MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All 4
Although it has gotten bigger
Until now, due to trademark registration issues, the car could not be called “MINI Countryman” in Japan, and instead had to use the temporary name “MINI Crossover,” but the new model can finally use the same name as in Europe. This is a happy occasion, so let’s call it out loud: MINI Countryman!
Incidentally, the new MINI Countryman is 130mm longer than the previous model, making it a size larger overall. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Old-school MINI fans will frown. Is a MINI that’s approaching 4.5m in length really a MINI?
On the other hand, those looking for a car to travel with family or friends will be pleased with the Roomy. And even though it’s bigger, it’s still 45mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross.
In other words, it’s big if you think of it as a MINI SUV, but it’s standard size if you think of it as a compact SUV. For reference, the wheelbase of 2690mm is the same as the BMW “X1” and “X2” which share the same basic structure.
Simple like the original MINI
The interior has changed even more than the size increase. A huge circular touchscreen with a diameter of 240mm sits in the middle of the dashboard. The interface is concentrated here, so the number of physical switches and dials has been drastically reduced, making the interior very clean. Depending on how you look at it, it has a simple interior similar to the original MINI.
The concept behind the new MINI’s interior is “designing an experience,” and by operating the “MINI Experience Mode,” the circular touchscreen changes its appearance in a variety of ways, from eco-friendly to retro to sporty.
When you write it like this, it might sound like a toy. In fact, it does seem like a gimmick, but the new MINI, now under the umbrella of BMW, is more of an entertainment car for entertaining people than a practical car. The “MINI Experience Mode” is not an essential feature, but it fits the car’s character as a car that entertains people.
Not a super sporty model
The test drive vehicle was the most powerful version, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, which produces a maximum output of 317 PS. Until now, JCWs, regardless of the style of MINI, were always extremely sporty, like the hot hatch of Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto’s Hokkyoku. So I prepared myself to get into the driver’s seat. However…
It was a bit disappointing, or perhaps a letdown, but the ride was much gentler than I expected. Harshness was kept to a minimum, and even when I forced my way through the joints in the road surface of the Shuto Expressway, the four legs extended and contracted freely to absorb the impact. Then, once I had broken through, the dampers worked properly to maintain a flat posture.
Perhaps it’s the adaptive suspension that optimizes the settings around the suspension, or perhaps it’s the result of increasing the body rigidity to accommodate a BEV version with the same basic structure. Perhaps it’s the combination of both that makes for a comfortable, firm ride.
The engine is also torquey and powerful even at low rpm, pushing the vehicle forward powerfully. The 7-speed DCT shifts smoothly, making acceleration a pleasure. However, while it’s a good car, something is missing… This is just a well-made, stylish compact SUV. What’s missing is excitement and a go-kart feeling. So, select “Go-Kart” in the “MINI Experience Mode” using the toggle switch located below the circular touchscreen. This transforms the circular touchscreen into a giant speedometer, really getting the driver excited.
Full boost for 10 seconds
It’s not just your mood that’s excited; the engine revs up, the 7-speed DCT shifts faster, the power steering responds better, and the adaptive suspension is set to a firmer setting.
What’s more… Pulling the paddle marked “BOOST” in red letters puts the car into full boost mode for 10 seconds. An exciting exhaust note fills the cabin, and the response to throttle input is razor-sharp. Even when cornering, it changes direction with a sudden movement, as if moving parallel to the road. This is as hot as the North Pole at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. If you sip it carelessly, you’ll choke.
In other words, the new MINI Countryman JCW is a car with a very wide dynamic range, from a small luxury car to a hot compact SUV. I wrote that the “MINI Experience Mode” is like a toy, but it is an adult toy that will entertain gentlemen and ladies.
When you see the price, you’ll think, “Wow!”, but with this one vehicle you can do anything. Because it’s a four-wheel drive, if you just change the tires, it’s invincible even in winter.
SPECIFICATIONS
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All 4
Body size: Length 4445mm, width 1845mm, height 1645mm
Wheelbase: 2690mm
Vehicle weight: 1680kg
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo
Total displacement: 1998cc
Maximum output: 233kW (317PS) / 5750rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 2000-4500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front strut, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire
size: Front and rear 245/40R20
Vehicle price: 6.67 million yen
