MINI Countryman 2024 John Cooper Works U25 - MINI For A Growing Family (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@robertcook2572]

Comprehensive review delivered in an engaging manner. Subscribed.

[@extreme8808]

Unpopular opinion - I love the exterior design of this new generation. It's a great way to modernise the general looks of the MINI. It's still very distinct MINI, easily recognisable from afar. The classic, nostalgic vibe is still there for me.

[@BOOMER--]

Unpopular? I don't think so :P

[@faranginrawai6460]

As always, a great review. I have often considered owning a JCW Mini as a weekend runabout, however, this latest version's exterior design has veered too far from the Mini design philosophy. Something like a 2021 JCW Clubman would be more to my liking. Sorry BMW/Mini, this latest iteration shows just how far you have strayed from your glory days of design. Mazda has shown with the MX5 how a design can evolve over 35 years without losing its core design.

[@ianstewart2723]

I still prefer the previous generation. I appreciate the extra space but externally I’m still getting Fiat 500 XL vibes especially on the the base model. I’ve had 4 countryman’s so I’m hesitant with this version but the JCW does look the better of the bunch. I’m surprised they’ve still got the same head up plastic display screen when the technology has moved on. I’m going to watch your comparison with your current model (once I find out how to subscribe) Great review as always.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Channel memberships are cumbersome on iPhone/iPad, because Apple would like the payment to be made through the App Store, which Google doesn't like. So it's either desktop or Android device. But I'll understand if it's too much hassle :)

[@ianstewart2723]

@@MarekDrivesENG I’m sorted 👍🏼. Just watching the comparison video now.

[@grorbek]

Your car looks a lot better. I think round lights make the car more timeless and they are the face of mini. Not a positive change. Looks like an ok car, but on the outside its more generic. Disappointed.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks. I'm planning to keep mine for a while :)

[@Commentator541]

Exactly. Fiat 500e did it right. This is just completely off brand. At least the hatch still looks like a mini, apart from the rear, which I guess they will fix asap with a redesign.

[@takuan650]

Totally agree. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@laupakhin]

Where I live the base Countryman is now 20% cheaper than the base BMW X1 with the same engine, and about the price of a mid-spec RAV4, so it seems to now stack up value-wise. I prefer the exterior styling of the previous gen, especially the headlight shape, but I like how modern and clean the interior now looks. I'd shortlist it if I was in the market for something like this.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

My thoughts exactly.

[@kevinn1158]

I don't know. This kind of looks like they should have made it chunkier. A little taller, with bigger wheel flares, ie less like a car. Even the Audi Allroad has that chunky feel to it even though it's not a full on SUV. Anyways, good review Marek!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I talk about this very thing in the comparison video. Coming up soon.

[@hopeless74]

This is the car I wanted and still I ended up with buying a new Rav4 back in May *lol* there is something with reliability that overcomes the fun of driving a mini.... but it might also be that having a second car... which is fun.... you don't need to focus that much on driving experience on the daily driver :D great review as always! If you ever will be in the middle of Sweden, there's a C6 vette that can be reviewed 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks for the invite! Tempting :)

[@hopeless74]

@@MarekDrivesENG Just a boat ride away or something :D

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Maybe I'll take my Countryman up there. I'm working on some minor upgrades, so that could work as a shakedown route. Who knows.

[@alliejr]

Great review. I love your golf bag test!!! But the low profile tires and lack of suspension travel are more harsh than sporty and ruin an otherwise nice little car.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks. Maybe I should incorporate it into my routine test. My golf clubs will get more action than they've seen in years :) This is a JCW trim, so not as much comfort-oriented, as regular models. But there's an easy fix. You'll find out in about 7 weeks.

[@makar126]

I liked the design of R60, didn't like F60 (sorry pan Marek), and I like very much this new U25. Both outside and inside.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

TBH I also hate the regular F60. That's why I put the roof rack basket thing on it to fix (IMO) the proportions, and added chunkier tires. And there's more changes coming soon.

[@makar126]

@@MarekDrivesENG I noticed an interesting things, especially about MINI and BMW. I always hate new generation at the moment of release, but starting to love it when it replaced with the next one. So F60 is not that bad now )))

[@MarekDrivesENG]

By that logic their design must be getting shittier with every model they release 😂 And I agree. It's been a while since BMW has released something that's beautiful from the get go. Everything has to grow on me.

[@wrangler10]

Hello. You are going to review the new Renault Capture lpg ?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Facelift, and I'm not planning it any time soon if at all. I'm pushing the FL Clio review edit since January this year to probably January 2025, because there are more interesting cars out there. I have driven the LPG Clio. It works. Nothing more to say.

[@Commentator541]

The price is ok, and that display is really nice. But, it is not a mini, looks like a Chinese car.

[@markdean3217]

Interior and centre screen is too complicated and drives you mad big let down 👎🏻

[@stefanos7670]

Took me 2 seconds to realise it's not a Suzuki Swift

[@Azmirator]

4:48 Already so visible scratches on back seat plastic? If i would do a test drive in this car and see that kind of damage on a new car, i would not buy it. Imagine how it will look after few years of living with children.

[@Commentator541]

All the cars have cheap scratchy plastics. Otherwise you have leather and that is even worse when combined with misbehaving children.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

@Azmirator it's plastic, so it scratches. But using it so high on the seat, where it's going to be an eyesore is not a good idea.

[@jonjajon539]

Car for woke people, looks like no man car.

[@litvines]

Resembles new Suzuki swift

[@takuan650]

Looks now as boring as any other mainstream low budget design.