Countryman and Paceman JCW variants land

MINI’s in-house performance arm, John Cooper Works, has turned its talents to the all-wheel drive Countryman and Paceman. The models complete the go-fast side of MINI’s seven-strong line-up, adding more potency and extra adhesion to the otherwise familiar JCW recipe.

Both models are powered by the same fire-breathing version of the 1.6-litre turbo-four found powering MINI’s white-hot GP Edition. The engine develops 160kW and 280Nm and is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 can hit 100km/h from a standing start in seven seconds (with either transmission), while the JCW Paceman ALL4 shaves one-tenth from the figure, clearing triple digits in 6.9 seconds.

Pricing, like the models themselves, sits towards the very top of the MINI range (see chart below). The JCW Countryman ALL4 starts at $56,800 (plus on-road costs), with the two-door JCW Paceman ALL4 starting from $58,600 (plus on-road costs). An automatic transmission adds $3055 to both figures.

MINI’s extensive list of personalised parts is also available, which can add a hefty percentage to the overall outcome should you get a little ‘tick-happy’. Highlights of the optional equipment list include light-weight 19-inch alloy wheels ($2340), Recaro sports seats ($3510), sat-nav ($1495) and MINI ‘Yours’ metallic paint ($1690).

The final pair of John Cooper Works models is likely to further bolster the success of the hi-po range Down Under. MINI Australia told motoring.com.au that Aussies have a love affair with the JCW nameplate that is disproportionally higher than any other market in the world -- a fact it is immensely proud of.

“The [JCW] brand is growing really successfully, particularly in the Australian market,” explained MINI Australia product planner, Sue McCarthy. “For full-year 2012 production, Australia has the highest percentage of John Cooper Works models at 6.7 per cent. This is nearly two per cent higher than Germany, with 5.3 per cent, and nearly triple that of America.”

“Globally, John Cooper Works accounts for 2.5 per cent of total MINI production, and we’ve got triple that penetration rate in Australia,” Ms McCarthy continued. “And if we look at retail rates, this year-to-date [figure for JCW sales] is currently running at just under 10 per cent [of the total MINI sales figure]. So it’s really strong, and getting stronger.”

Locally, the MINI brand continues to sell extraordinarily well. The brand is selling every car it can get its hands on and demand shows no signs of slowing, as MINI Australia General Manager of Communications Lenore Fletcher explained.

“Our June year-to-date figure was the highest month for registrations ever,” she said. “We sold 282 units in June, we had the highest-quarter ever [787 units], and it’s also the highest year-to-date [we’ve had] with 1295 units. It’s consistent, it’s strong and it’s continuing.”

The new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 and JCW Paceman ALL4 models are available now.

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