Mini Countryman Jcw 2024: test, price and technical data sheet

Two philosophies that meet, a second time: Mini Countryman John Cooper Works 2024 it is a matter of fact. The second generation, which can already be ordered with electric and three-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engines, will go into production in March. Two philosophies because the concept of crossover, usually synonymous with comfort and greater habitability on board compared to a traditional C-segment car, meets that of the sports car. The cornerstone of the new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works remains the motor four-cylinder in-line turbo petrol from the BMW group 300 HP of power and 400 Nm of torque, not supported by any electrical system. A sportiness, that of the engine, which goes together with a set-up designed (also) for fun. The price? It starts from 51,000 euros. Said like this, they may seem like a lot, in reality – given the technological upgrade that has taken place, as well as the aesthetic one – they are a reasonable price when compared to the competition. And, a curious note at a time when everything is rising in price, the second generation Jcw starts at 550 euros less than the previous series.

Mini Countryman Jcw: how it is made, philosophy and equipment

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Deeply revised externally, the second generation Mini Countryman John Cooper Works sees its front end change into something less rounded and decidedly more angular. In this regard, the luminous signature that evolves into is there for all to see decidedly more squared shapes departing from the past and also a little from the Mini DNA, which made the headlights and round shapes its distinctive signature. Although the new Countryman is easily recognizable and there is no mistaking which car it is, this change is a non-secondary aspect when it comes to the car’s design. Contrary to what happens with the twins C, S All4, D, E and SE All4, the John Cooper Works has only one trim level. Jcw, in fact, while the other engines are also available in three other trims: Essential, Classic and Favoured, with prices starting from 34,900 euros and around 3,000 euros difference between one trim and another.

Mini Countryman Jcw: how it is made, the design

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To the already rich standard equipment, the Jcw adds, among other things, a heated steering wheel, larger fuel tank, anti-theft system, sliding rear seats, head-up display and wireless charging. The alloy wheels are standard 19″ mounted on 245/40 tyres, while 20″ are optional. The launch color is Legend Grey, an eye-catching two-tone dark red-grey tending towards black. The red shade brings sportiness and character to the crossover, characterizing the mirror caps, the roof and two vertical strips in the area of ​​the front air intakes. The red is taken up by the brake calipers. The checkered air intake with glossy black finish stands out in the grille area, while at the rear the spoiler and four exhaust terminals stand out.

Mini Countryman Jcw: how it is made, the interior

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The interior typically Minis they are embellished with physical buttons with racing DNA, such as the lever for driving modes rather than the one for starting the engine. It is inevitable that all attention is focused on the circular central display: first of all, it is the first time that a round Oled screen has been used on a car. And then it must be said that it has interesting entertainment functions. All the information necessary for driving is contained here, with only support for the head-up display (recommended on versions that do not have it as standard). So, for the avoidance of doubt, there is no dashboard, neither analogue nor digital. Inserting all the useful information into a single display, especially with an unconventional shape, involves a concentration of the information itself which should not be underestimated. In fact, they appear a little squashed, compressed, with the risk that to read an entire screen you take your eyes off the road for too long. But once you get the hang of the infotainment system, navigating the beautiful circular Oled display is a pleasure. As for the driving setting, the seat is comfortable and not too restrictive, all in all perhaps more suitable for tackling a long journey rather than sporty driving. It might be obvious on a Countryman, but let’s remember that we are still talking about a Jcw. Pleasant to hold, the steering wheel has a slightly too thick rim, while the dashboard is covered in recycled polyester with red and black details.

Mini Countryman Jcw: how it is made and its performance

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Under the hood of the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works is the known 2 liter turbo petrol four cylinders with 300 HP of power and 400 Nm of torque from the BMW group. It is combined with the All4 permanent all-wheel drive and to the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. There are three driving modes that really change the character of the car: Green, Core and Go Kart Mode, the other five are only environmental themes.

Mini Countryman Jcw: how it goes

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In mode Green the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works almost seems like an electric car as it is so quiet and smooth to drive. The sound of the 2 liter turbo petrol becomes almost imperceptible, the steering becomes lighter and the accelerator pedal must be pressed firmly if you want to overtake. Appreciable to have such a quiet mode even on a 2 liter turbo petrol. Corehowever, is the mode suitable for daily use, while the Go Kart Mode It becomes useful when you want to have fun. The transition from one of the other two modes to the sportier one highlights an excessively pronounced sound from the speakers, which amplify the actual noise emitted by the four exhaust pipes. In any case, the car immediately becomes more reactive and ready to sprint. L’trim it is excellent with all driving modes: tending towards rigid, but never as much as Go Kart Mode suggests with its name. In changes of direction and between the bends of the tortuous Portuguese route, the Countryman behaves admirably, moving in unison, with harmony between the front and rear. Comfort on potholes, bumps and cobblestones is certainly a bit sacrificed, but it is a specific product that interests a niche of people ready to face a small sacrifice in the name of driving pleasure.

Mini Countryman Jcw: strengths and weaknesses

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Below are the strengths and weaknesses found on the Mini Countryman Jcw at the international presentation in Cascais (Portugal).

• Suspension: rather rigid, as it should be on a John Cooper Works. Through bends the car moves in unison and reacts quickly to driver inputs. The front and rear communicate well with each other and the car moves in a composed and harmonious manner.
• Price: the 51,000 euros requested are a figure in line with what is offered when compared with the competition. It is difficult to pay less for a premium sports crossover with these features (300 HP and all-wheel drive).
• Central display: although it is excessively rich in information and this must be adapted to the circular dial, the available functions and menus are pleasant to use.

• Change: with the car in mode Go Karting and the gearbox in D tends to keep low gears even when not necessary.