The second generation Mini Countryman gets a sportier variant in the John Cooper Works four-wheel-drive Countryman with ‘the most powerful engine ever to be fitted in a Mini’.
Changes to the design of the vehicle and the interior are not very pronounced at first glance, it seems that Mini are sticking with a proven recipe. However, the new vehicle is larger – the wheelbase has been extended by 7.5cm and the Countryman gains 17cm in length and 3cm in width. Along with the roomier interior, the boot space offers 450 litres of capacity, which can be expanded to 1 390 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Besides being the ‘maxiest’ Mini ever produced, the John Cooper Works Countryman comes with the most powerful Mini mill ever. A 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 179Kw and 350Nm of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and regardless of transmission the car can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 234 km/h. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.4l/100km
The Countryman All4 rides on 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels and features a Brembo sports brake system.
Pricing
JCW Countryman six-speed manual R604 000
JCW Countryman eight-speed automatic R631 500
The rest of the new Mini Countryman range are all two-wheel drive. The Cooper S Countryman has a four cylinder 2.0-litre engine and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre mill is fitted to the entry level Cooper Countryman.
Pricing
Mini Cooper Countryman six-speed manual R428 500
Mini Cooper Countryman six-speed automatic with Steptronic R446 500
Mini Cooper S Countryman six-speed manual R497 500
Mini Cooper S Countryman six-speed automatic R517 000