2020 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman has pep in its step

A dash of horsepower goes a long way, especially in a car that felt underpowered from the get-go. 

That's the case with the 2020 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman compact crossover.

But power is only part of the equation, and there's only so much that can be solved by piling on the motive force.

While the spiciest Countryman on offer does give me a lot to like, there are parts of the experience that leave me a little less impressed.

The 2020 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman doesn't really have much competition.

The Clubman JCW can do battle with the VW Golf Rs and Honda Civic Type-Rs of the world, but there are no hopped-up CR-V or Tiguan variants kicking around.

Instead, the Mini's biggest competitor is calling from inside the house -- the BMW X2 M35i costs about $5,000 more but is a little bigger and more capacious.

If you're all about quirky fun, the 2020 Mini JCW Countryman offers truly unique styling and an engaging powertrain.

It's not cheap, although parts of it definitely feel that way, and it might not offer the most performance-oriented connection between the body and the road, but it's well suited to urban environments and will leave you grinning after every smash of the gas pedal.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the 2020 Mini JCW Countryman.