MINI previews new Countryman JCW

MINI is rolling out a high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) version of the new Countryman SUV that will be launched to the world's press next week.

Producing 170kW and consuming fuel at the rate of just 7.4L/100km, the JCW model is the other bookend to the plug-in hybrid variant sitting at the greener end of the range.

Peak torque for the JCW Countryman is 350Nm, and MINI claims the flagship performance model, at 6.5 seconds, is as much as 0.8 seconds faster than the MINI Cooper S Countryman reaching 100km/h from a standing start. Changes to the engine comprise new pistons, a large intercooler and additional radiator. A sports exhaust system with tapered chrome tips and controllable exhaust flap reduces back pressure and ramps up the engine's soundtrack.

MINI will build the JCW Countryman in six-speed manual form or with the option of an eight-speed automatic.

The plug-in hybrid employs the same three-cylinder engine as the base-grade Countryman, supplemented by a 65kW electric motor. Combined power and torque figures are 165kW and 385Nm, respectively. Fuel consumption is rated at 2.1L/100km, versus 4.3L/100km for the MINI Cooper D Countryman.

Complementing the JCW model and the plug-in hybrid are the base model with 100kW three-cylinder engine (displacing 1.5 litres and producing 220Nm), the MINI Cooper S Countryman with 2.0-litre four-cylinder rated at 141kW and 280N, plus two diesel variants. The lower-output diesel is the MINI Cooper D Countryman, producing 110kW and 330Nm, and the higher-output diesel variant is the MINI Cooper SD Countryman, developing 140kW and 400Nm. Both engines are 2.0-litre four-cylinders.

A six-speed automatic transmission will be available at extra cost for the three-cylinder Countryman, in addition to the standard six-speed manual. Four-cylinder (Cooper S and Cooper D) variants are also fitted as standard with the manual transmission, with eight-speed automatic option also available. For the MINI Cooper SD Countryman, the eight-speed automatic is standard.

Described by the company as the "biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 57-year history", the new Countryman is 20cm longer and 3cm wider than the earlier Countryman.

With a wheelbase 7.5cm longer, the larger package comfortably seats five, MINI claims, and the triple-split folding rear seats slide up to 13m for maximum legroom or increased luggage capacity – now 450 litres, a 220-litre gain. Conveniently, the optional powered tailgate features hands-free operation.

Equipment will include a dual-zone climate control system, alloys (16-inch for entry-level Cooper Countryman and Cooper D, 17-inch for Cooper S and SD, 18-inch for the JCW), a panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control, a head-up display and high beam assistant.

The JCW Countryman will make its global debut at the Shanghai motor show in April.