India has seen the launch of some enthusiast-friendly offerings this year, including the Volkswagen Golf GTi, Skoda Octavia RS, and the recently-launched Mini Countryman JCW All4. What was earlier available in an all-electric guise is now also offered in an ICE version, that too with the more likeable JCW badge. But does the Countryman JCW pack in enough to cater to the enthusiast in you? If purchasing one is on the back of your mind, read along to find out three reasons to listen to your heart and three reasons why you should rethink your choices. Let us start with the pros first:
Strong engine performance
300hp and a 0-100kph time of a little over 5 seconds
Mini’s JCW range has always been known for power-packed performance, and the new ICE-powered Countryman is no different. It is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that churns out 300hp and 400Nm. The engine has a linear performance with a sense of eagerness in the low range and a punchy mid-range. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission allows for smooth gear shifts and makes the Countryman feel quick.
All of this translates to Mini claiming a 5.4-second 0-100kph time on paper. In real-world conditions, we felt the Countryman JCW to be quick, and we could actually push it up to 216 kph on BIC’s back straight.
Charming, likeable persona
JCW badges and red trims offer a sporty design
The Mini Countryman JCW combines everyday usability with a sporty personality. Its smooth, crease-free design gives it a sleek and sophisticated look, while JCW-specific elements add a clear performance edge. The all-black grille with a chequered flag motif, red hood decals, bold bumpers with larger air intakes, red brake calipers, and 19-inch alloys highlight its intent. A contrasting red roof, JCW badging, quad exhausts, and black ‘Countryman’ lettering complete the athletic design without going overboard.
Inside, the JCW continues this sporty-luxury balance with an all-black cabin accented by red detailing on the dashboard and seats. The extensive use of fabric and premium materials adds richness, while the clean layout keeps it modern and inviting. All of this makes the Countryman JCW feel stylish yet composed, offering performance flair without sacrificing Mini’s signature charm.
Spacious and practical cabin
Bigger than a mid-size SUV, it gets ample space inside
With a 4,477mm length with a 2,962mm wheelbase, the Countryman JCW is a big SUV in every respect. This is also reflected in the cabin, which offers space in plenty for all passengers. The rear bench can comfortably accommodate three passengers. With an almost flat floor, even the middle passenger can feel the seating space welcoming. The front seats are a bit narrow, but we’ll talk about that in the next subhead.
Mini has not cut down on the practicality bit as well as there are a lot of cupholders and storage spaces throughout the cabin. Not just this, but it also offers a boot space of 500 litres that can hold enough luggage for a weekend cross-country road trip for five people.
Now, let us take a look at some reasons why buying a Mini Countryman JCW might not be a good option.
Uncomfortable front row seats
Ample space, but not for front row passengers
Although there’s ample space on offer inside, one area where the Mini JCW Countryman falls behind is the front seats. The carmaker has offered them with heavy contours, especially at its base, that can be uncomfortable for plus-sized occupants. However, the seats will snugly fit passengers with an average build.
But it is not just the contours that hamper the in-cabin experience. The front seats are firm, and while this might be desirable on shorter drives, long stretches of roads can impact the overall comfort.
Stiff suspension setup
What you enjoy on tracks becomes a pain on Indian roads
The JCW is the sportier version of the Countryman SUV, and like Mini’s other models wearing this badge, it gets a firm suspension setup too. Now, this is what you will like out on the tracks while pushing the car on straights and curves alike. That being said, the same thing that puts a smile on your face on smooth tarmac will be the reason for your frown once you encounter a bad patch of road.
The low-profile 19-inch wheels will add to this discomfort, as a lot of vertical movement is felt inside the cabin on less-than-ideal roads, which are plentiful in India. This hampers passenger comfort, especially on long drives.
Steep pricing
At over 60 lakh, is the Countryman JCW’s price justified?
Mini launched the Countryman JCW in India at Rs 64.90 lakh, ex-showroom, which seems overpriced considering sporty competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Skoda Octavia RS come at a lower price. Put in an extra Rs 8,000, and you can also opt for the BMW M340i, which the enthusiasts have loved in all avatars.
However, the Mini Countryman JCW carves its own niche and combines practicality and performance along with an appealing guise that is expected to win some hearts, if not all.
All prices ex-showroom, India
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