In Countryman form, the MINI is definitely not so miniature anymore, and that's especially true for the second generation model introduced for 2017. Built on the same platform as the BMW X1 compact crossover, it's larger than the old Countryman in almost every respect, although it retains many of its styling cues. For 2018, the biggest news by far are the addition of two new trims—the plug-in hybrid Cooper S E and the John Cooper Works (JCW), meaning that all MINI models are now offered in the high-performance JCW trim.
The 2018 JCW Countryman’s exterior displays JCW badges, larger air inlets in the front fascia instead of fog lights, red accent paint around the grille, roof rails, and a unique spoiler. A new trim-specific JCW Rebel Green exterior paint with Chili Red accents is available, along with the almost dizzying array of paint, wheel, and body-kit choices typical across the MINI range. The Cooper S E trim’s appearance is less distinctive, but it does receive unique exterior badging in addition to the expected color and wheel options.
The JCW Countryman trim is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all 4 wheels via the standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and buyers can select either a proper 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed Steptronic automatic with paddles, a shift lever, and launch control. The JCW Countryman will reportedly reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 145 mph, which is actually just a hair slower than regular JCW hardtop.
The Countryman has been praised for its poised ride and crisp handling—especially considering that it rides on a crossover SUV platform—and the new JCW trim sharpens things up even further. It comes with a revised sport suspension, big Brembo brakes with 4-piston calipers up front, adjustable dampers, an electronic differential lock on the front axle, and 18-inch light alloy wheels. Additionally, drivers can switch between Sport, Mid, and Green driving modes.
In the plug-in hybrid Cooper S E Countryman trim, a twin-turbo 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine sends internal-combustion power to the front wheels while an electric motor powers the rear wheels for a total output of 221 hp and 284 lb-ft. The gasoline engine gets a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and the motor a 2-stage single-speed transmission, and MINI’s ALL4 AWD system comes standard. The Cooper S E trim boasts an all-electric range of 24 miles and a 0-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds, and it can be charged in just over 3 hours via a 240-volt outlet. For maximum energy efficiency, the driver can select from Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and Save Battery modes to adjust how much power the car pulls from the electric motor versus the combustion engine.
As with the exterior, it’s easy to get carried away with personalizing the interior of your Countryman with all sorts of trims and color options. At the center of the dash is a standard 6.5-inch Mini Connected infotainment system, which is similar to BMW's iDrive system and can be upgraded to an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The new JCW trim adds sport seats, a special steering wheel, a unique shifter, and a panoramic sunroof. Special options for the JCW include a Harmon Kardon sound system, a JCW-specific head-up display, Parking Assistant and Active Driving Assistant systems, and a Convenience package with extra power sockets. The latest-generation Countryman's larger size adds extra legroom compared to the old version, and the 40/20/40-split rear seat provides increased versatility even though the cargo area isn't all that cavernous.
All 2018 JCW Countrymans come with a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, a collision-warning system with city braking, pedestrian detection, and a parallel-parking assistant system that can independently park the vehicle on its own.
For those who don't need a premium badge, the MINI Countryman is a great alternative to the BMW X1. Both ride on the same platform, and the MINI is considerably less expensive without feeling at all cheap. It offers the charming, peppy, fun-to-drive character of the rest of the MINI range with some extra practicality. The sporty JCW trim starts out at $37,800, while pricing for the hybrid Cooper S E has not yet been announced—more information should be available after the Shanghai Motor Show later in April.
Engine light comes on. Dealer fix is oil and filter change. Has happened twice in last 3 weeks. Manufacturer says it is due to variable winter temp changes in NS and to drive “vigoursly ” more than 5O Kat least once a month. Not impressed so far with my first mini. Extremely disappointed. Anyone else experiencing this issue? Bonnie Feb 7/ 2019
Hoping to get a hold of a price list of options and standard features for 2018 Countryman S and E..I understand production of the 2017's is ending over the next couple of days
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.12
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: MINI Connected
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.06
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: MINI Connected
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.20
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: MINI Connected
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.06
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: MINI Connected
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.06
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: black
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: MINI Connected
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer