Your Car Shouldn't Look Like It Pumped Iron at the Gym
Smaller cars are an obvious fix for crowded cities, limited resources and a warming planet. Yet they've become an endangered species, as tougher regulations made them uneconomical to produce and we gravitated towards muscular SUVs.
A continent that built iconic, utilitarian and wildly popular city cars, like the Fiat Cinquecento and Mini in the 1950s, needs to make tiny cars appealing and affordable again. Smarter rulemaking and financial incentives can help.
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Car and Driver
20 hours ago
- Car and Driver
Tested: 2025 Mini Countryman EV Doesn't Give a Reason to Go Electric
Mini started selling electric versions of its small hatchbacks quite a while ago, but the latest Cooper Electric is in limbo due to global trade issues, as it's built in China. But that doesn't mean Mini is without an EV entirely. The larger Countryman SUV has entered the crowded electric-utility space with a new-for-2025 model that uses the same SE name that was previously applied to the Countryman's plug-in hybrid variant in its prior generation. The new Countryman SE ALL4 shares its modern-looking design with the third-gen gas model, and it's mechanically similar to the BMW iX1, an electric variant of Bimmer's smallest SUV that isn't sold in the U.S. We only get one version of the SE, and it's a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with 308 horsepower. That puts it right in line with the gas-powered Countryman's JCW performance variant, which has 312 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The two are also priced similarly, with the EV starting at $46,375 and the JCW at $48,075. (The base 241-hp Countryman S gas model starts at $40,075.) View Exterior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Of course, as is typical with EVs, the Countryman's 65-kWh battery pack means it's quite a bit heavier than its gas counterpart. The SE weighs in at 4606 pounds, versus 3792 for the Countryman JCW we tested. That means the electric version doesn't perform as well despite its similar power output. We got it to 60 mph in a respectable 4.8 seconds, while the gas model did it in 4.6. Within the Mini's competitive set of other electrics, the similarly priced Volvo EX30 is the speed demon, getting to 60 mph in a scant 3.3 seconds in our testing. HIGHS: Cute interior design, pleasant driving demeanor, reasonably priced compared with gas model. Though the Countryman SE feels nimble and quick for a small crossover, it doesn't give the impression of being an overtly sporting machine. The ride is firm, the steering is direct, and the powertrain is responsive, but it's a bit too big and heavy to change direction eagerly enough to live up to the promise of the sporty and boldly named Go Kart driving mode. Around the skidpad, our test car managed a so-so 0.85 g of grip, riding on 19-inch Continental ProContact GX all-season tires. The gas-powered JCW's more aggressive summer rubber helped it earn an 0.95-g result, and it also beat the SE's 70-mph stopping distance by a significant margin, at 158 feet to 171 feet. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Mini's typical kitsch is on full display inside the Countryman SE, as its dashboard incorporates a mix of textiles, ambient lighting, and other flourishes to create a fun atmosphere. Those who like this sort of thing will get enjoyment out of details like the quirky air vents and the fabric strap replacing one of the traditional steering-wheel spokes. The circular central infotainment screen is nice to look at, though it doesn't quite use its full real estate effectively for smartphone mirroring. We also felt that some of the menu structures were too complicated, as you have to dive into various settings to adjust things like the regenerative braking level. A button would have been easier. LOWS: Limited driving range, doesn't accelerate as quickly as the JCW model, quirky styling isn't for everyone. With the regen level at its highest setting and the transmission in B mode, the Countryman SE is capable of one-pedal driving. We enjoyed driving in this mode in the city, and the gas pedal has a long enough travel to make it easy to modulate your speed. But the Countryman SE's other EV specs aren't so impressive. The EPA estimates a driving range of just over 200 miles on a charge, with the version on 18-inch wheels earning a rating of 212 miles and the version with 19-inch wheels rated at 204 miles. Our test car and its 19-inchers achieved a real-world 75-mph highway range of only 180 miles. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Though that isn't too far off the EPA estimate, it's simply not very much range. Yes, the aforementioned Volvo EX30 fared even worse in this test, achieving just 160 miles, but the less expensive Hyundai Kona Electric managed 230 miles in this same test. At least the Mini's fast-charging capabilities are competitive, with a peak charging rate of 129 kilowatts in our fast-charging test and an average of 84 kilowatts overall. VERDICT: The electric Countryman doesn't give up much to its gas siblings, but it doesn't gain much either. The problem with the Countryman SE is that it simply doesn't offer any particular characteristics to entice buyers away from the gas models. It costs about the same as the JCW but doesn't perform as well, and its relatively small battery pack means it can't go far on a charge. If EV buyers are forced to make sacrifices like this, they should at least benefit from extra features, better acceleration, or increased versatility via a front cargo area. The Countryman SE doesn't have any of these upsides, and as a result it fails to make a compelling argument for itself. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Specifications Specifications 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,375/$51,325 Options: Iconic trim (Harman/Kardon audio system, interior camera, power fronts seats, privacy glass), $3200; Comfort Package Max (auto-dimming mirrors, augmented-reality navigation, adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant Plus, active driving assistant), $900; trailer hitch, $600; Parking Assistant Professional, $250; Favored Style (Anthracite headliner, John Cooper Works sport seats, silver roof and mirror caps, 19-inch Kaleido Spoke two-tone wheels, $0 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Combined Power: 308 hp Combined Torque: 364 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 65 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 130 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Tires: Continental ProContact GX 245/45R-19 102H M+S ★ DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.0 in Length: 175.0 in Width: 72.6 in Height: 64.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/42 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 56/25 ft3 Curb Weight: 4606 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.8 sec 100 mph: 13.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.6 sec @ 101 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 343 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 75 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 180 mi Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 84 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 39 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 91/94/88 MPGe Range: 204 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Car and Driver
20 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2025 Mini Countryman Electric Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs EPA Est. Range 212 Miles Seating 5 Seats Powertrain Electric Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 4 Years/50,000 Miles Overview If you want that classic Mini charm combined with an electric powertrain, the SE version of the Countryman SUV is the only game in town these days. Although it looks identical to the gas-powered Countryman, underneath is a battery pack that offers an estimated range of between 204 and 212 miles on a charge. Its 308-hp dual-motor electric powertrain provides decent acceleration and standard all-wheel drive. The Countryman Electric offers a crisp exterior design and a nicely outfitted cabin with plenty of fun features, including a circular infotainment system. Buyers who aren't ready to make the switch to electric just yet will no doubt pass on the EV for the regular Countryman (reviewed separately), but those who take a chance on the Countryman Electric will find that very little of Mini's signature spunkiness has been lost in translation. What's New for 2025? The Countryman Electric is a new model for the Mini lineup for the 2025 model year. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2025 Mini Countryman Electric starts at $46,375. SE All4 $46,375 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k build & price Mini is only offering the SE All4 dual-motor model in North America. It comes standard with a lot of desirable equipment though, including a cool circular infotainment screen, 20-inch wheels, and ambient interior lighting. Want to compare the 2025 Mini Countryman Electric to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV Motor, Power, and Performance While Mini sells single-motor models in other markets, all Countryman Electrics sold in the U.S. come with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup called All4. This powertrain features two electric motors that in combination make 308 horsepower. Ride and handling are nicely balanced here, but no one will mistake the Electric for the performance-oriented John Cooper Works model (reviewed separately). When we drove the Countryman Electric, we appreciated its one-pedal driving capability but felt that its extra weight compared with the gas version prevented it from being as eager and responsive. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the Countryman SE All4 got to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. That's a couple ticks slower than the similarly powered John Cooper Works gas version. View Exterior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Range, Charging, and Battery Life The Countryman S E All4 comes standard with a 64.6-kWh battery and has an EPA-estimated range of up to 212 miles of driving per charge. That figure is for Countrymans with 18-inch wheels; upgrading to 19-inch wheels knocks the range down to 204 miles. Rival EV SUVs such as the Kia Niro EV and the Tesla Model Y both offer more driving range per charge at a similar price point. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the Countryman achieved 180 miles. We also tested its DC fast-charging speed and were able to get it from 10 percent to 90 percent charge in 39 minutes. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe According to the EPA, the jumbo Mini EV is good for a 96 MPGe combined rating when equipped with 18-inch wheels. Wearing larger 19-inch wheels, the Countryman Electric's rating drops to 91 MPGe combined. In our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Countryman achieved 75 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Countryman Electric's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Like the Cooper Electric hatchback, the Countryman has an interior with sustainable materials and a simplified design. A fabric-colored dash pad cleverly hides configurable ambient lighting elements that change color and shape depending on which drive mode is selected. The new Countryman is also slightly larger than the previous-generation model, which benefits passenger and cargo space. The rear seat is noticeably roomier than the 2024 Countryman, although tall passengers may wish for more legroom. We were able to fit 8 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up and 22 carry-ons with the rear seats folded. Sadly, the Countryman Electric offers no front-trunk area for additional storage. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Minis have long had a circular display in the middle of the dashboard, but in the 2025 Countryman Electric, the circular display is entirely digital. This panel serves as both a gauge display and infotainment, and it runs Mini's latest software interface, which provides many customizable features. Not only are there a bunch of pre-programmed backgrounds for the display, but the system will also allow you to upload photos of your own. So, if you want a photo of your cat to show up there, you can easily make that happen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, and there's even an option to download video games to the system to help you pass the time at a public charging station. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features While all Countryman Electric models will come with driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, if you want to access adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature you'll need to spring for the Driving Assistant Plus package. For more information about the Countryman Electric's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mini provides one of the better warranty plans compared with its competitors, and the company also includes substantial complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,375/$51,325 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Combined Power: 308 hp Combined Torque: 364 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 65 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 130 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Tires: Continental ProContact GX 245/45R-19 102H M+S ★ DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.0 in Length: 175.0 in Width: 72.6 in Height: 64.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/42 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 56/25 ft3 Curb Weight: 4606 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.8 sec 100 mph: 13.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.6 sec @ 101 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 343 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 75 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 180 mi Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 84 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 39 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 91/94/88 MPGe Range: 204 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
AITX's RAD Secures Major National Dealer, Wins Logistics Giant with Multiple RIO Mini Order
First RIO Mini Order Expands Logistics Sector Detroit, Michigan, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the 'Company') (OTCPK:AITX), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients, along with its wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced the signing of a new national authorized dealer, marking a significant expansion into the logistics sector. The new dealer has placed an initial order for four RIO™ Mini solar-powered security trailers, each equipped with RAD's powerful SARA™ (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent), destined for one of the country's largest logistics providers. This latest dealer partnership represents the Company's continued penetration of the logistics market with a dealer specifically bringing RAD solutions to them. The imminent deployment of the RIO Mini units underscores the rising demand for agile, AI-powered security solutions within the logistics sector. By aligning with a top-tier dealer serving one of the nation's largest logistics operations, RAD is positioned to drive further adoption and expansion across a market that demands performance, reliability, and innovation. RIO Mini is designed to deliver powerful autonomous security wherever it is needed most. Compact, solar-powered, and rapidly deployable, each unit will be fully integrated with SARA, RAD's agentic AI-driven monitoring and response platform. SARA enables every RIO Mini to detect, analyze, and respond to security events in real time, providing the end user with continuous, interactive protection. For logistics operators managing vast properties and complex operations, this level of autonomous oversight translates into faster incident response, stronger deterrence, and a measurable reduction in traditional security costs. 'We are on track for our best quarter with growing revenues just part of the story,' said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. 'We are thrilled to welcome this new partner and see our RIO Mini units heading straight into the heart of the logistics industry. This relationship highlights the market's growing appetite for proven AI-driven security solutions and positions us to accelerate our expansion into critical infrastructure sectors.' Recent industry reports show rising incidents of trespassing and theft at logistics and distribution centers, making advanced security an urgent priority across the sector1. RIO Mini, powered by the SARA platform, delivers a cost-effective solution that meets these needs directly. With real-time detection, active deterrence, and clear reporting capabilities, RIO Mini provides logistics providers with reliable, performance-driven security and monitoring. By automating surveillance and response, this solution protects high-value assets and delivers the data and accountability today's operations require. RAD invites logistics providers, security professionals, and industry leaders to discover how RIO Mini and SARA are reshaping the future of security. To learn more about RAD's solutions or to schedule a demonstration, visit www, or contact the RAD sales team today. Sitting atop a standard RIO configuration are one or two ROSA™ units. ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSA's AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RAD's software suite notification and autonomous response library. Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSA's high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published six Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at retail centers, hospital campuses, multi-family communities, car rental locations and construction sites across the country. AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry2 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, reinforcing the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX)AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit and or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThe information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the 'Company'). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. ### Steve Reinharz949-636-7060@SteveReinharz 1 in to access your portfolio
