In the dynamic landscape of modern motoring, where brands are constantly evolving to meet new demands, the new 2025 Mini Countryman ALL4 arrives as a statement of intent. For New Zealand drivers, the Mini badge has long evoked a sense of compact fun, a legacy stretching back to the original British icon of the 1960s.
Over the decades, the brand has grown from a humble economy car to a premium, design-led lifestyle marque under the stewardship of BMW, a transition that saw the birth of the first Countryman in 2010. This model was a pivotal moment, taking Mini’s “go-kart” spirit and applying it to a more practical, family-friendly crossover, a concept further refined with the second generation in 2017.
Now, with this third-generation model, Mini’s direction is clearer than ever: bigger, more technologically advanced, and more sustainable. The 2025 Countryman has been completely redesigned, losing some of its classic charm in favour of a bolder, more rugged aesthetic. Key updates include a significant increase in size, making it the largest Mini ever, with a taller stance and more interior space. The cabin is dominated by a stunning, industry-first 9.4-inch circular OLED display, which serves as the central hub for the new Mini Operating System 9.
The vehicle also embraces a more eco-conscious philosophy with its use of recycled fabrics and a leather-free interior, while an updated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system for the S ALL4 variant promise both spirited performance and improved efficiency. As we take the wheel, the question for every Kiwi driver is whether this new, plus-sized Countryman can retain the effervescence and personality that define the Mini experience, even as it grows up.
2025 MINI Countryman JCW ALL4: Car Review
2025 MINI Countryman JCW ALL4: Range
The 2025 Mini Countryman ALL4 lineup in New Zealand includes both petrol and all-electric models, offering a range of choices for power and price.
The petrol-powered options include the Countryman C, which features a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, and the more powerful Countryman S ALL4 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. The top-of-the-line petrol model is the John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman ALL4, which shares the same 2.0-litre engine as the ‘S’ but is tuned for significantly higher performance at a starting price of around $79,990.
For electric vehicle enthusiasts, the Countryman E is the entry-level EV, while the Countryman SE ALL4 is the more powerful all-wheel-drive electric variant, featuring dual motors and a 64kWh battery for increased performance, starting at approximately $80,990. The key differences between the variants lie in their power output, from the economical C model to the high-performance JCW and SE ALL4 models, and the inclusion of all-wheel-drive (ALL4) on the S, JCW, and SE models.
2025 MINI Countryman JCW ALL4: Competition
The 2025 MINI Countryman ALL4 has grown in size and ambition, solidifying its position in the competitive New Zealand luxury compact SUV market. It faces direct competition from established rivals such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
While these competitors may offer similar performance or features, the Countryman distinguishes itself with its unique, personality-driven design, a high-quality interior with sustainable materials, and a distinctive circular OLED infotainment screen. Its strong performance, particularly in the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works ALL4 model, gives it an edge against some mainstream competitors.
As MINI’s best-selling model in the country, the 2025 Countryman ALL4 is not a high-volume leader like the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi ASX but instead occupies a premium niche, appealing to buyers who prioritise a blend of style, cutting-edge technology, and agile performance in a practical, all-wheel-drive package.
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/Torque kW/Nm | Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity – unbraked/braked (kg) | Boot Space – litres | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 | 2.0L Turbo | 225/400 | 5 | 8.9 | 750/1800 | 435 | $99,990 |
| BMW X2 M35i | 2.0L Turbo | 221/400 | 5 | N/A | 750/2000 | 560 | $99,400 |
| Audi Q3 45 TFSI quattro | 2.0L Turbo | 180/320 | 5 | N/A | 750/2000 | 530 | $97,490 |
| Volkswagen T-Roc R | 2.0L Turbo | 221/400 | 5 | 9.3 | 750/1700 | 392 | $84,990 |
| MINI Countryman JCW | 2.0L Turbo | 225/450 | 5 | 8.4 | 750/1800 | 505 | $80,000 |
| Cupra Formentor VZ | 2.0L Turbo | 228/420 | 5 | 7.7 | N/A | 450 | $78,500 |
| Volvo XC40 B4 AWD | 2.0L Mild-Hybrid | 145/300 | 5 | 7.3 | 750/2100 | 443 | $72,990 |
*Note: Pricing is approximate and can vary based on options, on-road costs, and dealer promotions. Towing capacities and other specifications may also differ with specific trims and optional packages.
2025 MINI Countryman JCW ALL4: Specifications
| Starting Price NZD | $79,990 |
| Engine Type | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol |
| Engine Power/Torque kW/Nm | 221/400 |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Spare Wheel Configuration | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4447 x 1843 x 1645 |
| Kerb Weight Kg | 1,660 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity Litres (seats up/seats down) | 505 / 1530 |
| Fuel tank capacity litres | 54 |
| Energy Economy L/100km | 8.3 |
| Towing Capacity Kg unbraked/braked | Not rated |
| Turning circle metres | 11.8 |
| Warranty in New Zealand | 5 years / 100,000 km (whichever comes first) |
