The Mini Countryman may be large by brand standards, but it’s still a Mini. As the British brand’s first performance crossover, the 2013 John Cooper Works Countryman will be the first all-wheel-drive model in the lineup to get the performance-oriented John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment.
Equipped with a standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is powered by a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 215 horsepower and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it runs from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h); with the optional six-speed automatic — a first for a JCW model — it completes the sprint in 7.0 seconds and caps out at 139 mph (223 km/h). Virtually no difference really…
The North American model produces 211-HP and the same amount of torque, with the manual and automatic versions accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 and 7.5 seconds, respectively. Top speed is reached at 127 mph. This is not a big difference from the European model, which makes us wonder why Mini would offer two different engine variants.
With great power comes great responsibilities better handling. The John Cooper Works Countryman gets a tuned suspension that reduces its height by 10 mm, in addition to an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes. Buyers can customize their ride with an exclusive selection of paint finishes, light-alloy wheels and interior materials.
The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March before going on sale in the fall.
