2021 Mini Countryman Review: JCW

Mini has released the final version of its best-selling model since the Hatch, the John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman.

Wait. You ask, wasn't this revealed last July?

The answer is yes, but due to 2020, we've only just now managed to get our hands on one of the updated (LCI for Life Cycle Impulse) JCW Countryman MY21 models - and still in the flagship Signature ALL71,013 for $4. Flash. To upgrade, the changes resulted in a redesigned grille, bumpers and dashboard, British flag shaped lenses for the taillights, and a higher level of efficiency, safety and equipment.

There is now a JCW version of the British marque owned by BMW since the original R60 series appeared in '2011; The 21 model year Countryman LCI is the first major facelift since the second generation F60 series was introduced in Australia in '2017… and at 250 km/h this class represents the pinnacle.

So, what does one of the fastest premium compact SUVs look like? Read more…

Mini Countryman 2021: John Cooper Works Pure
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	7.6l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$51,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

At first glance... no.

Every Mini Countryman is an amazing ride, and the performance-focused Cooper S brings a healthy level of power and vigor to the party at a much more attractive price of $52,900 pre-travel.

If you want a JCW Countryman, the entry-level Pure starts at a reasonable $62,000, climbing to almost $68,000 for the Classic and just over $71,000 for the Signature in trials. They all provide a substantial power boost over the 48-litre turbocharged BMW B2.0 four-cylinder petrol engine – from 141kW of power and 280Nm of torque to 225kW and 450Nm of torque, respectively – as well as all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. That's what ALL4 is.

The JCW Signature we tested costs just over $71,000.

Like all F60 Countrymen, the JCW is based on the evolution of BMW's UKL2 platform, which underpins every BMW of the latest generation less than the 3 Series (excluding the old 2 Series coupe/convertible), so there's a whole world at the heart of this Mini. knowledge and experience.

To put the JCW Countryman in perspective, the BMW brand equivalent currently bears M35i badges like the $68,900K X2 xDrive M35i, so we're talking about major upgrades here.

Serious competition too, including from the recently released Audi SQ2 quattro, priced at $64,400, which neatly bisects the JCW Countryman lineup. Although noticeably smaller overall, it is probably the most obvious and direct competitor to the Dutch-built British marque.

Other competitors offering broadly similar all-wheel drive performance include two similar SUVs from Mercedes-Benz - the GLA35 4Matic and its larger sibling the GLB35 4Matic from $83,700 and $89,300 2.0 respectively, as well as the even larger Alfa Romeo Stelvio 78,900 Ti from $60 $6 Volvo XC78,990 T300. from $82,200, Jaguar E-Pace Sport from $3 and Audi RS Q89,900 from $XNUMX.

What do you get for all your hard earned money?

JCW specific features include a body kit, additional struts, redesigned stability and traction control systems, variable torque distribution for the four-wheel drive system, modified MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension (with adaptive shock absorbers in Branded appearance), Performance Control function for Green, Normal and Sport modes, as well as heavy-duty brakes - large four-piston front and single-piston rear.

It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

At this price point, you would expect the JCW Countryman Signature ALL4 to include a kitchen sink.

Fortunately, Mini obliges. You'll find autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and pre-braking, adaptive cruise control with full stop/go technology, adaptive dampers, speed limit display, traffic sign recognition technology, rear camera. , auto high beam, light-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power tailgate, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, digital radio, keyless entry/start, satellite nav, dual-zone climate control, sliding/reclining rear seats, automatic parking with front and rear sensors and anthracite headlining.

Sunroof blind does not block enough sun and warmth on warm days.

With the Signature label, more color options are offered, Cross Punch Sports leather seats, a head-up display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon HiFi audio system, and 19-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires. So no spare. Keep this in mind if you are going to work your way through remote and/or rural areas.

Smaller options - in the Pure from $61,915 plus on the road and the Classic from $67,818 - aren't quite as useful obviously, but they're still well-equipped.

Features include wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and digital radio.

So with three classes instead of one JCW offering for 2021, buyers have a little more room to create their ideal version.

Hasn't this always been the Mini's way?

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

The biggest Mini in the icon's 62-year history is almost 4.3 meters long, 1.56 meters high and over 1.8 meters wide, and has a comfortable ground clearance of 165mm. We're talking about the true proportions of a small SUV.

With square headlights, a gaping grille and a bulging hood, it's an unmistakable caricature of the BMW-era Mini, albeit one that pairs well enough with the vertical profile and floating roof design that gives the crossover its unique identity. These Union Jack taillights won't be to everyone's taste, however.

The Countryman is the largest Mini ever: almost 4.3 meters long, 1.56 meters high and over 1.8 meters wide.

Finished in beautiful retro Sage Green and fitted with beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels called "Turnstile Spoke", the fastest Countryman's exterior is approaching sophisticated and modern, with additional red details, large air intakes and a bespoke body kit with more thick exhaust pipes. The 95mm diameter serves as a contrasting statement.

 Oversized, bloated and overly stylish, in the eyes of some observers.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

So tall and wide, it's no wonder the Countryman is designed for people who want space, practicality and utility.

To that end, getting in and out is easy, there's plenty of room up front, enough room for adults in the back, a reasonably large cargo area, deep windows, and pretty good all-round visibility. The front seats wrap you securely and comfortably, ventilation is plentiful, storage space is thought through to the smallest detail, and once you get the hang of the infotainment system, driving becomes child's play. All major ones are marked.

The front seats surround you in a safe and comfortable way.

The playful (some might say cute) elements of previous BMW-era Minis aren't as pronounced in the F60, and with LCI unlocking a 5.5-inch digital cluster, it's even less cartoonish. Especially with black accents and anthracite trim. Much more mature.

But don't worry, purists. The big round center screen and toggle switches live on, though there's smooth leather upholstery, polished metal details and a real sense of solidity that raises the bar for quality.

Some of the graphics on the BMW iDrive-based multimedia system may seem a bit confusing, but it comes with a wide range of features, including many vehicle operations, trip data, maps, and audio options that can be adjusted and personalized.

The rear seat is better than we expected in terms of comfort, support and adjustability as the 40:20:40 rear bench splits, folds and slides for added versatility. In addition, the 450-litre (VDA) two-level trunk creates a deceptively large cargo area, all beautifully designed.

The rear seat is better than we expected in terms of comfort, support and adjustability.

Disadvantages? Those vertical windshield pillars and bulky exterior mirrors block visibility at roundabouts; sunroof blind does not block enough sun and heat on warm days, let alone hot ones; and while you can turn off ambient colors at night, their brightness is a bit noticeable and sticky.

However, everything is mostly good. And from that moment on, away from the uprights, bulging hood and quirky retro touches, the JCW Countryman is no longer a Mini and becomes a pure, true BMW… with performance and handling to match.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10

The heart of the JCW, codenamed B48A20T1, is based on a 48cc Cooper S B1998 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine. ) and variable valve timing (Double VANOS).

It delivers a whopping 225 kW of power at a dizzying 6250 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1750 to 4500 rpm and drives all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Yes, you can't get a manual JCW Countryman.

Despite weighing 1605 kg, it accelerates from 100 to 5.1 km/h in just 250 seconds on its way to a top speed of 140.2 km/h. The power-to-weight ratio is XNUMX kW/t in combat form.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

BMW…sorry, Mini recommends running your car with 98 octane premium unleaded petrol.

We haven't had a JCW Countryman long enough to get real fuel consumption figures, but the trip computer showed 9.7 liters per 100 km, while the official average is 7.6 l/100 km, which equates to 174 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. . .

With a 51-liter tank in tow, you can drive more than 670 km.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

Like all F60 Countryman models tested in 2017, the JCW version received the highest ANCAP five-star rating.

Safety equipment includes AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Warning and Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go and Speed ​​Limiter, Auto High Beam and Traffic Sign Recognition, and Auto Parking, Front and rear parking sensors. , six airbags (driver, front passenger, side airbags in the front seats and side curtains), stability and traction control, ABS, two ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear seats and three child seat anchorage points behind the backrest.

The JCW version received the highest ANCAP five-star rating.

The autonomous emergency braking range operates at speeds from 0 to 140 km/h.

Keep in mind that tires are RunFlat elements that are designed to run safely immediately after a burst or sudden loss of pressure.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 4/10

Mini offers a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is inferior to the five-year warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Land Rover. Bad try, BMW.

The JCW indicates when it needs service, which means it schedules based on conditions, not time. In the UK it is usually recommended every 12 months or 10,000 km.

Owners can also purchase a five-year 80,000 km service plan to save money. It is structured as "Base Cover" or "Plus Cover".

What is it like to drive? 9/10

It’s amazing.

The first thing you'll notice when you sit behind the wheel of a JCW Countryman is how heavy and stocky it feels, like it's glued to the road.

That's not too bad for a car capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km / h, and then you understand that this best of mini-SUVs is exactly what you need - a crossover with a high ride, real sports car performance and stability on road.

However, in Green (eco) or Normal modes, the JCW's performance can feel a little… restrained for a flagship class with an iconic badge. Sure, it's fast—very fast, in fact—with strong acceleration and speed that builds up before you even notice it—but it doesn't have the expected punch, like you're pressing your back against the seat.

In Green (eco) or Normal modes, the JCW's performance can feel a little behind for the flagship class.

You then realize there is a sport mode, so you switch to that setting and immediately the JCW growls and growls in a state of heightened arousal, prompting the driver to hit the gas.

And here it is. A dash forward, then a catapult to the horizon and the realization that there is a slightly unhinged side to the repertoire of this awkward-looking crossover. A theater of sudden and unexpected speed, reinforced by the howl of engine speed and the accompanying exhaust roar; they sharpen the mind, especially when you realize that the legal limit was violated a long time ago. Time to take stock and slow down hell.

However, some fabulous hills beckon. On our tight and twisty test route, the JCW Countryman owns the road, navigating rough corners with delightfully balanced handling. While the steering is heavy, handling is as sharp and direct as you'd expect from a thrill-promoting model, but all the while you're hurtling forward, you're sure all four wheels are firmly stuck to the pavement. Electronic differential lock is standard.

The JCW Countryman owns the road, negotiating rough corners with delightfully balanced handling.

Then comes the rain of stars. Roads instantly get slippery, and with a few corners to go the natural urge is to slow down, but the sticky JCW with ALL4 keeps clinging, no matter what, all safe and sound. There's real sophistication in how the chassis electronics subtly but irresistibly make things boil so sweetly and fluidly.

 We expect a hard-suspension ride on wheels with thick 225/45R19 tires, but instead enjoy a compliant and surprisingly isolated experience, even in the urban jungle. Later, racing down the freeway in bad weather, the Mini's fearless environmental control is as good as any BMW's SUV, maybe more.

While the steering is heavy, handling is as precise and direct as you'd hope.

Before this test, we wondered if the JCW's $13k premium over the Cooper S was worth it. After that, even with sometimes rough add-ons, the performance boost, impressive agility of the all-wheel drive chassis, and wider suspension bandwidth make these three little initials very important.

And all this at a reasonable price when compared.

Verdict

If he wears the Mini badge, you have a right to expect cheeky fun and unbridled exuberance. The Countryman Cooper S has all that and more.

But JCW multiplies and multiplies such talent through price differentiation that is inversely proportional to the additional levels of performance, roadholding and suspension handling gained.

In other words, the flagship Mini Countryman is cool.