MINI Countryman - New U25 vs. My F60 - Comparison, Test Drive and Review (ENG) Marek Drives

[@jimbeam4736]

The old one looks better inside and outside.

[@leohart7468]

Marek King of KZbin car journalists 🎉

[@barang23]

It was love at first sight for the F60. Looks fabulous in and out. I bought the F60 over Volvo xc40 and other suv, because the F60 don’t look like a typical suv. The U25 looks just like any SUV. Gonna hold onto my F60.

[@XtremeCoke]

I came from R60 to F25 JCW to F60 JCW and 100% satisfied. New U25 doesnt convince me just yet.

[@erichahn8970]

Great and informative review as always Marek! Keep your Countryman, way nicer looking inside and out!

[@BusTrainsGuy18]

The F60 is better than the U25, more better inside and out and feels much more comfortable and luxurious than the U25.

[@ShoelessTim]

The F60 I think is the pinnacle of Maxi MINIs. The BMW four-cylinder turbo motor is a substantial upgrade from the leaky asthmatic Peugeot motor that was in the R series cars and this car just has a little bit of the grown-up touches that you expect coming from a luxury car brand like BMW, but not at the price but with the fit and finish you expect. Phenomenal on backcountry B roads and being cheeky on the highway. A good set of tires takes away a bit of the under steer applied at hard cornering and acceleration. It is the quintessential daily driver that gives you the opportunity to have fun with it when you want to, but can also be a very vanilla commuter for all other operations.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

You pretty much summed up my 3 years with the Countryman :)

[@coss7684]

Hi Marek. I like the exterior of the old model, but I like the interior of the new one better, albeit on a brighter color. As for the price, your car was more expensive than the current model considering it is 'just' 15k more, but this is a more powerful model and it is loaded with technology. Thanks for this review. Cheers!

[@xytras1979]

I am a big MINI fan - having 3 off them : the classic one / R52 highly tuned Cabrio and the face-lifted '21 F60 JCW Countryman ! Though , speaking about performance it is a first time in history when the newer performance JCW model (U25) has less power/torque / overall performance than the older one .... no real leather, fabric dashboard , no analog switches for climate / seat heating / etc - therefor = NO for U25 !

[@cmeluzzi]

I like sedans. But nobody likes them anymore so I decided to have my first SUV/crossover. Looked at a few options on the market, most are dull and boring, like the XC40. The new Countryman looks fine. Elegant and spacious interior, nice technology, unique personality. It doesn't follow the previous Mini versions, full of details and buttons, but it presents a clean design, like the original Minis (of course it's BMW saving costs). Price wise it is competitive if you opt for an intermediate spec. I ended up ordering the new Countryman, just waiting for it to arrive, around November.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Please drop me a comment, when it arrives and you've had some time with it. I'm interested to know, how actual people feel about those, when they use them every day.

[@victoraddison1952]

I like the new countryman!

[@panoschimarios4639]

My countryman looks better in every aspect. Especially the interior is far more premium. I think that the first facelift will come very soon for the new countryman.

[@thestylishpsychologist]

The latest version of the MINI Countryman, unfortunately, feels like a departure from what made the previous model, the F60, so distinctive and memorable. Where the F60 was unapologetically unique and immediately recognizable, the new model seems to have lost much of that individuality. The F60 had a character all its own, with a design that embraced MINI’s heritage while offering something fresh and appealing. Inside, the attention to detail was evident in the quality of materials and the choice of textures-details that contributed to a high-quality feel and a sense of genuine craftsmanship. In contrast, this new Countryman feels like a car that could have come from almost any mainstream manufacturer. MINI has abandoned the signature, rounded, organic forms in favor of a more conventional design language that aligns poorly with the brand's traditional identity. Instead of the charmingly bold and playful lines, MINI seems to have opted for a style that lacks that instantly recognizable MINI touch, reducing the Countryman to something that barely resembles the icon it once was. The interior, too, falls flat. In the new Countryman, the cabin feels devoid of the warmth and charm that MINI once brought to life so well. Where the F60’s interior created an emotional connection with its tactile materials and engaging layout, this new model feels sterile. The materials used feel less premium and less thoughtfully chosen, resulting in an interior that, for me, sparks no joy or enthusiasm. MINI’s embrace of a “less is more” philosophy could have worked, but here it comes across as an over-simplification. Instead of refining the essentials, it feels as though cost-saving measures were prioritized, stripping the interior of the character and quality that once defined it. Ultimately, I will continue to enjoy my F60-a car that embodies the MINI spirit and has brought me genuine enjoyment. It remains a well-crafted, fun-to-drive vehicle that hasn’t lost the spark that makes it so special. Sadly, I don’t see that same spark in the new model, and I feel that MINI has sacrificed too much of what made the Countryman a MINI in the first place.

[@IanStewart-u6i]

There are some great touches in the technology on the U25 (with the exception of the head up display) but still prefer the F60 Shape which is more in tune with the original mini design and it seems the hands free boot release works as well 😂. Great Review as always.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It works so well that it opened today, as I was wiping the car down after the carwash :) Also, I've done something to mine, and now that you're a member, you'll see the results soon(er than everyone else)!

[@justinhouston1414]

Everyone here saying the new model is "huge" or "ugly" and that the interior looks cheap, GO LOOK AT ONE IN PERSON. I gurantee you that 99% of the comments here are based on pictures and videos you've seen online. Having owned my '25 S All4 U25 for about three weeks, I can tell you: - The U25 may be a few inches longer and taller than the F60, but the difference isn't nearly as big as you might think. In fact, the diiference between this and the F60 (5 inches longer) is smaller than the difference between the F60 and the original R60 (F60 nearly 9 inches longer). This is still a really small crossover. The pics and videos make it look much bigger. -The fabric dash is awesome. It looks elegant and fun. In fact, the design of the interior is probably the best throwback to the original classic '60s MINI that they've done so far; big circle, simple row of switches underneath. If you're worried about dust or whatnot, a $25 mini rechargeable cordless vac from Amazon will do the trick. Have one for all my cars and its only the size of a 16oz water bottle -The material used for the seats is top notch. The colors and patterns really let you know you've got something just a little different. -The gold-ish accents kinside and out) are a hit and finally somone did something different besides silver, chrome, or piano black trim. It goes really well with the interior. -The interior a really nice place to be especially at night with the ambient lighting around the beltine, in the footwells, and projected across the dash. There are plenty of soft touch material where they NEED to be. Who cares if the dashboard is soft to the touch or not? You're not sleeping there. -Performance is great and probably better than you'll find in almost any other sub-compact crossover. It is a GTI? Unfortunately, no. But its about 85% of that. It's powerful, smooth, and passing on the highway is way easier than it needs to be. Save $8-10K and pass on the JCW. The S is actually pretty close in performance and the minimal gain in performance isn't worth the price difference. I will say, I looked long and hard at a few of the new '24 F60s still floating around out there. I do feel that the F60 is more "Brtitsh-y" and more "MINI-ish" and i love them and it was definitely a hard decision. I actually think the new Aceman looks more like a modernized F60 than the U25 does. A U25-sized Aceman would be amazing. But i still love the look of the U25 too and I can still pick out some of the F60 in the new design. But for the same price, I'm getting a good amount more space, more power, and the most up-to-date tech. It's still MINI enough to be MINI, but its just updated and modernized a bit and I absolutely LOVE the thing. It checks all my boxes: small, yet useful and practical, fun, AWD, and enough quirk and personality to be different than anything else out there. Is it perfect? Almost. Definitely a learning curve with the screen (which is also AWESOME), but in a day or two you'll be fine.

[@colinharvey1049]

Way prefer the sharper lines of the new model. Old model looks like a Mini F55 that has been over inflated.

[@alliejr]

Old > new in every way except the IP which is 🔥🔥🔥 in the new one. Once again 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 for your “how to fit a golf bag”. Next time you’re in NYC area, round is on me.

[@altern8tive]

Cars have become too reliable on some form of internet connectivity, BMW's subscription demands with other models is a big turn off, and that's not forgetting the constant EU enforced beeps and driver monitoring. I'd take the F60 over the U25 any day

[@NeilWilliams-x1d]

Have ordered the new U25 JCW, there is no towbar option available for the UK!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I wonder if they are trying to keep the emissions low.

[@wimcalant8425]

Old one is the better one. All those new cars with all functions inside the main touch screen are unsave!. Nice in the showroom but try to manipulate this on the road in busy traffic. Should be forbidden! And a spare wheel should be obligation like in some counties.

[@notkhyle]

Had to see it for myself, and I was surprised the new model was barely even bigger than the old one. Pictures are really deceiving 😅. I loved every inch of the interior, but it’s sad to see the exterior lose its cutesy styling. It’s like seeing my pug turn into a rottweiler overnight 🤷‍♂️ But i guess that’s why the aceman was made- to fill the gap.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The Aceman is also all sharp cuts, unfortunately.

[@PhiveWalls]

You know there is a problem with the design when people thinks the car looks like a KIA especially what's supposedly an iconic shape.

[@Zamasimba]

The F60 JCW had 330 lb/ft of torque. The U25 JCW has 295. :( I prefer the look of the old one, but, like you, I'd prefer if I could replace the F60 head unit with the one from the U25. That would be my ideal Countryman (I have an F60).

[@jiholl0306]

I like the new one...But...the interior seems cheap compared to the older model. On the older model, the dash was made...top and bottom...of thick, heavily padded material. On the new, it seems to be cheap plastic covered by the fabric? This doesnt seem like a step forward?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I don't mind the recycled plastic dash, though I think it was implemented more classy in the i3. My concern is all the dust getting between the weaves. It's a potential nightmare for someone with allergies.

[@kevinn1158]

Maybe I'm too old, but a lot of the extras they put on cars I'd just never use. Kicking under the bumper? Nah. Self driving? Nah. Even lane assist would make me nuts. And I like the older design of this. I think it could be even "beefier". Anybody remember the old Audi Quattro? I'm a freakin rally car yo!! That kind of beefier.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Actually kick under bumper to open is quiet convenient, when you carry shopping bags. Shopping trolley less so, obviously. LKA etc. very good on the motorway, but should be easy to enable/disable completely. Keep it a facultative comfort feature, not mandatory safety. Yes, Audi Quattro was quite a widow maker in the hands of people, who assumed AWD was god-mode :)

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrivesENG You must buy a lot more shit than me from the Ikea. I've never had a problem opening my trunk. By the way, the base version of the countryman here is the 312hp version. 46k CAD to start.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Actually it's about buying less, and carrying a couple grocery bags, rather than pushing a trolley (when you can stop, and pull out a key anyway). Also I carry a lot of filming gear, so it's easier to swing my foot under the bumper, than drop everything and look for the key.

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrivesENG I want video evidence. (ie I want to see you carrying big camera cases and swinging you foot!!). 🤣 Maybe you can alternate foot swinging kind of dance..... We need a poll!!! Who wants to see Marek do an alternating foot swing?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I think I've done it in one of the videos, where the bloody thing didn't work. Maybe the GLE vs. Velar...

[@dalibormilic139]

I just can't get over the sound of 2 litter BMW gasoline engines ... in your video it sounded like diesel engine and not a new one at that

[@MarekDrivesENG]

That's how it sounds cold, low revs, from the front ;) Sounds less bad from the rear on high revs.

[@dalibormilic139]

@@MarekDrivesENG just went from I20N to 128 ti and that 1.6 sounds like Thor with a sore throat and flatulence compared to B48. Can't complain about the torque though

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The i20N has a sports exhaust, etc., and is a few years old, when making noise was less frowned upon, than it is now. I imagine they are keeping the good sound for the full on JCW. [Edit: wait, this is the full on JCW!, I got confused, because I just got out of a Cooper JCW trim).

[@rimmerblues1586]

I think it's coz of the fairly high compression ratios those sub-200hp have in order to balance fuel economy & emissions, the higher output B48s have a lower compression ratio and seem to be a little quieter and well as faster (less worried about economy).

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@dalibormilic139the sound is direct injection.

[@js-hl5hv]

We actually cancelled an order for the new countryman. As a device, it is leaps and bounds better (OK, just newer). As a car, it fails to best the outgoing car in all respects. I will also say, the new car, in my opinion, looks like a hearse. So ugly. Appearances are subjective so feel free to disagree. As I have the current Cooper SE I was also looking at the new model. That too is a better device and worse car. The countryman lost out to the C40, and we couldn't be happier. The F56 SE is here to stay. I hope BMW (and therefore MINI) will listen to feedback and fix things for the next refresh. MINI is about fun. That is why people pay a premium for them. Lose the fun, lose the sale. Sorry MINI, and this from one of your biggest fans.

[@wimcalant8425]

Marek a pitty you didn't tell anything about the worse building quality if the interior. My opinion a step back, fewer soft touch materials, no real leather which was of a better quality than offered in BMW'S . Looks are quite okay but it looks less mini in my opion. But the interior is missing the British flair . One thing that took my attention, the engine of your f60 is sounding likeca diesel omg its rattling a lot hopefully not suffering from the time chain massacre 😂

[@wimcalant8425]

Indeed having a towing hitch installed aftermarket a drama on mini and bmw. No wire harness for hitch foreseen so lots of replacement required 9f original wiring (removing interior panels, i hate that) and indeed fan needs to replaced. Also on clubman the case or other bmw products. Cost easily 2000 eur. I drive a 435i with roofbars for race bikes well i can see a 5 degrees increase of oil temp 9n the highway also there the cooling system is underdesigned even with oil cooler which my car has. German inferior engineering 😢

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It does sound like a diesel here, doesn't it? :) Nothing like it in real life though.

[@wimcalant8425]

@@MarekDrivesENG Hi thx for the reply, direct injection petrol engine's are not always the smoother ones. I we have the f56 cooper with 3 cyl also this one runs a bit rough when cold znd idling and you can hear the valves . But on the video it took my attention. Btw you are making nice reviews, we like your sense of humour and criticism on some cars/ features when required . Objective info is not always easy to find. I'am still considering to find a good used version of the f60 above the new one as a traditional lover of British design i am .missing this innnew model. In particular the tissue on dash and doors are doubtfull for the long term. Although when you see the new one in real it does looks nice in profile view i also see a bit of the clubman in it. This really a pity the clubman is not coming back.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Today I've seen the U25 in BRG+black roof combo, and it looked much better than the black JCW blob, and even better than the launch light green metallic with golden features.

[@zijadjasarspahic5275]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@makar126]

Thank you!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

You're welcome!

[@CovBloke1310]

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