2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4 vs. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R: Fun things in small packages?

This week: Mini Countryman.

Price: $51,995 as tested. The Iconic trim added privacy glass, power front seats, and interior camera for $2,400; Comfort Package Max added keyless entry, wireless charging, and parking assistant and driving assist pro for $900; spoke wheels with sport tires added $600.

Conventional wisdom: Car and Driver likes that it’s “quick and fun to drive,” with “premium cabin ambiance,” and is “spacious inside even in the back.” They are less impressed by its “harsh ride on 20-inch wheels, some plasticky materials inside, commonly standard driver-assists are optional here.”

Marketer’s pitch: “Get your heart racing.”

Reality: Your heart, and every passengers’. And other drivers’.

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