MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 Favoured 2025 Review

The 2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 is available in two trim grades: the Classic from $70,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs), and the Favoured, tested here, from $73,990 plus ORCs. For the extra three grand, the Favoured adds electric front seats and sport tyres.

Standard kit includes adaptive suspension with selectable drive modes, 20-inch Flag Spoke alloy wheels, aggressive quad exhaust outlets, and a dedicated JCW brake package with larger discs for improved stopping power. On the outside, JCW-specific styling adds red highlights, a more sculpted front bumper, gloss black trim elements, and roof rails.

Infotainment is centred around a 240mm circular OLED touchscreen that controls most vehicle systems and supports MINI Experience Modes with ambient light projection. It’s backed by MINI Connected Services, augmented reality navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a crisp 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. A head-up display and wireless phone charging are also standard.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 233kW and 400Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive. All borrowed from the BMW X1 M35i. It accelerates to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and maxes out at 250km/h.

Safety tech is comprehensive, with features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert with brake intervention, exit warning, speed limiter, and parking assistant with surround view. The car also includes six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, and Intelligent Emergency Call. The model recently received a full five-star ANCAP safety rating.

MINI backs the Countryman JCW with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and three years of roadside assistance, aligning it with most premium rivals in the segment.

The JCW Countryman stretches MINI’s go-kart DNA into a larger, more versatile format – and remarkably, it still works. The all-wheel drive, sport tyres and adaptive dampers mask its hefty 1660kg kerb weight well, with confident, stable cornering and excellent braking.

Go-Kart Mode sharpens steering and throttle response, reduces traction control, and enables launch control. The dampers adjust with the drive modes, providing surprising compliance in Comfort and tighter control in Sport.

Inside, it feels premium. The front heated seats are nicely bolstered, supportive and offer excellent lumbar support, with the driver also gaining a massage function. The use of tactile fabric, soft plastics and leather in high-traffic areas adds to the quality feel.

Rear seat space is generous for the class, with ample head, knee and shoulder room, plus amenities like twin air vents, USB-C outlets, magazine pockets and a centre armrest with cupholders. Vision all around the vehicle is good.

Storage is reasonably practical for a small SUV, with large door bins, twin cupholders up front, a covered central cubby, and a wireless charging pad with phone cradle. There are four USB-C ports across the cabin and a pair of 12V outlets. From the driver’s seat, upright pillars and a high seating position aid vision, though shorter drivers might find the head-up display housing slightly obstructive (thankfully, it can be disabled and tucked away).

The OLED display is a visual standout and controls most major vehicle systems. MINI’s new user interface feels playful but polished, and the ambient lighting themes add a sense of fun. It also reflects the brand’s renewed focus on sustainability.

During the redesign, MINI prioritised reducing the carbon footprint across the vehicle’s lifecycle. Many components, including the dash, are made from recycled materials – in this case, a recycled plastic that mimics textured fabric. Up close, it has a 3D-printed look that’s visually interesting, though you might wonder how much dust or lint it will collect over time.

The boot appears modest at first glance but lift the hinged cargo floor and you’ll find a deep secondary storage area that’s ideal for valuables or awkward items. It’s a clever, well-executed touch that improves day-to-day usability. That extra storage space would have been a perfect spot for a spare wheel!

Beyond the materials, MINI has engineered the new-generation Countryman (and its EV siblings) with easier disassembly in mind to promote more efficient end-of-life recycling. That includes the battery pack layout and removal in electrified models. It’s a meaningful effort to reduce long-term environmental impact, an aspect I found impressive.

Some ergonomic niggles with the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 Favoured remain. The centre armrest doesn’t open, storage compartments are oddly shaped, and the front doors still close with a heavy, awkward slam – a trait shared with the BMW X1.

At this price, the lack of electric seats in the base Classic trim feels mean-spirited. The Favoured variant addresses this, but it should arguably be standard. Pricing overall is nudging into premium European territory, and you’ll also need to factor in its appetite for 98 RON premium unleaded.

Performance is brisk, but the exhaust note is subdued for a JCW. More snap, crackle and pop during downshifts and throttle lifts would help it feel livelier. And while the chassis handles weight transfer confidently, the 1660kg mass becomes apparent at the limit. Around the tight Mount Cotton Mobility Centre, the JCW Countryman remained composed, but you could feel the inertia build through the steering and seat.

That said, we haven’t yet driven the JCW Countryman on public roads. A thorough evaluation of ride quality, cabin quietness and long-distance comfort will need to wait for a full road test. In the meantime, carsales has already completed an on-road review of the Countryman Classic for insights into the new platform’s everyday behaviour.

And like most MINIs – and increasingly, most modern cars – there’s no spare tyre, just a repair kit. While that might be fine for city dwellers, it’s a serious concern for regional drivers or anyone venturing far from assistance. A flat tyre could easily turn into an expensive or inconvenient episode. Given the Countryman’s SUV pitch, the absence of a space saver or full-size spare is a letdown.

If you want a fast, practical and high-spec compact SUV with character, the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 Favoured delivers. It balances everyday usability with spirited driving, offering one of the most charismatic takes on a premium compact SUV. Yes, it’s pricey and yes, it drinks premium fuel – but it’s also packed with features, safety and personality.

Long-time MINI fans will enjoy the familiar JCW cues and driver-focused vibe. That said, MINI could have dialled up the drama just a touch more. It’s polished and capable, but some of the old MINI magic has been ironed out in favour of broader appeal.

Still, the individuality it brings to the segment is undeniable. And, for some, that’ll be more than enough.

2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 Favoured at a glance:
Price: $73,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 233kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 177g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2025)

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