Subcompact SUVs don't come much more niche than the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman. It's pricey, it's not especially large, and it's got an engine more suited to a track-focused hot hatch than a family car. The Mini JCW is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only option and an ALL4 all-wheel-drive system directs power to each corner of the car. That makes this a proper little rocket, but at a base price of almost $42,000, it's up against heavy hitters like theBMW X2andMercedes-Benz GLA. Could the new engine for the new year justify the price? Or are Mini buyers simply paying for the boutique name and cutesy styling?
The biggest news for the 2020 model is the upgraded engine that produces 73 horses more than the version in the 2019 model. This is made possible thanks to upgrades that include a reinforced crankshaft and updated pistons and connecting rods. A larger turbocharger also features. For 2020, all new Mini products come with the Active Driving Assistant suite that includes a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. Dynamic cruise control is also standard on the JCW Countryman.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Cooper Works ALL4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Other |
$41,400 |
说话的各种驱动模式,运动spension has quite the effect on handling too, particularly when you're in a model with the adaptive dampers. The base sub-trim isn't treated to these and strikes a decent balance between comfort and athleticism, but if you do have those dampers, the difference in character between each mode is pronounced in a way that not everyone will be a fan of. In Comfort mode, the ride is relaxed enough that you don't feel smaller bumps too harshly, but in Sport, everything stiffens up to make this tall vehicle handle almost as well as the Cooper derivatives that spawned this new generation of Minis. The advantage is a minimal amount of body roll but the caveat is a ride firmer than soccer moms would be accustomed to. For those who enjoy chucking a car into a corner, however, this is a good compromise as a family car that can hustle. The steering is not quite light enough to make parking a breeze but it is weighted enough to feel solid, and that's reassuring when you're pushing hard. Braking is also easy to modulate yet strong enough for dime-stopping, and the overall feel of the car is that even further hotting up would be well catered for by the chassis.
The Mini JCW Countryman is unconventional and has styling that not everyone will like. It's got a rather awkward infotainment screen and doesn't offer Android Auto. Furthermore, the cargo area is average and the price is certainly on the upper end of the scale. As a regular crossover, it would be disregarded immediately. However, this bears the name of a famed racing driver and co-founder of the Cooper company, an establishment that we have to thank for go-kart-like handling and simple yet effective engineering. In line with his principles, the JCW Countryman is arguably one of, if not THE most fun subcompact SUVs to drive. In the past, our complaints with its sporty ambitions were not met as the engine didn't deliver enough zip, but now we have the answer and the 301-hp Countryman is definitely exciting. It's responsive, eager to change direction, and compliant enough to be usable on the daily school run. Its price and its clear compromises will deter some, but if you want to have most of your cake and eat it, this car ticks the right boxes.
The Mini Countryman comes in a less aggressive but still sporty S variant. It's available as a front-wheel-drive model too, and starts at $31,900. It too is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder but this model produces 189 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque. The suspension in this model is still sporty but less rigid than that in the JCW variant, and many of the same options and features are available. While storage space and infotainment are identical, we lean towards the JCW despite its hefty price premium. The phenomenal acceleration and handling make the JCW a much more exciting vehicle to drive, and the available adaptive dampers can help with any reservations you may have about using it daily.
With a premium badge and price, the BMW X2 is a similar vehicle to the JCW Countryman, especially when you peel back its skin. Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot, but in the Bimmer, the result is a slightly quicker 0-60 time that drops two tenths to 4.7. This difference is rather marginal, but bragging rights are everything in the premium market. Where the BMW makes more sense is its cargo space. Up to 50.1 cubic feet of volume is available. If that doesn't matter to you, favor swings towards the Mini, which offers marginally more room in the cabin. While there is a price saving of $5,500 over a base X2, you do lose out on 73 hp and AWD, we'd be inclined to stick with the Mini on this one.
The most popular competitors of 2020 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
奥迪
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
亨尼西
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
斯巴鲁
Tesla
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo