2024 Mini Countryman JCW review

The Smaller than normal Comrade John Cooper Works (JCW) is as yet professed to bring that ‘go-kart feel’ the brand is scandalously known for in spite of the vehicle presently being 15cm longer and 8cm taller contrasted with the past age model.

This lead petroleum fueled Kinsman variation is set to show up somewhat later than the center petroleum models in Australia. It’s at present due in the second from last quarter of this current year close by the electric E and SE variations.

In front of its appearance Down Under we had the valuable chance to momentarily test the Kinsman JCW Inclined toward as a feature of the worldwide media send off in Portugal.

How does the Smaller than normal Comrade think about?

View a point by point breakdown of the Small Comrade against comparably measured vehicles.

How much does the Mini Countryman cost?

There are myriad Countryman variants available. On test here is the flagship petrol-powered version, the 2024 Mini Countryman JCW Favoured.

2024 Mini Countryman C

• Core: $49,990
• Classic: $52,990
• Favoured: $55,990

2024 Mini Countryman S All4

• Classic: $58,990
• Favoured: $61,990
• JCW Sport: $63,990

2024 Mini Countryman E

• Core: $64,990
• Classic: $67,990
• Favoured: $70,990

2024 Mini Countryman JCW All4

• Core: $67,990
• Classic: $70,990
• Favoured: $73,990

2024 Mini Countryman SE All4

• Classic: $72,990
• Favoured: $75,990
• JCW Sport: $77,990

Prices exclude on-road costs

What is the Mini Countryman like on the inside?

There’s a clear sense of presence as you’re walking up to the new Mini Countryman JCW. It does look a little large for a Mini, though it somehow still looks like one.

You can browse three unique outside lighting marks for the headlights and tail lights. These incorporate Work of art, Leaned toward and John Cooper Works (JCW).

The configurable outside lighting marks are cool since it permits you to modify your vehicle as you would prefer, in any case sooner or later you’ll simply stay with the one.

Much obliged to a limited extent to the sought-after higher ride level, bouncing all through the new Kinsman is truly simple. You don’t have to bounce up or down yet rather turn sideways which is kind with your hips.

When you’re in you’re given a bunch of truly cool and lively looking seats that are done in Dark Vescin/Line upholstery.

The seat base and lower segments of the seat back are done in Vescin false cowhide material which fortunately has holes to consider some cooling, while the top third of the seat back is done in the Rope texture. This incorporates the headrest that is fixed onto the seat and has a red vertical stripe on it.

The front seats are warmed which is convenient on cool mornings, however shockingly they don’t include ventilation by any means. There’s likewise electric customizability to permit you to dial in your ideal seating position with memory as well.

The driver’s seat specifically is an entirely agreeable spot to be with a lot of thigh support and the side reinforces getting you in. The headrest is somewhat far forward anyway which takes a piece to become accustomed to.

In front of the driver is a little directing that is enveloped by false cowhide and has a lot of holes to keep your hands cool. The hand holds specifically are very stout which cause the controlling wheel to feel significant close by.

The controlling wheel is in fact a three-talked unit, with two of the spokes have clicky and sensibly put buttons on them. The third talked anyway is a tight texture lash got done with dark and dim complement sewing.

The texture tie on the controlling wheel is a strange expansion yet shockingly doesn’t stand apart a lot as there’s a scope of comparable looking texture wraps up around the lodge.

Behind the controlling wheel are a bunch of fairly cutesy-looking oar shifters that aren’t so clear as the ones in the BMW X1 M35i. They do a similar capability be that as it may, with holding the downshift paddle for two or three seconds enacting the ‘Lift’ mode.

This mode doesn’t really actuate an overboost capability that adds more power, but instead makes the motor, transmission and versatile suspension go into its sportiest setting.

The new-age Kinsman range has no type of advanced instrument bunch in front of the driver. Rather there’s a head-up show that is clear and brilliant, even with captivated shades on. It shows an extensive variety of basic data including current speed, route, and voyage control data.

The Kinsman’s head-up show is an overlay up plastic unit as opposed to one that projects straightforwardly onto the windscreen. The justification behind this is on the grounds that the vehicle’s windscreen is excessively steeply raked.

Getting across is a 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen infotainment framework which is the highlight of the new Comrade. Off the bat it’s a fabulous looking screen that is staggeringly high-goal and has energetic tones.

Contingent upon your inclinations and how you need to drive the vehicle, there are a scope of various ‘Experience’ modes. These change the infotainment framework look, yet in addition change specific components of the vehicle’s attributes like drive modes.

The default or typical ‘Experience’ mode is alluded to as ‘Center’, with others including Go Kart, Green, Striking, Immortal, Individual, Equilibrium, and Trail. Everything really relied on how I was driving the vehicle, yet I enjoyed flicking between the Go Kart’and Ageless ‘Experience’ modes.

Each time you change the ‘Experience’ mode there’s a relating movement and sound that plays. This is truly cool at first yet sooner or later it gets a little disappointing as the music you have playing removes quickly. Fortunately you can switch off the ‘Experience’ mode change jingle which addresses this problem.

Annoyingly anyway while you’re evolving between ‘Experience’ modes you’ll rapidly acknowledge things get laggy. This a typical subject while you’re requesting that the touchscreen do different things without a moment’s delay, which is disheartening.

The new Android-based Smaller than usual Working Framework 9 connection point is not difficult to explore and not as overpowering to explore as BMW Working Framework 9 in the BMW X1 and X2.

In spite of the fact that I referenced the touchscreen can get laggy, this is essentially when you’re rapidly trading among applications and menus. When you stay inside a certain application like satellite route for a while, it works much more flawlessly.

A ton of the infotainment framework’s themes, images and movements are revolved around it being round, yet there’s no getting away from how cell phone reflecting is a square window with a lot of clear space encompassing it. It’s somewhat odd from the outset, yet you become acclimated to it inevitably.

As standard there’s both wired and remote types of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With an iPhone 13 Master associated with remote Apple CarPlay there were no dropouts at all.

There’s likewise a strategically located remote telephone charger at the front of the mid control area which really charged my telephone. It additionally didn’t slide around a lot on twistier segments of Portugal’s streets.

Frustratingly the environment controls are incorporated into the touchscreen, yet fortunately the double zone temperature controls are consistently present on the showcase. It’s provided that you need to change things like where the air is streaming you’ll have to utilize the screen.

Assuming you truly object to utilizing the touchscreen to change things like the environment control settings, you can likewise utilize the vehicle’s voice associate. This can be set off by saying ‘Hello Small scale’ or by squeezing the receiver button on the controlling wheel – it’ll try and make you a quip in the event that you inquire.

Checking out the lodge there are a lot of one of a kind contacts. The most striking is the material dashboard that looks delicate from far off however as a general rule it’s very coarse and is by all accounts hardwearing.

In the Comrade JCW as tried here the material dashboard is dark with Stew Red vertical feature components. There are really a great many vertical components inside the Comrade, including the upward air vents and inside entryway handles which are done in Energetic Silver.

While the material scramble looks pretty extravagant and streak, you don’t need to look far to discover a few nastier modest plastics. Fortunately the primary touch focuses, it are adequately delicate to incorporate the armrests.

Under the touchscreen there is select actual equipment including stubs for the stuff selector and ‘Experience’ mode, as well as the need might arise to go to turn the vehicle on and off.

Given the stuff selector has been moved to the dashboard, this actually opens up space on mid control area for more extra room. The irritating things is space isn’t really used without limit.

There’s a little open stockpiling rack at the front of the mid control area under the remote telephone charger, then, at that point, there are two fairly estimated cupholders behind it.

Curiously there’s a little material covered stockpiling segment that is intended to be the mid control area box. The middle armrest fortunately slides however doesn’t open, delivering the space under it totally futile.

The Kinsman JCW’s inside is fairly dim generally, however fortunately an all encompassing glass sunroof comes as standard from the Work of art and up which adds a touch of light and breeziness.

Moving to the subsequent column is where the extra size and haul of the new-age Compatriot spreads the word. At a leggy 182cm there’s a lot of leg, head and shoulder space.

The second-column seat folds in a 40:20:40 design, and that implies each folds down separately. Consistently column seat backrest likewise leans back a little, which permits you to additionally unwind.

Two grown-ups will fit toward the rear of the Kinsman without any concerns whatsoever, however attempt to placing a third individual in the back is when things will get a bit soft. You’ll likewise see the back place safety belt is rooftop mounted, which lessens back perceivability.

Second-line conveniences incorporate control center mounted air vents, USB-C ports, and an overlap down armrest with cupholders. There are likewise the essential ISOFIX and top-tie anchor focuses for mounting youngster seats.

Around the back the Kinsman JCW has a power rear end with a sans hands capability which is convenient on the off chance that you’re attempting to open the boot with your hands full.

When the boot is open you’re given a satisfactorily estimated boot.

Small scale formally statements a boot limit figure of 505 liters, which grows to 1530 liters with the second column of seats collapsed.

Conveniences in the boot are rare. Disappointingly there’s no extra wheel at all in the Kinsman JCW. Rather you get a tire fix pack which can be useful in specific circumstances, however isn’t generally so great as having a legitimate extra wheel.

What’s under the bonnet?

The European-determination Kinsman JCW model on test here changes somewhat from the Australian-particular model showing up mid-year. It just creates 221kW, which is 12kW not exactly the approaching AU-spec model.

How does the Mini Countryman drive?

It’s actually quite important we just encountered the new-age Scaled down Comrade JCW as a feature of the worldwide media send off in Portugal.

Our endorsed drive circle comprised of around 80km of Portuguese expressways, as well as metropolitan and rustic streets. There was likewise a cycle of dynamic heading to see what the vehicle is prepared to do.

Firing up the Small scale Kinsman JCW is finished by contorting a little handle at the front of mid control area. It’s like turning an actual key in the start yet more easy to use and fun as you don’t really need to remove the key from your pocket.

When the notorious ‘B48’ motor fires up it thunders to life. The inactive can be somewhat cruel from the get go, which itself is exciting, yet inevitably it quiets down as the motor heats up.

Setting off you’ll rapidly acknowledge there is a lot of force accessible with a push down of the gas pedal. You’ll handily be staying aware of traffic from the lights, or pulling ahead effortlessly assuming you’re that way slanted.

Notwithstanding the tons of force, there’s the certainty and security that accompanies all-wheel drive grasp. This particularly proves to be useful assuming the streets are wet and dangerous.

The European-detail Compatriot JCW we drove as a component of the worldwide media send off produces 221kW of force, while the impending Australian-determination model will deliver a zestier 233kW.

In the typical ‘Center’ drive mode there’s a dash of slack that comes from the turbocharged double grip drivetrain combo, yet this is probably going to streamline the driving experience. It’s somewhat normal and natural in regular driving.

Flicking the vehicle into ‘Go Kart’ mode was rarely terrible. Both the versatile suspension and directing solidified up, and it likewise dialed up the manufactured motor commotion inside the lodge.

The main thing that caused to feel a bit uncomfortable with ‘Go Kart’ mode was it turned foothold control off. Fortunately it gives you an admonition to affirm this each time you enter the mode so you know about what’s going on.

On the off chance that ‘Go Kart’ mode isn’t enough for you notwithstanding, there’s a ‘Lift’ mode that can be enacted by holding the down paddle shifter briefly.

In spite of the fact that ‘Lift’ mode opens no extra power, it amplifies the motor and transmission to ensure you’re given all they can give.

Inside the lodge there are exhaust pops and snaps, however I’m very nearly 100% certain most of these are orchestrated. There likewise recognizable shocks between gear changes which adds to the experience.

In and out of town the Comrade JCW feels agile and is truly simple to move. It has light guiding in its not unexpected ‘Center’ driving mode, however this hardens up assuming you space it into ‘Go Kart’ mode.

As standard there are front and back stopping sensors, as well as an encompass view camera. There’s likewise a clever stopping partner.

Glancing around from the driving situation there’s a lot of perceivability, including out the back. In exemplary Little style there are adjusted side mirrors which fortunately aren’t excessively little.

There’s no camouflaging the way in which huge this vehicle is for a Small. It plainly feels like a BMW X1-sized hybrid, yet some way or another it actually has components that take it back to being a Small scale like driving experience. I think this is generally down to how the controlling feels.

At low paces the Compatriot JCW’s versatile suspension is truly agreeable and consistent, however it tends to be made firmer with various ‘Experience’ modes, including ‘Go Kart’ mode.

Developing pace is extraordinarily simple in this vehicle. You should be cautious while advancing rapidly along a roadway since, in such a case that you’re not focusing as far as possible will crawl up on you rapidly.

The Kinsman JCW is likewise truly open and a pleasant vehicle to progressively drive. There’s a lot of grasp and the vehicle will tell you while it’s getting towards its breaking point.

At higher rates the Compatriot JCW quiets down and turns into an easy cruiser. It’s so fascinating the way in which this vehicle can be a flat out monster one moment, then a steady sightseer the following. I think this is to a great extent down to the versatile suspension can rapidly differ its damping force.

On the security front, the versatile voyage control framework is perfect. The radar-based framework is multiple times better compared to the past age’s camera-based framework that would once in a while bite the dust while confronting direct daylight.

Like the BMW X2 I additionally knowledgeable about Portugal, the Kinsman’s versatile voyage control framework is one of the better frameworks I’ve encountered to date as it normally responds to vehicles maneuvering into your path.

The path keep help isn’t excessively nosy, though the path centring capability is awesome. The last option of these frameworks is best left for plainly stamped expressways and turnpikes.

The last security highlight I need to specify in this part is as far as possible help capability that was available in our European-detail analyzer.

At the point when you voyaged 2-3km/h over as far as possible a ring would play. Albeit this ring wasn’t quite so repulsive as any semblance of Hyundai’s and Kia’s, it would default to on each time you switch the vehicle on.

In Europe there is at present an order to have smart speed limit help highlights on new models sold in the district. It’s not presently ordered in Australia.

What do you get?

There are three different trim levels available within the JCW range – we tested the flagship Favoured trim level.

Mini Countryman JCW Core highlights:

• Adaptive suspension
• JCW Sport Brakes
• 19-inch ‘Runway Spoke’ black alloy wheels
• Cruise control
• Hands-free power tailgate
• 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system
• 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Heated steering wheel
• Black Vescin/Cord upholstery

JCW Classic adds:

• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• Satellite navigation with augmented reality
• Interior camera
• Panoramic glass roof
• Heated front seats
• Stripes in Jet Black or Chili Red

JCW Favoured adds:

• JCW Performance Brakes
• 20-inch ‘Flag Spoke’ silver/black alloy wheels
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory
• Sun protection glazing

Colours

Certain exterior paint colours are reserved for the Countryman JCW Classic and Favoured – the vehicle we tested was finished in Legend Grey.

The following finishes are available:

• Nanuq White
• Midnight Black
• Chili Red
• Blazing Blue
• Melting Silver (Classic, Favoured)
• British Racing Green (Classic, Favoured)
• Legend Grey (Classic, Favoured)
• Smokey Grey (Favoured)

Is the Mini Countryman safe?

The new Mini Countryman has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

All models come standard with the following equipment:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Reversing camera
• Front, rear parking sensors

Classic and up get:

• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view camera
• Automatic speed limit assistant

How much does the Mini Countryman cost to run?

All Mini Countryman models are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Mini offers a five-year/100,000km Service Inclusive package for the Countryman JCW All4 at $3092.

Take on the Mini Countryman

The new-age Small scale Comrade has grown a significant sum, however some way or another it actually looks, feels and drives like a Little. It’s likewise a significant overhaul in various ways when contrasted with the past age.

The inside specifically is a champion in the new Compatriot, with its new 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen infotainment framework and the cool-looking material dashboard. It’s frustrating anyway the number of segments of more enthusiastically plastics that are right there and how laggy the touchscreen can be.

The leader Compatriot JCW Leaned toward on test here apparently shapes as better worth contrasted with its BMW X1 M35i partner. Nearly $17,000 isn’t anything to wheeze at, particularly when they have identical powertrain with similar results, and tantamount standard hardware.

On the off chance that you’re after hard and fast power and execution, the Compatriot JCW structures as the pick of the reach. An interesting point anyway is the all-electric and heavier Kinsman SE delivers a comparative measure of force and 94Nm more force.