The Countryman family is complete now
The BMW-owned automaker has released the first details about the high-performance John Cooper Works version of its recently-unveiled Countryman crossover.
As with all JCW models on sale today, the John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 228 hp (231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque – 13 hp and 52 lb-ft (70 Nm) more than its predecessor. The unit is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
Unlike other JCW models, though, the Countryman is all-wheel-drive, which helps it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 234 km/h (145 mph). That makes it 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor and 0.7 seconds quicker than the current Countryman Cooper S ALL4.
Fuel economy is not that bad either, with a combined consumption of 7.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km with the manual transmission or 6.9 l/100 km and 158 g/km with the automatic.
Besides the engine, the JCW package also includes a sports suspension with 18-inch John Cooper Works alloys and Brembo sports brake system, a more aggressive aero kit, and a model-specific cockpit with John Cooper Works sports seats.
Standard features include the MINI Driving Modes, LED headlights, and Comfort Access. There are three driving modes (Sport, Mid, and Green), which influence the throttle response, steering, engine acoustics, shift characteristics of the 8-speed auto, and the Dynamic Damper Control set-up.
The 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will have its world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show (April 21-28) and will arrive in markets worldwide shortly after.