By Paul Gover.
The flagship of the Mini family is now a maxi car.
It’s the Countryman, a Mini with more that is pitched at families who want something with a bit more style than a cheapie five-seater box.
So it’s an SUV, but not like anything else in its class. Or anywhere else.
The Countryman still has the familiar look of a new-age Mini, but everything is puffed-out and pumped up to satisfy people who want and need more space. It also runs a little higher than the rest of the Mini brigade, with all-wheel drive as part of the package to ensure it can cope with weekend dirt trails or a bit of sand at the beach.
The test car is the fully-loaded JCW model – the initials are for John Cooper Works – which means it has a tweaked 2-litre petrol engine with turbocharging, as well as an eight-speed automatic and sports suspension and brakes. It is a swift little thing, capable of cracking away from the lights and with plenty of overtaking punch.
The bottom line is not cheap, but just under $70,000 brings a car with a unique package of performance and looks.
There is a great sound system, leather everywhere and the usual electronic safety aids, although the infotainment screen is smaller than expected to fit inside the signature round dashboard display.
The Countryman is an SUV but it’s not nearly as roomy as others in the class, including the excellent Volkswagen Tiguan, which means it’s really only for families with young kids. It’s even a tight fit for a mountain bike with the wheels off, my personal measure of cabin space in an SUV.
The best thing about the JCW car is how it drives.
It feels much more solid than other Mini models, with poise and confidence over any surface. It’s not an all-out hotrod like the Cooper S but is planted and able to put plenty of fun into a twisty Sunday drive.
It’s also quiet at highway speed, has comfy seats, and will stand out from any crowd of tuff-love SUVs at school pick-up time.
Still, the Countryman is fundamentally flawed because it is neither Mini nor maxi, which means it is more likely to be a fashion choice than a serious SUV family car.
THE BASICS
Mini JCW Countryman
Prices: from $65,900
Power: 225kW/450Nm
Position: compact SUV
Plus: Mini style, solid performance
Minus: small inside, too maxi to be Mini
THE TICK: No
