MINI Countryman JCW... thoughts or alternatives?

[Zetec-S]

Mrs ZS is contemplating swapping her Cooper SD for something a bit different. She likes MINI's and has toyed with the idea of a JCW hatch, but wants something a little bigger and more refined than her current model. She's seen a nice looking 17 plate one at the (very very) top end of the budget (£27k) but I wondered if anyone on here has driven/owned one?

I'm not a fan of the Countryman but the one she's seen looks the part (white/red roof/stripes, etc) and from what I can tell is fairly unique, which is another thing that's important to her as she wants something that feels "special" and stands out a bit. My concern is where it might be a little underwhelming to drive compared to the "go-cart-iness" of the 3 door hatch?

Also on her list are the Evoque (but probably too dull and slow) and F-Pace (too expensive)... any other suggestions?

Cheers.

[TXG399]

The important question here is whether it is an R60 (first generation) or F60 (second generation) Countryman. If it is the first, avoid. If it is the second then you will be pleasantly surprised. It might be worth checking out a Cooper S over the JCW too - it'll be more comfy, slightly cheaper to run and in real world driving you won't notice the difference in performance.

Edit - Just re-read and saw you are talking about a 2017 model, which will be an F60. In that case I would definitely suggest a test drive.

[Zetec-S]

Thanks for the reply. In the end we didn't go and view, decided it was too far away and realistically more than we could afford.

Instead we did go to the main dealer nearby and had a look around. Surprised myself because I quite liked the look of the Countryman they had in the showroom, although in the end Mrs ZS was taken by the Clubman. They didn't have any available to test drive so we took a Cooper S hatch out and I have a strong suspicion that her Cooper SD will be going soon, and a Clubman Cooper S incoming

[syl]

Mrs Syl loves her Evoque, which is a lovely place to sit in autobiography trim with extended leather and plenty of gadgets as standard, but although very reasonable for the class of car, it’s not what you would call quick at 8.5 seconds 0-62. It’s a bit more expensive too, unless you get something a year older than the MINI.

[nickfrog]

I would consider the Ateca Cupra thing. Not sure what it's called.

[Zetec-S]

syl said:

Mrs Syl loves her Evoque, which is a lovely place to sit in autobiography trim with extended leather and plenty of gadgets as standard, but although very reasonable for the class of car, it’s not what you would call quick at 8.5 seconds 0-62. It’s a bit more expensive too, unless you get something a year older than the MINI.

Thanks for that, she has been tempted by the Evoque, but (power aside) every one she likes the look of is far more than our budget allows.

nickfrog said:

I would consider the Ateca Cupra thing. Not sure what it's called.

As mini SUV things go I don't mind the look of that, but she's got it in her head she wants something more premium.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

nickfrog said:

I would consider the Ateca Cupra thing. Not sure what it's called.

The Ateca Cupra I think.

[nickfrog]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

nickfrog said:

I would consider the Ateca Cupra thing. Not sure what it's called.

The Ateca Cupra I think.

Actually it's called the Cupra Ateca