MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN

×

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS

MINI prioritizes “identity” even in SUVs

If you simply compare the body sizes of the MINI JCW Countryman and the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Countryman is slightly larger than the T-Cross. The Countryman is in the C segment, while the T-Cross is in the B segment, so they are in different classes.

MINI has the B-segment three-door Cooper as its core model. It is only natural that the SUV model derived from it would require ample living space and high cargo capacity. Meanwhile, VW has the Tiguan, a best-selling C-segment SUV that has been on the market for about 20 years, and its lower-tier model, the T-Roc. The difference in size between the two models can be said to have arisen from the premise of “how to express an SUV that is uniquely MINI” and “what SUV VW is pursuing after the T-Roc.”

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

Volkswagen T-Cross TSI R-Line

Body size = Length 4135mm x Width 1785mm x Height 1580mm

Wheelbase = 2550mm

Vehicle weight = 1260kg

Tire size = 215/45R18

Go-karts in SUVs

The “JCW” in the Countryman’s name stands for “John Cooper Works,” a grade given to MINI’s high-performance vehicles. Therefore, the JCW Countryman pursues sportiness despite being an SUV.

This is reflected in the specific figures for maximum power output: the T-Cross is equipped with a small-displacement engine, a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder turbo, while the Countryman is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo with specifications of over 300 PS.

While the T-Cross is limited to what is necessary for daily life, the Countryman has a powertrain that could be considered over-spec, and it can be said that its hobby value is given top priority.

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

Volkswagen T-Cross TSI R-Line

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 999cc

Maximum output = 116PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 200Nm/2000-3500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

High price due to the extreme hobby nature

The difference in purpose—whether it’s a vehicle for leisure or a means of daily life—is also reflected in the price. There’s a difference of about 2.7 million yen between the two cars, but if you ignore the SUV category, you could say that the T-Cross is a regular passenger car and the Countryman is a sports car.

If you compare prices alone, the difference is large, but if you consider the difference in direction, it is probably understandable why the difference is so large.

Vehicle price

MINI JCW Countryman 6.67 million yen

Volkswagen T-Cross TSI R-Line 3.969 million yen

Related reading

A comparative test drive of the new MINI 3-door “Cooper S” and “Cooper SE” to examine the merits of both the engine and EV models

As the new generation of MINI family cars continues to be announced, the 3-door hatchback, which could be considered the main attraction, has finally arrived in Japan. This fourth-generation model, which will be given the new “Cooper” sub-name, was test-driven and compared in both the engine-powered “S” and electric “SE” versions. (Reprinted and re-edited from the October 2024 issue of GENROQ)