We expect buyers to appreciate the new 2025 Mini Countryman's increase in size, but not the high-performance John Cooper Works model's hyper aggressive dynamics.
CASCAIS, Portugal — Let’s cut straight to the issue of size. If the original Mini was a sporting beagle ready for the hunt, the reborn version that hit the world stage in 2001 may have been an English bulldog, albeit bred in Germany, its parents being the engineers and coffers ofwas comparatively large for the brand, but was suitably mini by SUV standards. Its stocky proportions moved it well into the working dog class.
We said “drive modes,” but they are now known as Mini Experience Modes that go beyond the usual adjustments to steering, throttle response, etc. to include changes to interior ambience and powertrain noises. These are similar in concept to what you’ll find in various BMWs, but have unique-to-Mini modes/names.
Also larger than before are the wheels and tires, which, along with the additional width , means the new Countryman feels a few notches less nimble and athletic than before, but ultimately has comparatively high levels of grip. And this brings us to one serious demerit. On the heavily scarred roads in and around the Portugal coast, the stiff ride of the Countryman in John Cooper Works trim was very pronounced.
One benefit in creating this Maximum Mini is that there’s good space in the bright and airy cabin. The vehicles we drove were Euro-spec and some final numbers for U.S. models may come in later, but there’s a general feeling of spaciousness inside for both front and rear passengers. A 6-foot driver was able to sit behind their seating position up front without knees touching. Arms and leg angles also felt comfortable.
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