MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE

Italian-style design that makes extensive use of curves

Comparing the body sizes of the MINI JCW Countryman and the Alforomeo Tonale, the Tonale is about 85mm longer in overall length, but otherwise is almost the same. Despite this, why does the Tonale appear larger in photographs? The Countryman has a square design with many straight lines, while the Tonale has a flowing design with many curves. This may be the reason.

The reason the Tonale is heavier is because it is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has a motor and a larger battery, which adds to its weight.

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

Alforomeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 Veloce

Body size = Total length 4530mm x Total width 1835mm x Total height 1615mm

Wheelbase = 2635mm

Vehicle weight = 1880kg

Tire size = 235/40R20

Both powertrains are powerful

Although it is equipped with the same inline 4-cylinder engine, the Tonale has a smaller displacement of 1.3 liters and is SOHC, so it lags behind the Countryman in terms of power and torque. However, the Tonale is a plug-in hybrid. It has an electric motor on each front and rear wheel (front 45 PS / rear 128 PS), giving it a maximum system output of 280 PS. In reality, this figure is close to that of the Countryman.

However, while the speeds are comparable, the Countryman is probably more fun to rev up and drive.

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

Alforomeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 Veloce

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder SOHC turbo

Displacement = 1331cc

Maximum output = 180PS/5750rpm

Maximum torque = 270Nm/1850rpm

Transmission = 6-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

It’s expensive because it’s a PHEV, but it reduces maintenance costs.

The price difference between the two cars is about 1 million yen, with the Tonale being more expensive. This price difference is likely due in large part to the fact that it is a plug-in hybrid equipped with an expensive large battery.

However, the Tonale can run up to 72km in pure EV mode and can be charged externally. If you charge it every day, you will likely not need to use gasoline for daily use. When you think about it like that, it seems like the price difference of about 1 million yen is not really worth it.