Volume 15 Issue 1 » 57
2018 MINI Countryman
John Cooper Works
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Freshly redesigned and bigger than ever, MINI’s Countryman is
its best-selling model. Sharing a platform with the BMW X1, the
Countryman JCW - John Cooper Works - is tuned for improved
performance and more of a puppy-dog enthusiastic personality
versus its more serious BMW counterpart.
In JCW trim, the Countryman is imbued with a lot more pep to
its step with multiple performance and handling upgrades. With
228 hp - versus the Countryman S’ 189 hp - from a 2.0-litre
turbocharged V4, choose from either a six-speed manual or a
fantastic eight-speed automatic.
Despite being the largest MINI, the Countryman JCW exhibits
impressive agility, aided by its ALL4 all-wheel-drive system,
limited-slip differential, and dynamic damper control.
The engine belches and growls through upshifts and generates
one of the most satisfying backfire pops on the overrun. Leave it
in gear, let off the throttle pedal, and enjoy the engine-braking
pandemonium whenever you’re feeling bored in traffic. Although the
Countryman JCW is fast in a straight line, it’s also fantastic under
braking thanks to its Brembo calipers.
Naturally, the Countryman JCW also has a splashier exterior and
interior to set it apart. Highlights include the distinctive honeycomb
grille, an aggressive lower front fascia, roof-mounted spoiler, and
red accents to round out the package. Interior upgrades include
supportive sport seats and a JCW-specific steering wheel.
The 2018 MINI Countryman JCW starts at an MSRP of $38,890.
The year was 1961 when racing legend John Cooper transformed
the Classic MINI into a giant-slaying rally demon. Fast forward to
2018, and the formula is still the same. Since its rebirth more than
15 years ago under BMW stewardship, MINI has continued to
build its reputation on creating quirky cars with distinctive styling
and go-kart handling.