Latest Mini Countryman JCW fully unveiled

If this Mini looks quite familiar, then well done for paying attention. This is indeed a Countryman, first revealed back in September with the electric Cooper. This, however, is the new JCW flagship, and with the switch to EV for the hatch, this 2.0-litre, 300hp derivative will be the most potent petrol-powered Mini available. There’s already been a ‘GPE’ concept of the hatch, don’t forget, so this really is it…

Mini says the engine benefits from ‘optimised’ conrods, pistons and engine mounts. 300hp and 295lb ft of torque are channelled through an automatic ‘box and all four wheels for 5.4 seconds to 62mph and 155mph flat out, which is pretty fast by any metric. We’re also promised a ‘characteristic sound’ from the exhaust, boosted by a ‘JCW sound extension’. 

Chassis upgrades over a Cooper S include wider tyres (245-section), and a ‘high performance’ braking system with calipers in Chili Red that should deliver ‘powerful and precise deceleration’. An admirably low (given the boxy nature of a Countryman) drag coefficient of 0.26Cd ought to help refinement, and eke out every last mile from the tank.

Mini reckons this Countryman has ‘a bold and sporty look that reflects its performance and versatility.’ Make of that what you will but know that features unique to this model include a new octagonal grille, redesigned Countryman badge and 19-inch wheels (with 20s available). There’s also something called a ‘John Cooper Works Signature Mode’ for both the front and rear lights. The colour here is Legend Grey, with Chili Red accents (including the C-pillar) again JCW specific. 

Presumably most buyers will care more about the interior, however. And that’s a good thing, because whether a customer is thinking of upgrading their existing JCW or weighing up this Countryman against a similar model, the new cabin ought to count in its favour. Embellishments for the top-of-the-range model include sports seats, a red and black colourway, ‘boost’ buttons on the steering wheel and what looks like a tow hook for the centre cubby. Because racing heritage, you see. That’s in addition to all the standard features of this new model: the OLED display, the Experience Modes, and a rear bench that has 13cm of adjustment. Maximum boot capacity is rated at 1,450 litres. 

“The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman embodies a unique combination of style, power and a sense of adventure. With its powerful 300hp engine and sporty design, it is the perfect companion for anyone looking for something special.”, said Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini brand. In the UK, this new Countryman JCW will cost £41,520, which compares pretty favourably with something like the £44,915 asked for the VW T-Roc R that feels like its most obvious 2.0-litre, 300hp, compact four-wheel-drive rival. Or if this latest JCW has you wondering about the previous (ever so slightly more powerful) ultimate Countryman, they’re from £23k. Still not getting any prettier, mind.