NOT SO MINI, OH SO FAST

A 296bhp Mini with AWD and 4 doors for wholesome fun for the family of 4. What's not to like? But does on paper transfer to on-track?

- CYRUS DHABHAR

We often get lost in a world of fanboyism especially if the discussion revolves around cars that have a real fanbase that stems out of decades of actual attainable performance.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Skoda Octavia RS are such examples where their fans sometimes overshadow the actual capability of these wonderful cars. And now, there is a 3rd alternative. One that merges the realm of performance, fashionable style and absolute practicality into one 'Mini' package - the Mini Countryman JCW.

296bhp from a 2-litre, turbo 4-cylinder - those numbers by themselves should be headliner figures as they are higher than the GTI and the VRS. If we dive a little bit deeper into these figures, we have 400Nm of torque, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox that shifts really quickly, and of course, all-wheel-drive. 0-100kmph is dispensed off in just 5.4 seconds making it quicker than the GTI and the VRS and that is awesome.