MINI Countryman JCW due in Oz around mid-year

MINI has launched its new F60 generation of Countryman in Australia, but the range won't be complete until the arrival of the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant later this year.

"The John Cooper Works [variant]... is going to be released in quarter three this year," it was confirmed during the local launch of the Countryman in Canberra this week by Tony Sesto, MINI Australia General Manager.

And according to the local MINI boss, the importer is also "still looking at" a plug-in hybrid variant for the range, although Sesto admitted that MINI Australia was "very keen to introduce it into our market."

As it stands, they F60 Countryman officially goes on sale tomorrow (Saturday, March 11) in a four-variant range, priced from $39,900 for the turbocharged three-cylinder Countryman Cooper model with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Producing 100kW and 220Nm, the three-cylinder engine officially uses fuel at the rate of 6.0L/100km and MINI claims its 0-100km/h time is 9.6 seconds.

All variants are now fitted as standard with automatic, although the four-cylinder variants – everything other than the base model, in other words – comes with an eight-speed unit.

Standard features at base level include: six airbags (front, side, side-curtain), Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, City Crash Mitigation with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, front/rear park distance control, reversing camera, Speed Limit Info, 18-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke leather bound multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, hands-free powered tailgate, keyless access/start, sliding triple-fold rear seats, six-speaker audio, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, satellite navigation, trip computer, Bluetooth and Digital Audio.

In addition, it also features front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on headlights, electric mirrors/windows, High Beam Assistant and follow-me home function.

The other variants in the range comprise the Countryman Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD.

A diesel 2.0-litre four-cylinder model priced from $43,900, the Countryman Cooper D comes with the same standard features as the base model. Engine output from the diesel powerplant is 110kW/330Nm, for a fuel consumption figure of 4.8L/100km and a 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds.

No longer available with All4 (all-wheel drive) traction, the Cooper S is priced at $46,500 and develops 141kW and 280Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder mill. Official fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km and MINI claims 7.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h run.

Standard features in addition to the Cooper/Cooper D specification comprise of shift paddles, drivetrain modes, Performance Control, dual exhausts, John Cooper Works steering wheel (leather-bound, multifunction), rear-seat armrest with integrated cupholders and LED front fog lights/headlights.

Currently topping the range at $51,500 – and the only model with all-wheel drive – is the Countryman Cooper SD – a high-performance diesel variant producing 140kW and 400Nm for a fuel consumption figure of 5.2L/100km and a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds. Otherwise the specification is as for the Cooper S.

Option packs available start with Chili for Cooper and Cooper D, priced from $1950 (LED headlights/fog lights and driving modes), followed by Climate for $3120 (electric/glass sunroof, sun-protection glazing, heated front seats) and Multimedia Pro, also for $3120 (Professional Navigation, 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen, 20gb hard drive, voice recognition, MINI Country timer, touch controller, Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio and Head-Up Display.

Additionally, buyers can opt for Convenience, Road Trip and JCW Chili packs. The Convenience pack costs $2795 and incorporates electric seats with memory function, alarm and interior/exterior anti-dazzle mirrors.

At $975 for the Cooper and Cooper D variants, or $650 for Cooper S and Cooper SD, the Road Trip pack includes a fold-out picnic bench seat, rear-seat armrest, luggage compartment net and tyre pressure monitoring.

There's also the John Cooper Works Chili package, which varies in price from $4680 for the Cooper S and Cooper SD with 18-inch alloys, up to $7800 for the Cooper and Cooper D with the additional option of 19-inch wheels. Other features in the pack are an aerodynamic package, a rear spoiler, LED headlights/fog lights, JCW badging, roof rail/side sill in Piano Black or satin silver, choice of 18-inch or 19-inch JCW wheels, driving modes (for Cooper/Cooper D only), Performance Control (for Cooper/Cooper D only), choice of Dynamic Damper Control or sports suspension, Carbon Black leather cross punch upholstery, JCW steering wheel/shift lever/door sills and anthracite headlining.

The F60 generation of Countryman is built on MINI's (and BMW's) modular UKL platform, and the new SUV is 20cm longer, riding on a 7.5cm longer wheelbase with a boot that's 100 litres (30 per cent) larger. There's 5cm more legroom in the rear, plus 5cm more shoulder room in the front seats. Compared with the MINI Clubman, the Countryman's seats are around 9cm higher off the ground, making access easier.