The MINI Countryman has Three Faces – Which is Best?
The MINI Countryman has a new All4 off-road exterior package which changes the look of in rather dramatic fashion. With black bumper inserts and silver trim along the sills it’s a much more rugged look that has polarized MINI fans since its release late last month. Without the option the Countryman has a more subdued look that feels more inline with the rest of the range.
But that’s not all. There’s another exterior look that hasn’t been seen publicly yet. The JCW exterior package will add a third more aggressive exterior look that is more inline with (you guessed it) the rest of the JCW range. The JCW pack options will change from market to market but the key exterior differences will consist of new front and rear bumpers, side sills and unique 18″ and 19″ wheels.
This all begs the question, which looks better? For our money we have grown to really like the standard F60 Countryman with the more rugged All4 exterior package. It’s squared off, a bit funky and fairly unique. But what do you think? Sound off in the comments below.
<p>The black front bumper on the article pic looks like a black hulk Hogan mustache, lol. Even though the JCW front end is a little busy, it’s probably what I would choose.</p>
<p>^^^ this 1 million times!!!</p>
<p>Also, what’s up with the fog lights? They are super far inwards, pretty close to where the old bumper mounted driving lights were. Looks like they use the outside vents to “cool the brakes” or maybe it has some aero efficiency function.</p>
<p>ALL 4 looks fine but I def don’t want more black trim to keep wax-free & deep black looking. The S & JCW look exactly the same to me. I just want the dang thing to hit the US configurator to find out how much the one I want will cost! :o)</p>
<p>The All4 trim on the front is gloss black and can be waxed.</p>
<p>JCW</p>
<p>JCW nose is best!</p>
<p>None of them! Make it simpler and cleaner! It’s too busy!</p>
<p>The bonnet+headlights look better than last gen, but the grill and the rest of the front is not as pretty as the base Countryman from last generation.</p>
<p>3 — All4 (garish, especially w/ the blue)</p>
<p>2 — JCW (just too fiddly)</p>
<p>1 — Standard (boring, but best)</p>
<p>Appears that, among the several comments so far, all 3 versions of the Countryman have likes & dislikes. Guess that’s why we have choices. I kind of like the All4 package!! I’m only approaching 2 years with my 4doorS, after 3 yrs with a 2012 R58 JCWCoupe, and 4 yrs with a 2008 R56S hatch. If I go for this new Countryman, my 4 MINIs would be among the widest range of selections. Sounds good to me!!</p>
<p>Are there any visual differences along the backside like there are in front? What’s the timeline for pricing and options re the configurator since we won’t see the Countryman here in the US until around March??</p>
<p>I’m torn between the standard S and the JCW.
The silver side sill protectors are silly; one of these will never see a situation where those will be of any use. I’d like mine simply black.</p>