SUVs remain popular, but the question is which one to choose.

I think SUVs are very convenient vehicles. This is because the hatchback-like body can carry a lot of luggage. If it were a sedan, the length of the car would increase due to the trunk room, but this is not the case. The number of passengers can also be flexibly accommodated. Five people in the second row of seats is sufficient, but there are also models that can accommodate an additional two people in the third row of seats. It's quite convenient.
Another advantage is that the vehicle height is higher than that of a sedan. Your line of sight is higher, so your field of vision is wider. I feel safe because I can see what's ahead while driving. And by creating more ground clearance, you won't have to worry about even the slightest uneven road or puddles. There have been torrential rains recently, so we can't make fun of puddles.

Due to these advantages, the popularity of SUVs is increasing, and each manufacturer is increasing their lineup. From compact size to large size, we can meet all your needs. In America, large SUVs are used for hotel transportation. The scope of use is quite wide.
The latest trend is that it has become difficult to choose. Considering practicality, I don't want the size to be too large, but I still want to be able to carry a lot of luggage. Also, I don't want the ride to be uncomfortable, and I think it needs to be fun to drive when I'm driving alone.

A nice SUV that's interesting because it's not ordinary.

When you think about the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman that I drove the other day, I thought it was a pretty good SUV. The size is neither too large nor too small, and the cabin is spacious enough to accommodate both people and luggage, while still offering a sporty driving experience. The "Mini" brand has a stylish image, and it also comes with a special bonus called "John Cooper Works." It's not funny if it's normal. It feels premium in places like this.

The car it's based on is the Mini Countryman. It was announced in November last year. It's natural to feel unfamiliar. It was previously sold under the name Mini Crossover. Originally, Countryman was supposed to be used, but Japan decided to call it Crossover due to trademark registration issues. Therefore, this model change is the third generation. Emphasize freshness without significantly changing the appearance.
I think the main points of the design change are the square headlights, which used to be round, and the way the LEDs trace their outline, and the shape of the octagonal grille. It brings newness while giving the image of a mini family. In the side view, there is a cover on the rear pillar, and the model name emblem can now be attached to it. It's a design accent. If it gets good reviews, it might become an icon in the future.

What surprised me was the interior design, which was more digital than I expected. The gauges in front of the steering wheel have been eliminated, leaving only a head-up display. Of course, the traditional large center display remains the same, but by adopting cutting-edge organic EL technology, the variety of displays has increased. If you select a mode, you can also choose a classic analog style display. In terms of practicality, the navigation system with AR function is new. A live-action image is displayed for each point, and an arrow is drawn within it. With this, you won't be able to turn the wrong corner.

Now, let's talk about the driving, but before we get into that, I would like to confirm that this car is a "John Cooper Works (JCW)". It is named after legendary racer John Cooper and signifies that it is a high-performance model. In the first place, there is a strong tendency to refer to the Mini as the Mini Cooper, but this refers to the model that Mr. Cooper tuned the Mini.

Therefore, the performance of this car is high. The 2-liter straight-4 turbo produces a maximum output of 233kW and a maximum torque of 400Nm. The gearbox is a 7-speed double clutch type, and the drive system is 4WD. The suspension has been specially tuned to improve cornering stability. It's fun to drive because it turns smoothly even on consecutive mountain passes without losing its posture. However, that doesn't make the ride any less comfortable. Naturally it's harder than the standard model, but it's still within the acceptable range for everyday riding. The sharpness in that area is exquisite.

The test car was nicely decorated with two tones of black and red. This color combination is unique to John Cooper Works, so if you like it, you can buy it as is. The accent color of red gives off a lacy atmosphere. It truly feels like an adult SUV with high mobility.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''