MINI Countryman 2019 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, consumers are increasingly demanding a "balance between performance and practicality." They want vehicles that can meet the space requirements for daily commuting while still being able to offer driving pleasure occasionally. There aren't many choices for such vehicles. The 2019 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman (hereinafter referred to as the JCW Countryman) targets this market segment, featuring a 310PS 2.0T turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and MINI's signature sporty tuning. This test drive aims to verify whether its performance truly lives up to the "JCW" badge and to assess whether it meets the daily practicality expected of a 5-seater SUV.

Looking at the exterior, the JCW Countryman retains the rounded contours of the MINI family but incorporates many sporty details. The front end features the iconic hexagonal grille, with an internal black honeycomb panel replacing the horizontal strips of the standard version. Red accents surround the grille and the air intakes on both sides of the front bumper, enhancing its recognizability. The side profile is not overly intricate, with 19-inch matte black wheels paired with 235/45 R19 tires. The wheel arches are slightly widened, and the rear features dual circular exhaust pipes and a small spoiler. The ring-shaped LED taillight design stands out prominently when illuminated at night. Overall, the design maintains MINI's cute genes while emphasizing its sporty appeal through performance-oriented touches.

Opening the door reveals an interior layout focused on the driver, with the center console angled towards the driver's seat. As for materials, the steering wheel and seats are wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable touch. The upper section of the dashboard is made of soft-touch material, while the lower section is hard plastic, though the finishing is quite refined. In terms of features, the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and supports basic multimedia functions; the 12-speaker audio system offers above-average sound quality in its class. The HUD heads-up display is a highlight, able to show speed, RPM, and navigation information without requiring the driver to look down at the instrument cluster. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control for the front, independent air conditioning for the rear, and seat heating functions, catering to the needs of different passengers. Notably, the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split fold, expanding the trunk capacity from 450L to 1390L when folded down, which is sufficient for baby strollers or large luggage.

In terms of space, as a 5-seater SUV with a wheelbase of 2670mm, the JCW Countryman offers ample space in the front row. A 180cm-tall passenger can adjust the seat comfortably and still have a fist's worth of headroom. The rear offers two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, while the middle passenger can place their feet in the central floor recess without feeling too cramped. Storage spaces are adequate, with the front door pockets accommodating two bottles of water and an umbrella, the central armrest box fitting a phone and wallet, and the rear door pockets also including storage slots. Additionally, there are ISO FIX child seat mounts, making it suitable for family use.

The drivetrain is the core highlight of the JCW Countryman. The 2.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power output of 310PS and a peak torque of 450N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. For daily driving, the Comfort mode makes the vehicle feel sprightly, with linear throttle response and rpm staying under 2000, making it well-suited for city commutes. Switching to Sport mode results in a more sensitive throttle response, with rpm maintaining above 3000. Accelerating hard provides noticeable thrust, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in about 6 seconds, giving drivers plenty of confidence when overtaking. The transmission logic is clear, and the paddle shifters in manual mode respond quickly.

In terms of handling, the JCW Countryman has a precise steering wheel with minimal play. It becomes heavier during high-speed driving, providing good stability. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, and it's tuned on the stiffer side. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations are transmitted directly into the cabin, but it offers excellent support in corners with minimal body roll. Combined with the all-wheel-drive system, it delivers strong grip when cornering. The braking system performs consistently, with a combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs, producing a braking distance of approximately 38 meters, which is in line with the standards of performance SUVs.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested it in city traffic areas, where the fuel consumption was about 10-11L/100km; On highways cruising at 120km/h, the consumption was around 7-8L/100km. The average fuel consumption landed at 9.2L/100km, which is different from the official figure of 6.9L. However, considering its performance, this fuel efficiency is acceptable. The interior noise control is good, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds. Engine noise becomes more noticeable in Sport mode but is not harsh, maintaining quietness during everyday driving.

As a performance SUV, the JCW Countryman's biggest advantage is its “balance between performance and practicality” – it retains the sporty tuning of the MINI JCW series while meeting the space needs of family users. Compared to other SUVs in the same class that focus on family use (such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V), its power is stronger, and handling is better; compared to performance-focused options like the BMW X1 M35i, it comes at a lower price with higher cost efficiency. It suits two types of consumers: young families who enjoy driving and occasionally want to experience sporty performance; and those who pursue individuality and don't want to drive a "mainstream" car.

Overall, the 2019 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is a performance SUV with “no significant shortcomings.” Its performance lives up to the JCW badge, its practicality meets daily family needs, and it comes with relatively rich features. If you're looking for a car that can take your family on trips while also letting you occasionally unleash some passion for driving, this could be a great choice.