MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman – new pinnacle in current MINI portfolio

Hot on the hiking-boot heels of the new MINI Countryman range, launched in SA about a month ago, comes the addition of the version with more urge:  the (deep breath…) MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman.

ALL4

While the Countryman landed in Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman variants, the spiciest one is the John Cooper Works – the ALL4 badge on the side means this model is not front-wheel-drive but pulls on all 4 wheels.

Strongest MINI engine

This JCW gets the new 2.0 petrol turbo engine, and is rated kW-wise the same 170 as the JCW Hatch, though torque is a higher 350 (up from 320Nm) for the new Clubman and this brand-new Countryman.  Both cars are available in 6-speed manual or 8-speed Steptronic sports-automatic.

The bigger JCW Clubman and Countryman acceleration disadvantage, due to extra weight over the equivalent-model Hatch (0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds for the manual, 6.1 auto) is mostly offset by the extra traction these twins get from their ALL4 drive:  the Clubman reaches the stop to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds, with the bigger Countryman doing it in 6.5 s – the same for manual and auto.

The superior performance qualities of the new MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman are reflected in its elasticity on interim sprints, cornering agility and deceleration (braking) performance.

These qualities are the product of an overall package that has been compiled based on John Cooper Works racing expertise, including not just the engine and all-wheel drive system, but also a sports suspension with 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels as standard / 19-inch optional, Brembo sports brake system, special body features to optimise aerodynamic properties and cooling air intake, and a model-specific cockpit with John Cooper Works sports seats. 

Pinnacle in portfolio

The exceptional standing of the new MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman as new pinnacle in the current MINI portfolio and within the premium compact segment is underscored by means of exclusive standard features including MINI Driving Modes, LED headlamps, Comfort Access and the Radio MINI Visual Boost.

Roomier

The new car‘s advancement over its predecessor is reflected not just in an output that is increased by 10 kW, available 1000 revs earlier (from 5000) and the efficiency-optimised design of the ALL4 system, but also in enlarged external dimensions and a considerable increase in space, versatility and functionality. 

With an addition of some 17 centimetres in length (now 4.299 metres long) and 3 cm in width across a wheelbase extension of 7.5 cm, space availability on the 5 fully-fledged seats is now significantly roomier.

The luggage compartment can be expanded as required from 450 to 1390 litres.  This makes the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman a top athlete with all-round qualities – it provides extreme driving fun and exceptional versatility – whether away from asphalted roads into the countryside, in everyday traffic, or over lengthier distances.

The pricing bit

Plotting the scale – the preceding MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman bowed out at approximately R547k/R566k manual/auto.

New Countryman starts at R424k for the Cooper Countryman manual, to R523k for the now-middle-model Cooper S Countryman with sports-auto.

The MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman is the 1st MINI to cross the R600k line, though considering it is now a roomier compact SUV and has some hot-hatch-like performance and unique visual/performance appeal in a crowded segment, it competes against other more “normal” compact SUVs.

 

MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman manual	R 595 000 + R 5586 emissions tax = R 600 586
MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman sports-auto	R 622 500 + R 4332 emissions tax = R 626 832