John Cooper Works Mini Countryman
Performance version of the 4WD Mini on sale Jan/Feb 2013
By Shahzad Sheikh
A John Cooper Works performance variant of the four-wheel drive Mini Countryman will go on sale in the region in January/February of next year. Predictably the Mini ‘SUV’ has proved a sales success for Mini in the region with the brand registering a 48% increase in sales across nine markets in the Middle East in the first half of 2012, with Countryman models accounting for 41% of those sales.
The JCW Countryman’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo puts out 218bhp and 207lb ft of torque (221lb ft with ‘overboost’ function) making it the most powerful unit in the Mini range. Performance is 0-100kph in 7 seconds, though no top speed has been quoted. It gets a six-speed auto with paddle shifts, but could be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox too.
There’s permanent all-wheel drive, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). The JCW version also gets sports suspension, firmer springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10mm drop in ride height plus 18 or optional 19-inch alloys.
For the body there’s enhanced aero, JCW logos, front foglamps, seven body colours with contrasting roof finishes, sports stripes in white, black or red as options, sports seats, sports steering wheel, piano black interior trim and of course, more logos. No word on pricing yet.
