With 300 hp in a MINI, I’d worry about the torque steer as mentioned and is an All4 (MINI’s version of AWD). But I have a feeling the JCW version of MINI is a blast to drive.
might make the jump to a 2021 jcw f60, currently drive a r60S with stage 2 manic tune, the b48 engine in the newer countryman jcw is a nice power upgrade and the modding potential is big. hope you do a video of the 2021 jcw countryman. x2 m35i is a similar vehicle and share the same engine and is having a mid cycle refresh too which is interesting.
Nice quality video but reviewer needs to do its homework. Mini is owned by bmw. This is a fully loaded “bmw” for the price of the same bmw base model, which makes it a great deal. Also to note this is the countryman, it is a crossover with surprising space, it might not be as fun as the 3dr but it definitively feels mini and smaller/more fun than all it’s competitors.
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews Wow. That is the opposite of what I’ve experienced with the brakes on these cars. Makes me wonder if previous testers “drove it like they stole it” before you had your turn. Seeing how some reviewers treat press cars makes me cringe. I think your perception of the brakes might be different on a car in proper form.
Congrats on your new JCW, Rachel! I'm glad to hear your experience with the brakes is more like mine. What color did you get? My Rebel Green JCW was just released from the factory in the Netherlands, and it is waiting for a boat ride to it's new home in my garage in California. Enjoy your new ride!!
Steve, did you notice the Vibrations between shifts in this new engine/trans setup. I have this 2020 and it vibrates/whines and hums through the gears. BMW/MINI has blown it off to “ It’s Normal”. Anyone else have this issue?
My friend had an older model. Bought brand new. Timing chain had to be replaced after 30k miles. Transmission went bad after 50k miles. He got rid of it. All the fancy colors and gadgets become irrelevant unless they improve reliability.
Steve, would you pick this over a Stelvio? They both seem to be pursuing the same mission, but with kids it seems the Stelvio offers more room , similar fun and a lower price. Am I missing any advantage the Countryman has other than customization options?
$50,100 for a Mini just doesn't sit right with me. I also seem to constantly forget that Mini even exists anymore. I hardly ever see new ones on the road these days. Maybe that ridiculous price tag is why.
A similarly equipped Subaru will cost 20K less. Unless you have money to burn on a euro money pit. Make sure you get the extended warranty. a friend of mine has one, he regrets the day he bought it.
The Veloster Turbo R Spec does 0-60 in 6.2 sec., 1/4-mile in 14.8 sec., with a top speed of 120 mph. Car & Driver tested the '20 Countryman JCW All4 0-60 in 4.4. sec., 1/4-mile in 13.1 sec., with a top speed of 155 mph. On top of that, the MINI can comfortably seat 4 full-sized human adults who climb in and out of 4 full-sized doors with room in the back for bags. The Veloster is a toy. A slow toy at that.
I like how the rear end hunkered down @ 1:25. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds ain't too shabby either.
Its a blast to drive and the exhaust pops!
Better value, better looking and definitely more youthful than the X2. This would be my go-to if I were in the market....
With 300 hp in a MINI, I’d worry about the torque steer as mentioned and is an All4 (MINI’s version of AWD). But I have a feeling the JCW version of MINI is a blast to drive.
Brakes are very solid just like a BMW. The JCW has huge rotors upfront making stopping instant.
might make the jump to a 2021 jcw f60, currently drive a r60S with stage 2 manic tune, the b48 engine in the newer countryman jcw is a nice power upgrade and the modding potential is big. hope you do a video of the 2021 jcw countryman. x2 m35i is a similar vehicle and share the same engine and is having a mid cycle refresh too which is interesting.
Waiting on that Mini JCW GP3 review!
Me, too!
$50,000! You can't be serious!
This price explains why they don't sell well!
Bargain for what you get
looks like the Ghostbuster mobile!
Nice quality video but reviewer needs to do its homework. Mini is owned by bmw. This is a fully loaded “bmw” for the price of the same bmw base model, which makes it a great deal.
Also to note this is the countryman, it is a crossover with surprising space, it might not be as fun as the 3dr but it definitively feels mini and smaller/more fun than all it’s competitors.
Soft brake pedal? Are you sure your demo wasn't in need of brake service? I've driven two F60 JCWs, and I found the brakes impressive.
Not only was there a lot of travel before they grabbed but they were inconsistent. This tester was very low mileage.
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews Wow. That is the opposite of what I’ve experienced with the brakes on these cars. Makes me wonder if previous testers “drove it like they stole it” before you had your turn. Seeing how some reviewers treat press cars makes me cringe. I think your perception of the brakes might be different on a car in proper form.
Duane Caldwell I just got mine today and I can say the breaks are impressive and responsive.
Congrats on your new JCW, Rachel! I'm glad to hear your experience with the brakes is more like mine. What color did you get? My Rebel Green JCW was just released from the factory in the Netherlands, and it is waiting for a boat ride to it's new home in my garage in California. Enjoy your new ride!!
I would want the black with the red roof
Wow, Steve looks so tiny in the opening shot standing next to it. It's not huge by any means but with the mini name its very off setting.
Steve, did you notice the Vibrations between shifts in this new engine/trans setup. I have this 2020 and it vibrates/whines and hums through the gears. BMW/MINI has blown it off to “ It’s Normal”. Anyone else have this issue?
Sorry to hear that, Jim. No - I had no issues. I’m currently driving a 2022 Cooper S Convertible and also haven’t had any issues.
Tryed 2 countryman Jcw and didn’t have these issues
My friend had an older model. Bought brand new. Timing chain had to be replaced after 30k miles. Transmission went bad after 50k miles. He got rid of it. All the fancy colors and gadgets become irrelevant unless they improve reliability.
Had two friends go through the same thing. Over $3K to fix each.
If you want reliable, buy a boring toyota
Does it has blind spot warning system ?
No
Hard to believe that is 3800 lbs!
The only thing premium about mini is the price and the high repair bill's.
what about navigation?
What about it?
don't get me wrong but a Canadian spec 2016 Kia Soul
SX SE is more appealing to me considering they have similar two-tone red/white paint
Want the clubman version of this... if they put a stick in it...
Steve, would you pick this over a Stelvio? They both seem to be pursuing the same mission, but with kids it seems the Stelvio offers more room , similar fun and a lower price. Am I missing any advantage the Countryman has other than customization options?
Not the same fun, nothing will feel like a mini. Also take in account Alfa Romeo reliability and servicing time
I wonder if this engine option will be offered in the X1, since the X2 already has an available upgrade.
$50,100 for a Mini just doesn't sit right with me. I also seem to constantly forget that Mini even exists anymore. I hardly ever see new ones on the road these days. Maybe that ridiculous price tag is why.
I love the styling but the ride quality is way to hard. Id get rid of those run flats if I had this car.
There sure is a lot on the market now for $50g’s...perhaps the loaded Cooper SE with its US $7,500 tax break steals the show?
First-time viewer.
That's a very well-written script. Very watchable (listen-able).
(Most youtube car channels are corny brain-dead sh/te).
Thanks for stopping by!
Cute but the price is not Good review, though
Too much money. Better options are out there for less Money
the new countryman looks good but the cooper... meh i rather have the previous generations.
This is ludicrous. $51,000 could be better spent on so many offer vehicles.
Still slow for a mini. More hp is still needed it
350hp?
Idiot
lost me at "the stick is dead"
A similarly equipped Subaru will cost 20K less.
Unless you have money to burn on a euro money pit. Make sure you get the extended warranty. a friend of mine has one, he regrets the day he bought it.
Subarus arent fun at all...they are grocery getters.
Chick car.
That interior with the cheap plastics needs to go. The lowest priced Kia has better switch gear.
Have you sat in one of these? In higher trims they feel really nice. Kias have way more plastic.
Just get a veloster n and save 20k lol
The Veloster Turbo R Spec does 0-60 in 6.2 sec., 1/4-mile in 14.8 sec., with a top speed of 120 mph. Car & Driver tested the '20 Countryman JCW All4 0-60 in 4.4. sec., 1/4-mile in 13.1 sec., with a top speed of 155 mph. On top of that, the MINI can comfortably seat 4 full-sized human adults who climb in and out of 4 full-sized doors with room in the back for bags. The Veloster is a toy. A slow toy at that.