The top version exchanged the classic 8-speed automatic transmission for a preselective 7-speed “robot”, and the turbo engine had to be derated: in Europe, the power was reduced by six horsepower (to 300 horsepower), the torque was cut by 50 Nm (to 400 Nm). At the same time, the crossover became 134 millimeters longer, so the dynamics worsened. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 5.4 seconds, an increase of 0.3 seconds.
The MINI Countryman JCW inherited from its predecessor a retuned suspension, original 19- or 20-inch low-profile wheels, a sports exhaust with four pipes, a special body kit, more powerful brakes and special interior decor. The engine is the same: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, but with different firmware.
MINI
Interestingly, in Europe the power was reduced from 306 to 300 horsepower, and in the USA it was increased from 306 to 317 horsepower. Torque has been cut in all markets. At the same time, the Countryman JCW risks remaining the only “charged” MINI without electric “makeweights” and with mechanical all-wheel drive with a rear clutch. The JCW has few unique packages: most of the design options can be ordered for the regular MINI.
MINI
The MINI Countryman will be available in North America in May with a starting price of $48,000. In Europe, deliveries will begin in February, but the crossover will be more expensive – from 56.5 thousand euros. The press service of the British brand has already confirmed that as the model range electrifies, the “charged” versions will not disappear.
Unlike the Countryman crossover, the Clubman station wagon will not move into the new generation: the two-volume car will be discontinued in the near future, and it will not have a successor. The MINI Clubman did not live up to the company’s expectations: demand for it is falling, while the crossover is selling twice as much.
Forgotten concept cars: the mid-engine MINI
