The Countryman is the SUV in the Mini scheme of things which entered its second generation late last year. The crossover promptly went under the scalpel with the John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment. It joins the Clubman JCW and becomes the biggest and most expensive Mini to wear that badge.
In traditional JCW treatment, the Countryman gets fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 231bhp of power and a generous 350Nm of torque. There are two transmission options – six-speed manual transmission standard and an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission as optional, which will propel the Mini SUV from zero to 100kmph in 6.5seconds. It makes the Countryman JCW quicker than the Cooper S ALL4 variant. The new engine also includes others features specially developed for JCW including special pistons, a large charge-air cooler and an additional radiator along with sports exhaust system. To support the extra performance, the chassis is tuned, the suspension is firmed up and the brakes are upgraded to four-piston Brembos, done in red, inside the lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels. Mini’s all-four-wheel-drive ALL4 comes as standard along with three driving modes – Green, Mid and Sport.
The JCW treatment replaces the front fog lamps with large air intakes. Other specs include a rear diffuser, aggressive bumpers, roof-railings with deck spoilers and beefier wheel arches. On the inside, there are the usual JCW assortments such as sports seats, red highlights on dark anthracite upholstery, sat-nav, heated seats and climate control to name a few. There are high levels of personalisation options available with various available packs.
The Mini crossover SUV with the JCW treatment enters the league of the Nissan Juke Nismo, the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG and the upcoming Q2. The Countryman JCW is priced at 32,590 Pounds and is on sale right now. The Countryman JCW will make its way to India soon.