most of the controls are awkwardly placed, in unintuitive locations that often require our full attention. Design has taken precedence over function, something MINI has shown positive progress in with the new three-door MINI.
In terms of material quality, we have no complaints. The upper parts are white plastic, and the lower parts are hard plastic, but they look good. The fit and finish are good, and the Countryman seems like it will stand the test of time. It's important to remember that we're talking about a 2010 model, so we have to look at it, in part, as if it were from that year. The leather upholstery has an excellent feel, although the seats lack lateral support , especially considering this is the sporty version.
Other areas for improvement include the handbrake, which is airplane-style and awkward to use when the center armrest is down, and the exterior mirrors, which are positioned too low, obstructing the view. If they were mounted slightly higher, visibility to the right would be significantly improved. The navigation screen is awkwardly positioned and requires taking your eyes off the road. Around it is an analog speedometer, completely useless (there is a digital one behind the steering wheel).
But undoubtedly the best thing about the interior is the available space in all dimensions . There are no complaints except for the width in the rear seats, where three adults will fit snugly, and the limited legroom under the front seats. In fact, the Countryman is sold in a four-seater configuration; the three-seater bench seat in the rear is optional at no extra cost. A central armrest for the rear seats and some air vents would be welcome additions.
Moving to the trunk, we find 350 liters of usable space with two loading levels and features like a three-section folding rear seat. The rear seats fold down from the back, creating an almost flat loading surface. The double floor of the trunk can be closed to gain more vertical space. However, there's no storage compartment for the cargo cover.
Tomorrow's the day we hit the road and start racking up the miles and burning through gas like crazy. When you're driving a car with 218 hp and handling as delightful as this Countryman, fuel efficiency is the least of your worries.
