TURBOCHARGED usually gets invited to racetracks to drive fire-breathing monsters, who’s potential can’t possibly be explored while there are other road users and speed limits in place. But when Mini India invited us to the Buddh International Circuit to test- drive its latest offering for India, we knew it would be fun, but walking out into the pitlane, I wasn’t so sure. That’s because what we were to drive wasn’t a new, even more souped-up version of the Cooper S JCW. It was the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman All4. Okay, that name is quite a mouthful and I think I’m better off calling it the Mini JCW Countryman All4.

It’s still recognisable as a Mini, yes, but it’s a rather large err… SUV, as Mini is calling it, and yes, it is also larger in size than a lot of midsize SUVs. The large red front brake calipers hint at the performance it packs in, but there’s a whole lot of ‘busyness’ going on, on the sheet metal. It’s almost like Chris Bangle has had a hand in designing the exterior of the JCW Countryman! We do appreciate the floating roof though – it is one of the signature traits of a Mini, and has been copied by hatchbacks trying to look cool. Inside, things are a little better, because it is so different and fresh. Open pore surfaces dominate, and the black interior with scarlet accents looks sophisticated.

There are a number of quirks that remind you that this is a Mini, beginning with the 9.4 inch circular touchscreen sitting bang in the centre of the dashboard, in typical Mini fashion. There is keyless ignition, but no conventional shifter, as we have seen on the current generation Cooper S too. There are toggles on the console under the screen that operate the ignition, gearbox, and ‘Experiences’ – Mini’s word for drive modes, again, just like the Cooper S. There is no TFT screen for the driver, just a head-up display which adds to the cabin’s quirkiness. There are other unique touches like the fabric third spoke in the steering wheel, straight off the Cooper S again, and the vertical inner rear door handles.

Everything feels solid and well made, with high points the massive boot space (given the positioning as an SUV!) and the ability to enlarge it with the split and flat-folding rear seats. Parking it would have been a chore if it wasn’t for the 360 degree camera function, me thinks. We aren’t here to talk about how easy it is to park though, we’re driving a Mini at the fastest racetrack in the country! And the ‘JCW’ badge means there is some serious firepower under the hood. The 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four cylinder engine under the hood doesn’t sound like much, until you realise it puts out 300PS and 400Nm in this guise. The power is put down through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox largely to the front wheels.

If the All4 all-wheel drive system detects slip at the front axle, it will send up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear axle. The torque split is continuously varied, and not fixed. We’ll drive the JCW Countryman All4 in the real world and tell you how it feels there, but for now, here’s how it feels on track. The claimed 0-100kmph time of 5.4 seconds is real, we can tell you that right away. Like most vehicles from the BMW group, the JCW Countryman is limited to 250kmph and it truly needs it, as we clocked over 200kmph down the back straight of the BIC with ease. Gearshifts are crisp, the steering feel is on point (it’s a Mini Cooper, after all, and one with JCW in its name!), and for its size and 1,700kg kerb weight, this is a car that handled the BIC’s fast corners surprisingly well.

We weren’t given enough laps to tire out the brakes, and the few that we got were controlled by a pace car ahead. We’re not fans of engine sounds piped through the audio system, but we understand that noise and emissions regulations are forcing manufacturers to come up with creative solutions to retain their products’ appeal. The Countryman JCW is also a family car, and on a multi-day road trip, kids in the back will appreciate a quiet engine, rather than having to listen to a loud exhaust droning all day at the speed limit! It isn’t like a prospective customer who is willing to pony up ₹64.90 lakh ex-showroom who truly wants a loud exhaust and pops and bangs from the exhaust won’t pay for an aftermarket exhaust and engine tune though.

As is the way with Minis, the JCW Countryman’s ability to be customised from the factory is limitless. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Skoda Octavia RS also exist in the same space, and the BMW M340i costs just a little more, but the Countryman goes head to head with the Mercedes-AMG GLA35, which is noticeably smaller in comparison. While the AMG has similar stats, it isn’t as distinctive as the others in this group. The Mini and the AMG are the only ones that have the ability to deal with bad roads and our typical Indian speed breakers, while offering space in the cabin and a useable boot for family vacations. That said, I have my doubts how many buyers getting this one will not have something like a BMW X7 or at least an X5 parked in their garage already. Effectively, my impressions of this Mini are of it being a family car that kept me entertained on a racetrack homologated for Formula1 cars – and that makes it fun for the whole family, and also makes it a bit of a unique proposition. Perhaps, even a set of wheels you might want to gift to your wife, so that you can have some fun when taking it out yourself too!

The post 2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4 First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

This is the fifth generation Cooper S but what’s worth noting about it is that its design is an evolution, of all the past generations of the car. So the headlamps, while properly modern, are still round in shape. This new Mini looks a lot cleaner from the front though, thanks to the minimalistic design approach and there are no fog lamps or additional air dams, just the grille. The car’s silhouette has not changed from the sides either and this new Mini is huge as compared to the original Mini launched more than six decades ago, but it retains the classic Mini formula with its short bonnet, short overhangs and long wheelbase. What’s more, visually this new Mini also looks similar to the outgoing version in terms of the design of its frameless doors and overall silhouette. 

The rear end also looks very minimalistic as the bumper and boot lid are flat. But the tail lamps are new and look different, thanks to their triangular shape. Additionally, this new Mini has also traded what was always a visual identity for the Cooper S, the centrally positioned twin exhaust tips. In fact despite this being the S, the exhaust tips have been hidden from view completely. Overall there’s a lot to like about the design, but what I like the most about the new Mini is that it retains that distinctive design we’ve known for decades now which helps you fall in love with it thanks to the timeless design. 

Interiors are all-new and the theme is very minimalistic. So the dashboard design is clean, the air-conditioning vents, which now get rotary knobs, are integrated into the dashboard itself, while a lot of the buttons and switches on centre console are gone. In fact almost all controls, including those for air-conditioning, have been moved to the 9.4-inch, circular touchscreen display. There’s lots of BMW influences too, like the steering wheel rim and its controls, though the fabric strap at the wheel’s bottom is a nice touch. The ‘stand-up’ wireless charging pad is also the same as BMWs like the X1 and iX1. That said, there’s some very interesting details in the new Mini, like the textures of the fabric on the dashboard and the fact that there is no use of leather anywhere on the dashboard in keeping with Mini’s focus on sustainability. 

The circular display is an OLED touchscreen with an Android-based operating system that Mini has developed with Samsung. The display is crisp and bright and its colours rich, but system can be a little slow to respond at times. Mini has also added ‘Experiences’ to the Cooper S which include driving modes and multiple themes for the display. What used to be the Sport mode has been renamed as go-kart and is the mode where throttle and engine responses are the quickest. It’s also where the digital display looks the sportiest. You can also customise the display to add widgets or choose what information you want to view. Of course, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the display for Apple CarPlay is a square one. And while ADAS isn’t something I would have expected to see in a Mini, the new Cooper S does get Level 1 ADAS now, including functions like Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning and more. 

It continues to use a 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, but outputs have gone up from the previous generation’s 178PS and 280Nm to 204PS and 300Nm. Peak torque is available from just 1,450rpm, ensuring this new Mini retains its smile inducing characteristics. Performance is expectedly impressive, though the exhaust sounds muted and you’re left wanting for a better soundtrack when giving the 2.0-litre engine the beans. Claimed 0-100kmph is just 6.6 seconds and on the road, the Cooper S feels quick. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that’s quick to respond to throttle inputs, but there are no paddle shifters, which is a definite let-down despite the car’s smile-inducing nature.

The new Cooper S springs a pleasant surprise on the dynamics front though. We’ve always known and liked the car for its go-kart like handling, which comes courtesy of its stiff suspension setup. And good news here is that this new Cooper S retains that character, but unlike before it does not trade ride quality in the process – the ride quality it offers is surprisingly good! It was almost hard to believe how well the Cooper S was soaking up ruts and potholes, besides which, it was also cushioning me well from expansion joints on flyovers. This, while living up to the expectations I had on the handling front. It felt planted, be it when accelerating hard in a straight line or out of bends and lived up to being a Cooper S. At the same time, the steering offered the kind of feel and feedback I was looking for, while also feeling perfectly weighted. Effectively, nothing has really changed on the handling front and this one entertains a lot, just like its predecessors. Trust the guys at BMW, and Mini for the matter, to have you break into a smile with their vehicle dynamics! 

There’s more good news about this new Cooper S besides it’s surprisingly good ride quality though and that’s the price tag. The all-new Cooper S retails at ₹ 45 lakh ex-showroom, which, considering that it comes in via the CBU route, is a little expensive. But more importantly, this is an iconic nameplate that feels even better to drive and offers better comfort than before while packing in more technology. It’s also a lot of fun to drive and retains that smile inducing nature we’ve always liked the Cooper S for. And that to me is more important in this car than many other things about it.  

The post 2024 Mini Cooper S First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

As an automotive journalist I get to drive the latest and the greatest cars out there! But before I became one, the only way for me to experience these high-performance cars was through a screen, just like almost every young car enthusiast in our country. Attending a supercar event in India was out of the question, which seemed like entering an exclusive circle, as these were mostly invite-only shindigs or curtailed by expensive tickets that the average Joe simply couldn’t afford, just to catch a glimpse from the sidelines.

As an enthusiast publication, we wanted to break these barriers, to bring the cars we are lucky enough to get behind the wheel of, as close as possible to you, the enthusiasts. We wanted to gather the most exotic cars in the country and create a space where enthusiasts and commoners alike can all meet, share our love, passion, and the pure emotion we have for cars. And that’s exactly where the idea for the Supercar Festival was born, an event crafted for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
We collaborated with Phoenix Marketcity in Pune, renowned as one of the city’s most popular malls, with the goal of ensuring the event’s accessibility. After amassing a combined horsepower of more than 5,000PS, the stage was set for the Supercar Festival. The gates swung open at 11 am, welcoming a surge of enthusiasts. A sparkle lit up their eyes as they engaged in discussions about the statistics and specifications of the machines on display.

Range Rover SV
The Range Rover consistently stood out as a crowd favourite. Its imposing size in comparison to the compact sports cars demanded the attention of onlookers. What left everyone in awe, apart from its high price, were its unbelievable specifications. Positioned above the top-spec Autobiography variant, the SV is poised to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga.

Mercedes-AMG SL 55
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55, an icon in Mercedes’ history, made a significant impression in its latest convertible iteration. Mercedes-Benz has long been a favourite among Indians, dating back to the days of the cult movie Dil Chahta Hai, and the latest model brings every child’s drawing of a dream car to life. The clamour from the crowd for dropping the top was incessant.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Arguably the preferred choice among Indian journalists, the Porsche GT4 RS, a road-legal race car, emerged as another crowd pleaser. The prominent wing alone turned it into a spectacle that captured the imaginations of many. The icing on the cake was the Weissach pack – adorned with carbon fibre elements and race seats with harnesses – which left everyone in awe. The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, coupled with the sports exhaust, elicited goosebumps all around.

Lexus LC 500h
The Lexus LC 500h holds the distinction of being one of the rarest cars in the country, and it’s one that has personally captured my heart. I had the pleasure of driving it from Mumbai to Pune for the Supercar Festival. Not only did it garner attention and appreciation within the mall, but it also turned heads on the road. Its unique design language sets it apart, and the chrome grille and wheels, without a doubt, make it look drop-dead gorgeous.

BMW M340i
No car festival is complete without a BMW; the M340i was the chosen representative at the mall. This car blends practicality with performance, all at a fraction of the cost compared to its competitors. My personal encounter with the turbocharged inline-6 engine left me thoroughly impressed and astounded. It’s genuinely an undervalued car that I look forward to spending more time with. The technological features inside are truly exceptional, and the fit and finish live up to the exacting standards of German engineering.

Porsche Taycan
Representative of the future, the Porsche Taycan took centre stage as the sole electric vehicle at the Supercar Festival 2023. The audience expressed a particular interest in getting a sneak peek inside, eager to catch a glimpse of its four displays. Although electric vehicles are not typically associated with enthusiast appeal, the Taycan defies this notion, thanks to its association with the Porsche brand. It effortlessly conceals the typical electric vehicle nuances with its sophisticated design both internally and externally, with substantial wheels and brakes contributing to its unmistakable Porsche DNA.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S
You can’t substitute a V8, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, with its power, boasts a bi-turbo one (the more turbochargers, the merrier?). It’s the ideal vehicle for chauffeuring your kids to school at 7 am when they decide to wake up at 6:45 am. In contrast to its first-generation counterpart, this Panamera is a visual stunner. The additional flair of the three-piece wing has inundated the internet, with everyone capturing the moment on their smartphones. This particular Panamera wasn’t one to shy away from attention, especially when flanked by the other two Porsches on display.

Mini Cooper S
Minis hold a special place as one of the most endearing brands worldwide, and the iconic Mini Cooper made its appearance in the sporty S variant featuring a dual-color scheme and a white roof. While it may not boast the credentials of other high-performance cars, its rarity in India garnered considerable attention. Recognised as one of the most enjoyable cars to drive and the easiest to manoeuvre within the mall, all thanks to its compact form factor, we found ourselves daydreaming about the Hollywood blockbuster, The Italian Job, where it stars prominently.

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S
The world’s most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder car made it to the Supercar Festival. Truely a hot hatch and one that didn’t have a rev limiter. The crowd enjoyed the free revving engine till the pops and bangs started at the red line. The ambience was electric with the fans chanting once more, not getting enough of this pocket rocket.

Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
The Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder stole the show, attracting the most crowd. Such was the appeal of the sportscar that those who caught a glimpse of it on the first day returned on the second, accompanied by friends and family, eager to witness the Lamborghini in the flesh.

Mercedes-Benz E220 Cabriolet
The oldest car at the festival was the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E220 Cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz has been a popular choice among Indians for a considerable period, and this model was no exception. Given the uncommon presence of convertibles in India due to the prevailing tropical climate, this vintage beauty captured the attention of everyone. The Sport line variant further piqued people’s curiosity, leading many fans to search for information about the model online. Notably, this car was the only privately owned vehicle at the festival. Its owner Mr Subhash Sanas is known for his passion for Mercedes-Benz and owns one of the country’s most exclusive car collections, featuring some of the rarest cars in India.

The post Special Feature: Window Shopping – Supercar Festival first appeared on Turbocharged.