The most western point of Europe is Cabo da Roca, located 40 kilometers west of Lisbon, Portugal. Ancient Europeans believed it was the end of the world. A cross facing the sea and a guiding lighthouse were built here. You can still see the inscription by Camões on a stone monument: “Here, where the land ends and the sea begins.”
The sea breeze in the western Iberian Peninsula is cold and strong, but it doesn’t stop the new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN from bringing passion. In fact, it was the happiest time at the 2024 BMW Group global media communication event, all because of this third-generation MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN in hand. 1. Kart mode is spicy – bumpy and addictive 2. Power increased to 150 horsepower – this JCW is not to be messed with 3. Exterior and style – MINI’s lifeline 4. Cabin design – style to the left, numbers to the right 5. Emotional value is heavy – a rare and joyful toy 6. Price: 399,800 yuan (55650$)
Falling in love with the MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN happens in the moment of ignition. It still retains the traditional “twist” start of the car key, and the slight vibration when the engine ignites. As a car enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy this process, and have no love for the popular one-button start. In addition, the JCW version also offers eight driving modes, including initial mode, karting mode, eco mode, relaxed mode, nostalgic mode, custom mode, party mode, and nomadic mode. Each mode has its own specific user interface design, giving the vehicle a different personality. In short, from the moment of ignition, you know the game has begun.
It should be noted that all MINI COUNTRYMAN imported into the country are high-end JCW versions, equipped with MINI TwinPower Turbo 2.0T turbocharged engine, with an output of 150 horsepower. The racing DNA has always been flowing in MINI cars. “JCW,” which stands for John Cooper Works, represents the ultimate performance of the MINI family. In the early 1960s, the legendary figure in the racing world, John Cooper, discovered the racing soul of MINI and won the Monte Carlo Rally championship twice, establishing a benchmark product in the history of small cars that balances both domestic and performance aspects. After 2007, JOHN COOPER WORKS officially became a sub-brand of MINI, specializing in creating high-performance versions of MINI.
The all-new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN shares the same chassis as the BMW X2, but MINI’s engineers clearly took more risks. My test drive started in kart mode, where the electromagnetic suspension became extremely stiff and the engine became exceptionally energetic. Keeping the engine in the 3000rpm range made the throttle response sensitive and pronounced. The suspension also tortured my backside, not letting any road imperfections go unnoticed. This process was pure, extreme, and even a bit primitive.
“The ultimate performance go-kart is the perfect mode for this moment, despite the bumps it is very suitable for narrow European mountain roads, accurate steering and agile rear end make it easy to handle, and the sturdy suspension gives everyone in the car enough confidence. With the cheers of the people in the car, the 20km mountain road is not short, every turn is like playing a game and facing a boss, making you constantly examine the line, optimize the next turn, after a lap, the pain in the butt, time is not enough, the mood is pleasant.”
My test drive time was “brief,” with only 20km of city experience left. Facing traffic, traffic lights, and interaction inside the car, the bumpy suspension was hard to tolerate. After just 5km, I switched to “relaxed mode.” The engine noise disappeared, the suspension softened, the steering wheel lightened, and the engine calmed down. The gas and brake pedals became friendlier, especially for passengers, everything returned to normal. Overall, the initial mode felt good, but the energy-saving mode seemed a bit dull and out of place with the JCW.
Exclusive tuning, power increased to 150 horsepower, this JCW is not to be trifled with. The spirited character of the new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN is definitely attributed to the MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, which is actually the same as the new BMW X2 M35i. However, after exclusive JCW tuning, the sports performance has significantly improved: compared to the regular model, JCW has optimized the pistons, connecting rods, and engine mounts, and has used high-flow intake and advanced turbochargers. Currently, the maximum power of this 2.0T engine reaches 221 kilowatts, with a peak torque of 400 Newton-meters, and a power increase of 150 horsepower. The new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
When driving, the new COUNTRYMAN’s power is strong in any mode. Even in normal or comfort mode, it is easy to overtake. In sport mode, it unleashes its aggressive nature and provides an exciting sound, satisfying the desires of any driver. MINI truly understands what a “speed demon” driver wants.
The gear lever has been simplified into a button, integrated under the center console next to the ignition switch. Throughout the entire test drive, the gearbox is a “seamless” presence, the 7-speed gearbox from Magna and the engine tuning are seamless. I only think about it when I need to reverse and park, the rest of the time it feels like a large electric car. This feeling is surreal, you can have the dense acceleration sensation of an electric car while also having the powerful sound of a gasoline car.
The JCW version is equipped with ALL4 intelligent four-wheel drive technology, which can accurately distribute power in all road conditions. Unfortunately, this road test did not have the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities, hopefully there will be a chance to make up for it in the future. In addition, the all-new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN is also the first MINI model to achieve L2 level intelligent driving assistance function, and it is also the most user-friendly intelligent driving assistance system on MINI models to date.
The temperament and style are still very British I have always believed that appearance and style are the lifeline of MINI, and the same goes for MINI COUNTRYMAN. Standing in front of the new COUNTRYMAN, the most prominent feeling is that this car has grown a lot, with a wide and high front end, and has entered the ranks of compact SUVs. The fact is that the new COUNTRYMAN’s body length/width/height reaches: 4433/1843/1656mm, with a wheelbase of 2692mm; although it has grown, the classic body proportions of MINI have not changed, still featuring the iconic “four wheels at the corners” design, in addition to the ubiquitous circular elements, classic Union Jack LED matrix tail lights have been fully inherited, making the all-new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN still authentic and recognizable at a glance.
“Mini Simplified” is the design language of this generation of cars. Designers used simpler and more concise lines and flatter surfaces than ever before, striving to blend high-performance and British classics, interpreting the modern trend of MINI’s classic design elements.
The new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN is also the first MINI model to wear the all-new JCW brand logo. It features exclusive decorations full of dynamism: the bright black JOHN COOPER WORKS logo runs through the front, middle, and back, the hexagonal air intake grille alludes to the checkered flag, the exaggerated diffuser at the rear, and the dual four-outlet exhaust pipes… and so on. In addition to the above identity labels, the vehicle itself adopts bold and classic black, red, and white color schemes as well as racing checkered flag totems, all of which indicate the special identity and charm of this car.
The interior design of the MINI COUNTRYMAN is quite bold, adopting a “minimalist” approach with only the steering wheel, MINI’s signature circular OLED central instrument, and toggle switch group in the cockpit. The designer’s intention is to focus on the most basic driving elements, making the interior feel more refreshing and simple. Another “bold move” by MINI is the abandonment of chrome elements and leather, opting for a large amount of knitted fabric. These fabrics are all recyclable, meeting the BMW Group’s “circular sustainability” requirements and aligning with JCW’s “taste”.
In addition to its outstanding design, the OLED circular display and digital pet are definitely the biggest highlights in the car. Starting with the all-new MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN, MINI’s new cars are equipped with MINI operating system 9. In my actual experience, this system surpasses the BMW X2 in both display effect and feedback speed; the design of the circular dial is very pleasing. MINI, known for its playfulness, has taken the ability to “simplify complexity” and personalize to the extreme, elevating the traditional driving interface to new heights. In addition, MINI’s first “smart personal assistant” – MINI digital pet Spike also makes an appearance. This mini digital pet expresses the emotional and warm connection between people and cars on the central display screen and dashboard in a sensory and emotional way, making the emotional connection between people and cars easier and more meaningful.
There are many Easter eggs waiting for us to discover in the car, the most impressive of which is the OLED circular display screen. In the navigation interface, the small icons can be long-pressed to switch between the “arrow” or “car” icon. In multimedia mode, the dashboard can also be turned “DJ” with your finger. In addition, the driving lights can also choose different lighting styles, and the quirky and personalized storage box under the center console is actually very practical. All these details are fascinating.
Finally, let’s talk about space. You don’t need to worry at all. This car has grown two rounds now, and the space in the rear seats is even more spacious than the BMW X2 on the same platform. However, it is still a MINI. I think it’s a bit of a stretch to fit five people, but four people is a more appropriate choice. The floor of the trunk also has a huge compartment, just like the X2, where you can store equipment that is not frequently used. The official data shows that the luggage compartment volume can be expanded from 460 liters to 1530 liters. Another meaning of this partition is that it allows the second-row seats to be folded down to create a completely flat rear space, making stargazing and camping a breeze.
“Life needs a bit of playfulness” The first generation MINI COUNTRYMAN was launched in 2010, and the theme of the domestic launch event was “GET WAY”, which still impresses me to this day. The all-new third generation MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN is the most fun car I have recently test-driven, not only because of its steel cannon performance, but also because of the countless easter egg designs inside the car. The scenery at Roca Cape is very magnificent, and the MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN feels very hot and spicy. In the face of increasingly busy life, it is important to find some joy.
Since its birth in 1959, MINI has always been a symbol of individuality, self-expression, and non-compromise, which has gained it a large number of fans. This legendary brand, with its rich cultural atmosphere and iconic classic design, offers go-kart-like driving pleasure and a unique personality. No matter how it is updated and iterated, MINI is still MINI.