MINI has introduced a John Cooper Works (JCW) efficiency flagship of its new Countryman small SUV forward of its Australian launch within the third quarter of subsequent yr, when it’s prone to be priced above the present three-variant vary that sells from $68,625 to $77,175 excluding on roads.
It should arrive right here across the identical time because the common Countryman line-up that was revealed on the Munich motor present in September.
The newcomer has direct competitors from Volkswagen’s T-Toc R (beginning at $63,490 + ORC) whereas dad or mum firm BMW’s X1 2.0i xDrive sells from $70,400 + ORC and the X1 M35i from which the Mini borrows a drivetrain is a $90,900 plus on-roads proposition.
In-built Germany on the identical manufacturing facility because the BMW X1 M35i xDrive with which it shares a 2.0-litre turbo 4 cylinder petrol all-wheel drive powertrain, the Euro spec model loses a little bit of punch in contrast with the present providing, down 4kW and 50Nm to now price at 221kW/400Nm.
Nonetheless, the US spec mannequin has 230kW and 400Nm. The BMW X1 M35i splits the distinction at 233kW/400Nm.
It stays unclear which engine specification the JCW Countryman could be offered right here with however the decrease output model is probably going designed to adjust to stringent EU emissions legal guidelines.
The largest Mini mannequin stays a sporty proposition able to clocking a high whack of 250km/h and a brisk 5.4 seconds over the usual 0-100km/h dash, with sporty dynamics to match whereas utilizing a claimed 8.0-8.6 litres/100km WLTP.
Mini’s JCW fashions are famend for his or her sporty efficiency however the Countryman variant can be claimed to supply “very succesful” off-road talents due to its ‘ALL4’ all-wheel-drive system and different so-called “overland” options.
The brand new mannequin of the all-rounder has grown and presents more room, consolation and security with the top of the Mini model Stefanie Wurst saying: “The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman embodies a singular mixture of favor, energy and a way of journey. With its highly effective 221kW engine and sporty design, it’s the excellent companion for anybody in search of one thing particular.”
Boasting a brand new however acquainted look, the brand new JCW Countryman is characterised by “an upright and minimalist silhouette that radiates a way of journey, versatility and reliability along with a JCW emblem redesign and color change to focus on the revised façade”.
The daring exterior options plenty of aerodynamic parts with vertical reflectors on the entrance of the automobile emphasise its extensive stance, whereas the brand new Mini LED headlights with horizontal bars in JCW Signature Mode give the SUV a extra “expressive” look.
Its chunky two-box physique surprisingly charges a drag coefficient of simply 0.26, making it one of the crucial aerodynamic automobiles in its class for gas effectivity and inside noise discount benefits.
Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by digital controls in all driving circumstances whereas a high-performance braking system offers beefier stopping energy, once more in a broad unfold of functions.
Mini has not forgotten the attribute JCW exhaust notice with this variant, becoming an exhaust flap system to provide an immediately recognisable bark out the again whereas passengers can take pleasure in related auditory stimulation by way of an engine sound generator within the cabin.
Moreover, an unique JCW sound extension boosts the sound of the engine begin and “intensifies the soundscape” with racing-inspired engine sounds.
For reliability, the engine options optimised pistons, connecting rods and mounts to assist extract most energy from the two.0-litre turbo mill that options a complicated, dual-drive turbocharger force-feeding the engine.
Working in live performance with a dethrottled air consumption (the throttle physique is moved outdoors the principle inlet tract), the unhindered induction system is alleged to allows the JCW Countryman to generate beefy efficiency throughout a large unfold of engine speeds contributing to its dynamic really feel.
Car dynamics are improved by the brand new JCW Countryman’s bigger (diameter) tyres which can be additionally 245 mm extensive throughout the tread on both 19 or 20-inch wheels whereas consolation and security is enhanced by the adoption of 12 ultrasonic sensors and 4 surround-view cameras in whole supporting quite a few driver help methods that allow Stage 2 autonomous driving.
These are contained within the JCW Countryman’s Driving Assistant Skilled possibility package deal.
The system and might detect gaps within the site visitors obligatory for altering lanes heading in direction of an exit and brings the automobile to the optimum velocity for the assisted lane change and for the primary time, drivers within the Mini Countryman can take their arms off the steering wheel on highway-like routes at speeds of as much as 60 km/h, offered they proceed to maintain an in depth (monitored) eye on site visitors and stay able to intervene at any time.
Inside is characterised by a minimalist theme with the cockpit divided into an higher and decrease part with vertical door handles and air vents to emphasis perceived area. Excessive-grade JCW sports activities seats are a nod to Mini’s racing heritage and the sprint is product of a two-tone textile produced from recycled polyester.
