MINI COUNTRYMAN JCW GETS BIGGER, BETTER FOR 2025
OK, so here’s the deal. This is the biggest Mini (an oxymoron, indeed) you will ever drive. It is 5.3 inches longer, 4 inches taller, and up almost an inch in width and wheelbase than its predecessor. Meet the 2025 Mini JCW Countryman ALL4 (by the way, the label Cooper has been dropped to streamline offerings).
The handsome entry-level luxury SUV shares its power train with the BMW X1, which is a 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine that blasts off 312 horsepower @ 5750 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm. The previous 8-speed auto transmission has been replaced with a crisp-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The front strut and multilink rear suspension do a creditable job of absorbing potholes and other road unevenness. Keeping the car on course is electric power steering. Zero to 60 is possible in a mere 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
Up front are large, round Mini LED headlights that surround a black octagonal grille hosting the redesigned JCW logo and a checkered flag (a nod to the race car heritage of Mini), power dome and striking helmet roof. The rear shows off jewel-like upright tail lamps, dual exhaust tips and COUNTRYMAN etched in bold black letters. The bright red JCW brake calipers stand out too. The circular theme continues in the cabin with a massive disk-like 9.4-inch OLED screen for infotainment controls. You will love the experience modes that play music and change the LED light ring colors after each selection. Choices include the defaulting core that conveys a modern look, along with green, vivid, timeless, balance, trail, personal and Go-Kart. Bright tapestry and texture on the red and black dashboard draw attention. Audiophiles will be thrilled with the 365-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround system. Other notable features include panoramic moon roof, eight-way driver and six-way front-passenger manual heated seats, 40/20/40 rear seat, wireless phone charging, dual auto a/c, anthracite headliner, manual tilt/telescopic steering column, head-up display and a hidden under-floor cargo bin.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front knee airbags, rearview camera, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, stability, traction, dynamic cruise and park-distance control, active driving assistant with blind spot, rear-cross traffic, forward collision, pedestrian and lane departure warnings, auto emergency brakes, three-point seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Always fancied a Mini but hesitated because you feared it fell short on space? Well, you have plenty of room in this splendid vehicle with its inimitable European flair as the car brand celebrates 65 years. Plus, enjoy the security of being behind the helm of a stylish, sporty, functional and agile all-wheel-drive car.
COUNTRYMAN JCW ALL4
Tires: 245/40R20
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Length: 175.1 inches
Height: 65.2 inches
Width: 72.6 inches
Weight: 3,836 pounds
Fuel capacity: 14.3 gallons
City/highway: 23/30 mpg
Base price: $46,900
Price as tested: $51,995
Web site: www.miniusa.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com
