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The New MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: A Powerful and Practical Crossover SUV

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I Florin
The New MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: A Powerful and Practical Crossover SUV

The MINI brand is known for its iconic design, agile handling, and fun-to-drive character. But what if you want more space, power, and versatility from your MINI? Enter the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, the MINI lineup's most powerful and spacious model. This crossover combines the performance and style of the John Cooper Works sub-brand with the practicality and comfort of the Countryman. It’s perfect for drivers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.

What’s New for 2024?

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is based on the third-generation Countryman, which debuted in 2020. It features a refreshed exterior design, a more refined interior, and many new technologies and features. Some of the highlights include:

  • A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful engine ever fitted to a MINI.
  • An eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control which enables the crossover to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
  • An ALL4 all-wheel-drive system that distributes the power between the front and rear wheels according to the driving situation, ensuring optimal traction and stability on any road surface.
  • A sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, a Brembo brake system, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires enhance the crossover's handling and braking performance.
  • A sporty exterior design with a hexagonal grille, LED headlights, a rear spoiler, a dual exhaust system, and JCW badges and accents. The crossover is available in seven exterior colors, including the exclusive Rebel Green and Chili Red.
  • A premium interior with sports seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The crossover also offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, with a maximum capacity of 51.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
  • A range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, and a 360-degree camera. The crossover also features a Driving Assistant Professional package, which enables partially automated driving in certain conditions.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a unique offering in the subcompact luxury crossover segment, as it combines a hot hatch's performance and personality with an SUV's space and versatility. However, it does face some strong competitors, such as:

  • The Audi Q3 offers a refined and spacious interior, a smooth and quiet ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, it lacks the agility and excitement of the MINI, and its engine is less powerful and efficient.
  • The Mercedes-Benz GLA boasts a sleek and stylish exterior, a high-quality and high-tech interior, and a potent and responsive engine. However, it has a cramped and noisy cabin, a stiff and bumpy ride, and a higher price tag than the MINI.
  • The BMW X1 shares the same platform and engine as the MINI but has a more aggressive and sporty design, a more luxurious and spacious interior, and a more refined and composed ride. However, it has less cargo space and headroom than the MINI and costs more to buy and maintain.

Is It Worth Buying?

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a crossover that offers a lot of appeal for drivers who value performance, style, and practicality. It has a powerful and exhilarating engine, a nimble and engaging handling, a distinctive and attractive design, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a generous and flexible cargo space. It also has a reasonable starting price of $43,800, lower than some of its rivals. However, it has some drawbacks, such as a firm and noisy ride, a complex and distracting infotainment system, and limited rear visibility. It also has a below-average reliability rating and a high cost of ownership.

Therefore, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a crossover worth buying if you are looking for a fun and versatile vehicle that stands out from the crowd. However, if you are looking for a more refined and reliable vehicle that offers a smoother and quieter ride, you might want to consider other options in the segment. @via Gerane.

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