MINI Countryman JCW Revealed, Q4 Australian Launch Planned
It's not the much-hyped Paceman, but we don't expect to hear many complaints about MINI's new performance offering: the Countryman John Cooper Works.
Due for an Australian debut later this year, the Countryman JCW brings the usual enhan
It's not the much-hyped Paceman, but we don't expect to hear many complaints about MINI's new performance offering: the Countryman John Cooper Works.
Due for an Australian debut later this year, the Countryman JCW brings the usual enhancements to the family, including a unique styling kit, sports suspension, and more poke.
Power for the top-shelf Countryman comes from the familiar 1.6 litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, delivering 160kW and 280Nm of torque - climbing to 300Nm when the overboost system kicks on.
Equipped with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and the six-speed manual transmission, MINI says the Countryman JCW will hit 100km/h in 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 225km/h.
In six-speed auto form, the ton comes undone in the same 7.0 seconds, and top speed drops to 223km/h.
By comparison, the current 135kW/240Nm Countryman S ALL4 lists a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, with a top speed if 210km/h.
In manual form, the Countryman JCW returns fuel consumption figures of 7.2 l/100km, rising to 8.0 l/100km for the six-speed auto.
MINI has also given the Countryman JCW a Sport button in the cabin, designed to enhance engine and power-steering response, "and the character of its soundtrack".
Upgrades elsewhere include sports suspension with a 10mm lower ride height, a sports exhaust system, 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique styling kit inside and out. New 19-inch alloys are on the options list.
Australia
Speaking with TMR today, MINI Australia's Scott Croaker confirmed that a fourth-quarter 2012 debut is on the cards for the new range-topping Countryman variant.