The MINI Countryman JCW becomes official at this year’s Geneva Auto Salon, expanding MINI’s growing family even further.
As previewed before, the Countryman John Cooper Works is the first car in MINI’s range to combine JCW’s sporty elements with ALL4 all-wheel drive capability.
The car features a newly developed four-cylinder engine boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control, and producing 160 kW/218 hp. That’s accompanied by a an aerodynamic kit, lowered sports suspension, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and exclusive design features inside and out.
Performance-wise, the car does 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 127 mph, while averaging 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers / 39.2 mpg imp in the EU test cycle. You can also have that engine with a six-speed automatic, in which case the economy rating is 8.0 liters/100 km and 35.3 mpg imp.
This being the ‘Sport’ version of the Countryman, it features revised suspension with particularly stiff spring and damper settings, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10-millimeter lower ride height, as well as a host of electronic system like DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) includes DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode to help with the dynamics.
All that means whatever limited off-road capability the Countryman used to have, is gone. That’s alright, though, seeing as no body would by the Countryman for desert or jungle expedition in the first place.
As for the looks, the JCW Countryman is totally distinguished form normal models thanks to unique paint finishes, its sporty aero kit, sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes and door sills bearing the John Cooper Works logo. The interior is very fancy too, with contrasting colors for the upholstery and trims, as well as exclusive features like sports seats, which looks very cool, but might not be very comfortable!
Added to this are the sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and John Cooper Works logo, the dark speedometer and rev counter dials, anthracite-colored roof liner, gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats with red stitching.
