MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN

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RENAULT CAPTUR

The capture looks small, but it’s actually big

Comparing the MINI JCW Countryman and the Renault Captur, the Countryman is slightly larger than the Captur, as can be seen in the table below. The same goes for vehicle weight. This is perhaps to be expected, as the Countryman is in the C segment and the Captur is in the B segment, meaning they are in different classes.

However, the biggest difference between the two is their design direction. The Countryman seems to prioritize eccentricity, as befits the British home of punk rock, while the Captur seems to prioritize elegance, as befits France.

The differences in direction – “An SUV that’s like a ‘fun MINI’!” and “This is the city SUV that blends in with French urban areas!” – are greater than the numbers suggest.

MINI JCW Countryman

Body size = Total length 4445mm x Total width 1845mm x Total height 1645mm

Wheelbase = 2690mm

Vehicle weight = 1680kg

Tire size = 245/40R20

Renault Captur Intense

Body size = Length 4230mm x Width 1795mm x Height 1590mm

Wheelbase = 2640mm

Vehicle weight = 1310kg

Tire size = 215/55R18

Sports car or car?

Although they share the same inline-four engine, the powertrains of the two cars are almost completely different. If you forget about the SUV category, you could say that the Countryman is a sports car and the Captur is equipped with a regular passenger car engine.

Considering this difference, it is understandable that the Countryman has a maximum output of 317 PS while the Captur has a maximum output of 154 PS, a difference of twice as much.

MINI JCW Countryman

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1998cc

Maximum output = 317PS/5750rpm

Maximum torque = 400Nm/2000-4500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Renault Captur Intense

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1333cc

Maximum output = 154PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 270Nm/1800rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Does adding “special” cost more?

One could argue that the Countryman’s high price is inevitable, given that it carries the MINI sports grade “JCW (John Cooper Works)” designation. This package, which combines the special qualities of an SUV with the special qualities of a sports car, is priced for those who can afford it.

On the other hand, the Captur offers a very high value price considering its French elegance and luxury. It seems to be priced to put not only other overseas manufacturers, but even Japanese SUVs in the running.