The new Mini Countryman SUV has been given a sporty new flagship.
The Countryman John Cooper Works has been officially revealed after it was leaked in Germany earlier this year. It’s on track to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2024.
Power in the Countryman comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 221kW and 400Nm, sent to all four wheels through an seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
All-wheel drive is standard, and the 100km/h sprint takes a claimed 5.4 seconds. Flat out you’ll be doing 250km/h.
Along with extra grunt, the JCW features a sportier suspension tune than the regular Countryman. It rides on a choice of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and features 245mm-wide tyres in a bid to make it even stickier around corners.
You’ll also be able to tell the JCW apart from the broader Countryman range thanks to its Chilli Red highlights, along with the new BMW M-style tricolour JCW motif.
Inside, the JCW has a version of the same minimalist, high-tech interior as the broader Countryman range with sports seats and more red highlights.
Claimed boot space is 460 litres, expanding the 1450L with the rear seats folded flat.
As for the models sitting below the JCW?
Mini has confirmed the petrol Countryman will hit local showrooms in the first quarter of 2024 in base Countryman C, and more powerful Countryman S guises.
The electric Countryman and the most powerful petrol Countryman JCW will follow in the third quarter of 2024.
In Germany, Mini is offering a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder in base cars, which incorporates an electric motor providing 14kW of additional power.
Total system outputs for the mild-hybrid powertrain are 125kW of power and 280Nm of torque. Mini quotes a top speed of 212km/h for the 1.5-litre turbocharged mild hybrid engine.
