Facelifted MINI Countryman JCW makes debut

An updated version of the flagship MINI Countryman JCW has been revealed with revisions similar to those seen on the recently upgraded standard compact SUV range.

On sale in Europe from November, the Audi SQ2 and Volkswagen T-Roc R rival gets a new radiator grille, fresh LED headlights and gloss-black chrome for fog light surrounds, grille and door handles.

Also new for the 2021 MINI Countryman JCW are two new paint options -- Sage metallic green and a White Silver metallic finish.

Another subtle change includes rear twin exhaust outlets that have been enlarged to 95mm.

Inside, there's a new 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster from the MINI Electric, more gloss-black for the dash and door cards and two new leather colours – Indigo Blue and Chester Malt Brown.

There are no changes under the bonnet, where the current JCW's 225kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is carried over.

Combined with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto, the MINI Countryman JCW hits 100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds and tops out at 250km/h.

Like before, the Countryman JCW rides on wider 18-inch wheels and stiffer sports suspension, and gets a mechanical locking differential plus larger brakes. Adaptive dampers remain an option.

The updated 2020 MINI Countryman JCW is expected to arrive in Australia alongside the rest of the updated MINI SUV range in late 2020.

Pricing will be announced closer to its arrival and could increase from the current model's $65,900 plus on-road costs.