2018 MINI Countryman gets more power with JCW variant

MINI’s biggest model to date—the Countryman—recently received a John Cooper Works (JCW) upgrade. According to the British brand, this high-performance variant of the compact crossover comes with the most powerful engine ever fitted to a MINI.

This new variant of the Countryman is an addition to the refreshed model launched last year, which hasn’t been released locally.

The Countryman JCW dawns a few changes to its front fascia compared to its “normal” variants. It now has blacked-out headlamps and a front bumper with large, functional air vents. At the rear, the Countryman JCW has a more obvious rear diffuser adding a sporty feel.

Under its hood, the 2018 Countryman JCW packs a 2.0L turbo-charged engine capable of producing 228 hp and 350 Nm of torque. In comparison, this high-performance Countryman has 38 horses and 110 Nm of torque more than its non-JCW siblings. This power is then transferred to all 4 wheels through a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

Furthermore, the British carmaker boasts that the Countryman JCW can sprint from 0 to 97 km/h in just 6.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 233 km/h with either transmission.

Meanwhile, drivers of this crossover can play with the MINI Driving Modes (Sport, Mid, and Green) and Dynamic Damper Control to provide the best settings to match their driving style. In addition, drivers can also tune the exhaust sound via controllable flap for a more aggressive tone.

Aside from these performance upgrades, the MINI Countryman JCW also provides enough interior arsenal for a comfortable, entertaining, and connected experience inside. Among the notable features are the 8.8-inch touchscreen that houses the MINI Navigation System (Professional), MINI Find Mate wireless tag tracking, MINI Country Timer data log, and the MINI Connected Personal Assistant.

On top of that, this crossover has optional equipment to add to its wonderful repertoire of comfort features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and seat warmer for the occupants up front. The MINI Countryman JCW also comes with a bunch of driver assistance systems such as the collision warning, active cruise control, and pedestrian warning for a safer trip.

The MINI Countryman JCW will make its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this April 2017, with sales beginning the same month in the United States. The British brand hasn’t made any announcement with regards to its pricing and if sales will be limited to North America only.