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CASCAIS, Portugal – Let's get straight to the difficulty of measurement. If the unique Mini was a sporting beagle prepared for searching, the reborn model that arrived on the world stage in 2001 could also be an English Bulldog, though born in Germany, its dad and mom had been BMW engineers and coffers. From there, the Mini model grew in measurement with common increments, culminating with the 2025 Mini Countryman, which is the topic of this overview.
The primary Countryman, which we first examined in 2011, was comparatively giant for the model, however suitably small by SUV requirements. Its stocky proportions lend it properly to the working canine class. After which the second-generation Mini Countryman debuted for the 2017 mannequin yr, rising 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than its predecessor. We described it as “nonetheless consistent with the model's ethos from the start when Alec Issigonis created a automobile that was delicate on the skin however large on the within.” Nonetheless, if you happen to catch our drift, it was beginning to look just a little raunchy.
Then once more, think about the 2025 Mini Countryman a Mastiff.
In comparison with the second-generation Countryman that it changed (which, as we already talked about, was a lot bigger than the primary model), the brand new model is 5.1 inches longer, 2.4 inches taller and 0.8 inches wider. This interprets into additional inside area for passengers and cargo, however provides a number of visible and bodily girth to one thing sporting a badge that actually implies a smaller measurement. The proportions are properly thought out, however parked subsequent to the previous automobile the brand new Countryman appears to be like like a sore thumb. Actually, like an individual who’s swollen after an unintentional hammer blow.
When the whole Countryman mannequin lineup is accessible Stateside, a base mannequin could be included, however for a minimum of a 2025 manufacturing begin the lineup will begin with a $39,895 S model with 241 horsepower and 295 Can be pound-feet of torque. We aren’t working it at this time. As a substitute, the topic of this overview would be the solely different gas-powered Countryman: the high-performance John Cooper Works Version, or JCW.
The brand new Countryman JCW begins at $47,895 and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 312 ponies (up from 301) and 295 pound-feet of torque (sadly down from 331), all by means of all-seven tires. Expands as much as 4 tires. Pace dual-clutch gearbox and Mini's ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. It'll get to 60 in about 5.4 seconds, and with its thick torque curve, the engine feels particularly highly effective within the mid-range the place most driving occurs. Nonetheless, there’s a measurement penalty: the earlier Countryman JCW hit 60 in 4.9 seconds.
The fast shifts that the seven-speed gearbox can execute are appreciated, and its tuning appears equally environment friendly at low throttle in addition to excessive throttle. Clicks of the paddle shifters to the left and proper of the wheel equate to satisfyingly fast gear adjustments, however the transmission's default tuning is usually acceptable, relying on what mode the car is in. The Countryman JCW's steering can also be good, if (because the theme continues) surprisingly aggressively tuned in sporty drive mode. The wheel could be very chunky, and there’s loads of suggestions on the twisty highway surfaces skilled right here in Portugal, which exhibits simply how a lot grip there’s in any respect 4 corners. It's additionally good at staying straight forward with little wandering.
We used to name them “drive modes,” however they're now often known as Mini Expertise modes that transcend the standard changes to steering, throttle response, and many others., to incorporate adjustments to inside ambiance and powertrain noise. These are comparable in idea to what you'll discover in numerous BMWs, however have unique-to-Mini modes/names. Inexperienced serves as an eco-friendly mode with graphics that change from mint hummingbird to pink panther relying on how aggressive the motive force is with the throttle, giving the Timeless seemingly comfy settings. And that includes a beige palette. Go kart tuning turns all the pieces black and purple whereas maximizing responsiveness. The default mode is known as Core, and that is the place we typically like to go away the automobile.
Additionally introduced over from BMW is a Enhance mode that’s activated by the left (downshift) paddles on the steering wheel that immediately places all modes into their most aggressive settings for a 10-second burst. It is a much-appreciated function because it means the super-agro go kart mode typically doesn't really feel obligatory. There’s a noticeable change in sound between modes, aural proof of Mini's use of audio system to pump inner combustion jams into the cabin. We additionally heard some occasional sounds from the exhaust which we're fairly certain had been digitally generated.
There may be additionally a path mode. We don't count on any precise Mini Countryman John Cooper Works homeowners to want Path Mode, but when they discover themselves someplace off the crushed observe, the readouts for the automobile's numerous lateral angles may be useful. As a result of it climbs obstacles fantastically. , Floor clearance has been elevated to eight inches, which is a helpful enhance from the outgoing mannequin's 6.5 inches.
The wheels and tires are additionally bigger than earlier than, which, together with the additional width (our check automobile was sporting 245-width rubber), means the brand new Countryman feels considerably much less nimble and athletic than earlier than. , however in the end has a relatively excessive degree of grip. And this leads us to a severe demerit. On the closely scarred roads in and across the Portuguese coast, the cruel journey of the Countryman in John Cooper Works trim was very evident. Regardless of the adaptive suspension, as we dodged joggers, cyclists and pedestrians on tight turns and cobblestone streets, heads had been bouncing round like bobbleheads glued to the dashboard.
On surfaces with clean highway surfaces, the Countryman JCW will doubtless really feel agency however typically acceptable. On roads stuffed with potholes and numerous different fractures… Properly, fortunately the seats are fairly comfy with good padding and correct bolstering.
We weren't capable of check every other Countryman fashions with inner combustion powertrains, so we will't say with certainty whether or not the decrease and less-sporty trim ranges would profit from much less punitive suspension tuning. The smaller wheels (19-inch wheels come normal) in comparison with the 20-inch wheels fitted to our check automobile will end in a extra refined journey with much less stutters and jerks. Sadly, all the adaptive nature of the suspension occurs robotically, so regardless of all these drive settings, there's no means for the motive force to particularly dial within the Bronco to get them out of the saddle.
The JCW's optionally available high-performance brakes are additionally very aggressively tuned. Because of their ultra-sensitive preliminary chunk, at instances we utilized extra power than we meant or wanted to gradual the automobile. We change into extra used to the automobile as time goes on, so homeowners will doubtless need to make changes. A check automobile with out the optionally available braking package deal was not accessible for testing.
One benefit of creating this a most Mini is that there’s good area within the brilliant and ethereal cabin. The automobiles we drove had been Euro-spec and a few closing figures for US fashions might come later, however there's a common feeling of spaciousness inside for each entrance and rear passengers. The 6-foot driver was capable of sit behind their seating place on the entrance with out touching their knees. The angles of the legs and arms additionally felt comfy. Cargo room is up, coming in at practically 25 cubic toes (up from 17.6) with the rear seats folded and greater than 56 cubic toes (up from 47.6) with the setbacks folded. That quantity is principally equal to that of the mechanically associated BMW X1, which provides two of the most important cargo areas within the subcompact luxurious SUV section.
Not like earlier Mini fashions, you received't discover any chrome inside the brand new Countryman or certainly every other upcoming Mini. As a substitute, the inside is crafted from quite a lot of textiles (some from recycled and repurposed supplies) and imitation leather-based. It's a way more fashionable look than the latest enjoyable and funky Mini fashions. The varied themes embrace names like Important, Traditional and Favourite, with the JCW's black and purple motif being probably the most aggressive and, arguably, the least visually attention-grabbing. The engaging blue, inexperienced and grey shades, together with the distinctive lighting beneath the material cladding, proven in different themes, give the Countryman's cabin a extra soothing feel and look, with just a few contrasting bits offering visible pizzazz.
A big round OLED heart display screen – the primary in manufacturing at this measurement – dominates the dashboard. It's a touchscreen, and the Mini has moved away from any type of joystick or knob controls altogether with its newest working system, identified internally as Mini OS 9. It's simple to make use of and doesn't depend on menu buildings that get too deep. Folks sitting within the automobile may use so-called Clever Private Assistants to speak on to the automobile, and the digital assistant named Spike (formed like an anime pet) can perceive sure instructions when greeted with the “Hey Mini” verbal immediate. was profitable. House owners can equally obtain a mini utility to their smartphone, which acts as a cell key to entry the car and may schedule service appointments. Extra apps could be downloaded to the car, together with subscription-based audio companies. We downloaded Spotify and logged in with none issues.
Under the central circle is a spire with 4 very small controls. A key-like change within the center is turned to show the automobile on and off. A horizontal toggle operates the transmission (up for reverse, down for drive) with a park/parking brake button subsequent to it, whereas one other toggle goes by means of all of these “expertise” modes. Then there's a quantity knob that doubles as a left-right observe selector. The controls on the steering wheel, together with cruise management and infotainment, are comparable in performance and structure to what you'll discover within the newest BMWs.
We’ve official complaints concerning the sheer measurement of the brand new 2025 Mini Countryman, however in the actual world, the designers' implementation of development hormones has resulted in a car that's in all probability higher suited to on a regular basis life in the USA. Whether or not it matches precisely into the model positioning is of a lot larger significance to us than to potential consumers. And it’s these consumers who will determine whether or not this steroidal “mini” is a hit or a failure.
Longtime model purists might flip up their noses in disgust, however this newest Mini Countryman – even in its most aggressive John Cooper Works trim – is a small crossover value residing with and turning to every single day. It’s simpler to function than the sooner model. The truth that this Countryman is sort of similar in measurement to the BMW X1 and X2 duo (all three share the identical platform) proves that measurement is relative. Nobody would name a BMW massive, however nonetheless, the BMW isn’t a mini. Nonetheless, we’re comfy predicting that this massive Mini will, barring contradictions, win over consumers.
So far as this John Cooper Works version is worried, it hits the mark. It’s quick and handles very properly on winding roads at speeds that aren’t typically skilled. However aren't drivers who would admire such qualities additionally most definitely to view this Countryman as a deviation from its breeding inventory? For everybody else, the JCW might be too fancier for daily-driving duties. The Beagle isn’t a Mastiff, and consumers searching for one may even see the opposite as enjoyable and even modern, however probably not for them. Hardcore efficiency and on a regular basis practicality generally mix properly collectively, however on this case, we'd look forward to a much less hardcore Mini Countryman mannequin if we shopped on this section.