What's the news?
We have only just driven the flagship Cooper S launch model of the biggest MINI ever, the MkII Countryman, but already it has been superseded as MINI expands the John Cooper Works (JCW) family. This, then, is the JCW Countryman version 2.0.
Exterior
Like the JCW versions of the three-door Hatch and the Clubman, a few subtle exterior styling accoutrements mark out the hottest Countryman, such as the JCW Aerodynamics body kit, big alloy wheels (18 inches as standard, 19s an option) and larger cooling intakes in the front bumper. Like all Countryman models, the JCW has roof rails and there's a specific shape of roof spoiler at the back for this ultimate crossover MINI.
Interior
JCW-branded sports seats with integrated headrests and a JCW sports multifunction steering wheel mark out the range-topping Countryman, while the gear lever is also bespoke to the JCW version. The roof liner is finished in anthracite, while standard equipment includes satnav, rear Park Distance Control and keyless entry and go.
Mechanicals
It's the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the JCW, as found in the other Works MINIs. That means it produces 231hp (up 13hp from the old JCW Countryman) between 5,000- and 6,000rpm, and 350Nm (that's 30Nm more than in the front-wheel drive JCW Hatch) from 1,450- to 4,500rpm - so, driving through the ALL4 all-wheel drive system and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic sports auto, the JCW Countryman will do 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. That's four-tenths down on the Hatch, but still impressive for a big, heavy car.
The JCW is also fitted with a sports exhaust system, improved Works-spec suspension and brakes courtesy of specialist company Brembo, with red-finish, four-pot callipers on the front axle. One final note on the gearboxes: choose from either transmission and the acceleration doesn't alter, but the automatic is more efficient than the manual - the latter achieves bests of 38.2mpg (7.4 litres/100km) and 169g/km of CO2 emissions, while the former improves on that data to 40.9mpg (6.9 litres/100km) and 158g/km, though they're both in Band D for motor tax.
Anything else?
Offered as an option on the JCW Countryman is adjustable Dynamic Damper Control and if you tick that box on the order form then the MINI Driving Modes switch can adjust the firmness of the shock absorbers according to which setting you're running in.