A hot hatch used to be special. Hatchback-functionality with a lot of horsepower and sportivity.
Through the years, that kind of got out of hand. Every respectable brand had one, some of which were more extreme than others.
Think of the Renault Megane RS Trophy, or the even more radical Ford Focus RS, which was less comfortable than a Porsche 911.
And it's not enough in 2020, because people want crossovers and SUV's nowadays, so it was a matter of time before a hot one came around the corner.
Take this Volkswagen T-Roc R for example, which actually is a raised Golf R. It has the same 300 horsepower-engine, four wheel drive and...
a 0-100-time of 4,7 seconds. And it's not the only one in its segment, because it's related to the Audi SQ2 and the Cupra Ateca.
Also, there's the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. That also has 306 horsepower, ideal for a comparison.
It's a fascinating concept this. You raise a car up to make it more accessible and comfortable, only to make a hardcore version out of it.
It's not logical at all, but people want it. Just like people want crossovers, some of which I don't find logical either.
That's why we're judging the car on it what it's able to do. And it's not a bad car at all.
Sure, it feels a tad weird in the beginning. It's a bit bumpy, because of the hard dampers. Also, you're a little high up, so it's a strange experience.
But when you've driven through the first couple of corners, you'll know the R-Division has done their job properly with this.
Just like in the Golf R, which felt very special, this is a car which you can really throw around.
It doesn't feel heavy, it's not much heavier than a Golf R either, and the moment you steer, you'll notice the nose biting down.
You can then put your foot down and the 4Motion-systeem will push it the right way. Also, the 2.0-litre TFSI producing 300 horsepower...
is a very nice engine. Because of the big turbo, it has to take big breaths, but when it's spooled up, it'll fly to the rev limiter.
Without a loss of power, it means it'll do 0-100 km/h in 4,7 seconds. Thanks to launch control, but despite winter tires and spinning wheels.
That says enough about the actual performance of this car.
And you'll have to get used to the dynamics, because it feels unlogical. You're high up, but you're throwing it around corners. The seats'll keep you...
in place, but it feels a tad scary in the beginning. You'll have to get used to the way you can throw it around corners.
And it's different with dynamic SUV's from a higher segment like a Porsche Macan or a BMW X6 M. Cars which go incredibly fast...
and will do things on a track you'll be surprised by. But you're lower in those cars, so it feels more natural.
In this Volkswagen, I'm constantly trying to lower the seat. Which isn't possible, because it's already in its lowest state.
That does make the performance even more of a performance. It drives exactly like you expect an R-car to drive.
I was very sceptical to begin with as well, so it has done a very good job. It's not all great however, because if I look around me, it doesn't look...
like a €67.000-car. Including options. Also, it's based on the Golf 7 whilst we already have a Golf 8. That means it's lagging.
And you'll notice. It's all boring and gray plastics. Not a spark of joy to be found anywhere. Or rather, not in the interior.
In this case, it's connected to a DSG-automatic gearbox, and that's the right gearbox. And that's remarkable,
because when I compared the Golf GTI to the Golf R, the GTI had an automatic gearbox whilst it needed an manual gearbox and vice versa for the R.
With the quick DSG, the revs'll stay the same, so the turbo remains spooled up and you won't lose power in the gear changes.
When you get in the Countryman JCW, a few strange things happen to this strange segment.
In the beginning, this car feels much more logical. I'm deeper in the car, still high up like the T-Roc but deeper.
When I look around me, it looks very nice, very premium. Luxurious as well, and it gives you a warm feeling. Like you're driving something special.
When you put your foot down, it's nice and quick. It produces 306 horsepower, coming from the same engine as in a BMW 330i, albeit...
transversely mounted and connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The double clutch-automatic is only for less powerful Mini's.
However, when I speed up and start throwing it around, and I start to think that it isn't that dynamic. It's tight and all,
but that's it. When I corner at high speeds, it tends to go straight on pretty quickly on this wet surface.
And when I do some left-right-manoeuvres, it doesn't really react to them. It has some dynamic feel to it, but I wouldn't call it sporty.
John Cooper Works used to be, especially back in the day but also in the BMW-days, the most hardcore version.
Beneath it was the Cooper, but the JCW really was the party piece. And since Mini has become more of a lifestyle-brand, you can see that...
the JCW-brand has been weakened. It now mostly means it has the most power and the most luxurious trim.
The real driving pleasure however, the thing that makes you fall in love with the drive, that has disappeared throughout the years.
Then there's the price, because this Mini costs €75.000 including all of the options. That's more than the Volkswagen, despite the fact...
that the Volkswagen is the more dynamic one of the two. That goes for the gearbox, that goes for the engine and that goes for the enthusiasm.
It's sharper and more alert, and there's much more fun in the Volkswagen than in the Mini.
And that's a weird conclusion, because the Mini is a very complete car. I can get behind the fact that lots of people want a Mini, because it's cool.
They want a powerful one, because that's cool as well. So the JCW check out alright, but you just shouldn't expect a hot hatch or anything.
So, here's my conclusion: if you want a sporty SUV, get the T-Roc R. If you want the Countryman, get yourself the regular Cooper S All4.
That might be slower on the sprint, but it's similar in any other way. Also, it's a lot cheaper.
If you want a T-Roc R, get yourself a Golf R Variant.