The largest MINI yet, the Countryman, receives the John Cooper Works treatment,

• The largest MINI yet receives the John Cooper Works treatment, offering powerful performance and versatility
• 231hp enables a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds
• MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system fitted and sports suspension as standard
• High quality standard specification includes MINI Navigation, LED headlights and Comfort Access
• New touch-screen MINI Navigation XL available as an option
• MINI Connected: the digital personal mobility assistant advises and informs on departure times based on calendar entries and traffic data
• MINI Connected detects frequently driven routes and remembers them automatically
• Presented in public for the first time in April at Shanghai Motor Show
• MINI John Cooper Works Countryman market launch in Spring 2017

As the biggest and most versatile model in the MINI range featuring the brand’s most powerful engine to date, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman combines race track feeling and useful versatility on and off the road.

With an output of 231 hp working with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman sprints from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds whether the customer chooses the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

The resulting vehicle is a based on John Cooper Works racing expertise. From the engine and ALL4 drive system to the upgraded sports suspension with 18-inch John Cooper Works Grip Spoke alloy wheels and Brembo sports brake system, the John Cooper Works racing influence is evident throughout the model’s build and design. 

Special exterior body features highlight the vehicle’s sporty credentials, and optimise aerodynamic properties, whilst inside the vehicle features a model-specific cockpit and John Cooper Works sports seats.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman not only offers an exciting driving experience but with improved boot space and extra leg room over its predecessor it is both versatile and flexible.

More power, more space

With a power increase of 13hp compared to its predecessor, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also offers enlarged external dimensions and a considerable increase in space, versatility and functionality. 

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is 19 centimetres longer, 3 centimetres wider and has a wheelbase extension of 7.5 centimetres over the previous model, offering even more space across its five passenger seats. The luggage compartment can also be expanded as required from 450 litres to as much as 1,390 litres.

Engine: power delivery and sound with racing character.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine installed at the front of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman demonstrates performance characteristics inspired by motor racing. It has a specific version of MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology with a turbocharging system integrated in the cast steel manifold, petrol direct injection, the fully variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and variable camshaft control (double VANOS). Made of highly temperature-resistant material, the turbocharger generates a charge-air pressure which is now increased to 2.2 bar. The engine puts its maximum torque of 350 Newton metres on stream at between 1,450 and 4,500 rpm. It delivers its peak output of 231 hp within an engine speed range of 5 000 and 6 000 rpm.

The new John Cooper Works Countryman features specially developed components for John Cooper Works models, including specific pistons, a large charge-air cooler and an additional radiator. In addition there is a sports exhaust system that not only supports the engine’s performance characteristics but also gives them an impressive acoustic and visual dimension. Reduced exhaust gas pressure promotes spontaneous power delivery, while a controllable exhaust flap and the special geometry of the tailpipe help generate the recognisable John Cooper Works sound. The sports exhaust system also has tapered chrome covers for the dual tailpipes.

6-speed manual transmission as standard, 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission as an optional extra.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is weight-optimised in design as well as exhibiting a high level of internal efficiency and shift comfort. A gear sensor enables active engine speed adaptation for fast gear changes. Short shifts and the model-specific gear lever knob facilitate precise gear selection. An 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission is also available as an option. Gears can be changed automatically or manually via the shift paddles at the steering wheel. It offers particularly short shift times and a Launch Control function enables the quickest possible acceleration from standing.

This also has a positive impact on efficiency. With the standard manual transmission, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a combined fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg and a CO₂ emissions level of 169 grams per kilometre. In conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, these figures are reduced to 40.9 mpg and 158 grams respectively (provisional EU test cycle figures).

From the dirt road to the race track with ALL4.

Thanks to the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offers high performance on a variety of surfaces. The ALL4 system not only improves traction on unsurfaced terrain such as dirt roads, but also enhances ride stability in adverse weather conditions and improves agility when taking bends at speed. The system’s electronic control unit is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ensuring a consistently fast and precise response at all times in distributing the drive torque between the front and rear wheels.

The current version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system offers a particularly efficient form of variable power distribution due to its compact and weight-optimised design. It consists of a power take-off bevel gear on the front axle differential, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electrohydraulically controlled hang-on clutch. In order to reduce the torque loss that occurs when drive power is transferred to the rear axle, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman uses active DSC with the brand’s characteristic front-wheel drive in normal situations on the road. Torque is driven to the rear wheels only when necessary and within a fraction of a second.

Sports chassis for maximum agility when sprinting on bends and during braking manoeuvres.

The high-quality suspension technology of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offers the perfect basis for maximum performance and excellent handling, with its high powered engine working alongside its specially designed long wheelbase, large track and low centre of gravity. A single-joint spring strut axle at the front is combined with a multilink rear axle. In addition, the standard sports suspension of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features a particularly tight set-up of the suspension and damping systems. The speed-related Servotronic steering support – which is also offered as standard – provides excellent handling on bends and comfortable manoeuvring at low speeds.

The sports brake system was designed in collaboration with specialist manufacturer Brembo and comprises 4-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes on the front wheels, guaranteeing consistently high deceleration rates even under intense use. The brake calipers are finished in red and bear the John Cooper Works logo at the front. The Dynamic Stability Control system also ensures optimum traction on sprints, agility on bends and safe deceleration. Its functions include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – and Performance Control for agile turning when taking bends at speed. The standard trim also includes 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels in Black Thrill Spoke. John Cooper Works light alloy wheel in 19-inch is optionally available.

MINI Driving Modes and Dynamic Damper Control enable an individualised vehicle set-up.

MINI Driving Modes enables the driver to select a set-up that is geared towards the situation on the road and their own personal preferences. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever is used to select the preferred settings - SPORT, MID and GREEN. This influences the characteristic curves of the accelerator pedal and steering, the engine acoustics, the shift characteristics of the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, if the latter is fitted, and the Dynamic Damper Control set-up.

Exterior: versatile and athletic

With a length of 4,299 millimetres, a width of 1,822 millimetres and a height of 1,557 millimetres, model-specific John Cooper Works features are clearly visible on the exterior. These include the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit and large cooling inlets in the front apron. The standard roof rails and the model-specific roof spoiler offer an aerodynamic finish to the model’s exterior.

Interior: a characteristic sports car atmosphere

Inside the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman there are five fully fledged John Cooper Works sports seats which have integrated headrests, the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works gear or selector lever and the roof liner in anthracite for a racing car feel to the interior.

Head, shoulder and leg room are significantly more generous than in the predecessor model, both at the front and the rear. In addition, as an optional extra the rear seats can be shifted by up to 13 centimetres in a 60 : 40 split, while additional versatility is provided by backrest elements that are tilt-adjustable and foldable in a 40 : 20 : 40 split. The unique Picnic Bench, a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people, is available as an option. Also available as an option is an electric tailgate control that allows touchless opening and closing in conjunction with the standard Comfort Access.

Exclusive standard and optional equipment

The exclusive standard and optional equipment available with the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman means it stands out from the crowd. Standard equipment includes LED headlamps with cornering function and daylight driving light, cruise control with brake function and the 6.5” Colour MINI Visual Boost display including MINI Navigation, USB socket and Bluetooth. Comfort Access, Anthracite Headlining, MINI Driving Modes and Rear Park Distance Control are also offered as standard with MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

Modern driver assistance systems, high-quality options for comfort and individual style.

The driver assistance systems developed for the MINI range enhance comfort and safety in the new John Cooper Works Countryman, too. The standard collision warning with city braking function can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. Park Distance Control features sensors at the rear as standard, with other features such as front parking sensors, rear view camera and Parking Assistant optionally available. The optional Head-Up Display can display can inform the driver on all sorts of information, including road speed, speed limits and overtaking bans, navigation directions and Check Control messages, feedback from the driver assistance systems, telephone contacts and entertainment controls. The Head-Up display features a specific John Cooper Works mode where it is also possible to display the currently selected gear and a multi-coloured engine speed scale.

Other options available for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman include a panorama glass roof, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, seat heating for driver and front passenger, windscreen heating and folding exterior mirrors.

Central instrument with touchscreen, MINI Find Mate and MINI County Timer.

The MINI Navigation XL with an 8.8-inch colour screen in the central instrument and the new recently introduced touch screen functionality is included in the newly enhanced Media Pack. Also included in the pack is MINI Find Mate, one of the latest digital services to be added to MINI Connected. MINI Find Mate uses wireless tracking function which enables objects to be tracked and located via MINI Connected.

The MINI Country Timer, which registers all travel over sloping, uneven, unsurfaced or snow-covered roads and tracks is offered as standard along with MINI Navigation. The duration and intensity of driving on demanding terrain is displayed in typical MINI style on the central instrument screen.

Other optional extras include Harman Kardon hi-fi system, which is available on its own or as part of the MINI Tech Pack which also includes rear-view camera, MINI Head-up Display and Media Pack X.

MINI Connected, the digital personal mobility assistant.

Going beyond the familiar functions of an in-car infotainment program, MINI Connected acts as a personal mobility assistant in the new John Cooper Works Countryman. Based on a flexible platform, the Open Mobility Cloud, MINI Connected integrates the vehicle seamlessly into the MINI driver’s digital life via devices such as the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch.

Thanks to the integral concept of MINI Connected, mobility doesn’t just start in the vehicle. MINI Connected informs the driver of the best departure time based on calendar entries and current traffic data. Address data and appointments saved by the driver previously on a smartphone via MINI Connected are automatically transferred to the car and do not have to be entered in the navigation system again. MINI Connected can also save regularly visited places as favourite destinations, and it detects frequently covered routes such as the daily run between home and work and alerts the driver in the event of unexpected traffic delays.

The new MINI Clubman receives the John Cooper Works treatment.

• The new MINI Clubman receives the John Cooper Works treatment, creating a unique high performance option in the C-segment
• The most powerful MINI Clubman, with 231 hp and 350 nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph
• MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system fitted as standard for maximum traction combined with highly enjoyable handling
• Full John Cooper Works specification including upgraded suspension, braking, cooling, exterior styling and interior features
• Exclusive high-quality standard specification, with new options including a new touch-screen MINI Navigation XL
• On sale now, priced at £29,345 OTR with the six-speed manual gearbox, and £30,945 OTR with the eight-speed sports Steptronic transmission

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman offers all the style, practicality and fresh-thinking of the Clubman, combined with the high performance and sporting dynamics of the John Cooper Works range.

The result is a unique and exclusive proposition that combines the John Cooper Works-specification engine and corresponding modifications with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. In creating this potent model, able to take full advantage of the maximum possible traction in all conditions, MINI has created a powerful but practical vehicle that’s fun to drive in the true spirit of a MINI.

As the latest member of the John Cooper Works family, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features all the upgrades already seen on the John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible models. 

These include the 231 hp engine with modified MINI TwinPower turbocharger, sports suspension and powerful braking system. A 0-62 mph time of just 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 148 mph is the result, but not at the expense of economy or emissions; with up to 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions as low as 154 g/km.

The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is instantly recognisable thanks to its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and its rear wing. These not only help reduce lift, but in the case of the front section, assist with the additional cooling requirements of the more powerful engine. Unique alloy wheels and John Cooper Works badging also denote the top-of-the-range Clubman, as does the option of the special colour ‘Rebel Green’.

Inside, the John Cooper Works specification includes sports seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a wide array of standard equipment including MINI Navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and cruise control with brake function. MINI logo projection is also included within the standard package. Beyond that, MINI offers a huge range of personalisation options and further equipment, allowing owners to create their own, unique, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.

Exterior design

The design of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman maximises the presence of this unique vehicle, with the added flair of a high performance model.

It’s instantly recognisable thanks to a bespoke front apron, with air inlets now cited where other Clubman models have parking and fog lamps. 

These intakes channel fresh air to brake cooling ducts and to cool the additional radiator of the Works specification cooling system. Integrated air curtains and air breathers help optimise the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. 

Unique side sills, roof spoiler and a rear apron help to reduce aerodynamic lift.

Further exclusive touches include the side turn indicator surrounds, which feature a red accentuation line along with the John Cooper Works logo applied against a black background, and the hexagon pattern grille with a red crossmember bar at the bottom edge. 

The ‘John Cooper Works’ logo appears here too, as well as on the right-hand door at the rear of the car.

The standard LED headlamps are surrounded by a daytime driving light ring that also uses LED technology, the lower section of which is white and acts as the turn indicator. The horizontally arranged rear light units also comprise LED lamps.

Engine: TwinPower Turbo Technology

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman uses the same highly tuned engine as the John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible models. The 2-litre unit features the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and Valvetronic fully variable valve control on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

To effectively realise the increased output of 231 hp between 5,000-6,000rpm (up 39 hp on the standard Cooper S engine), the John Cooper Works Clubman uses a modified turbocharger made from a particularly heat resistant material. 

A correspondingly larger intercooler is also fitted, which contributes to an increase in torque to 350 nm which develops over a particularly wide band from 1,450-4,800rpm. Increasing the boost pressure is teamed with a lower compression ratio thanks to the use of model-specific pistons. 

Unsurprisingly, the cooling system has also been upgraded to cope with the increased heat generated by a more powerful engine, and now features a second coolant radiator found in the left-hand wheel arch.

Finally, a sports exhaust helps to reduce the engine’s backpressure and also gives the John Cooper Works Clubman a sporty sound familiar from other models in the John Cooper Works range.

The inherent efficiency of this engine contributes to an impressive fuel consumption figure of 38.2mpg (41.5mpg), and CO₂ emissions of 168 g/km (154 g/km) (figures in brackets for vehicles fitted with the eight-speed sports Steptronic transmission).

Transmission: advanced gearboxes and an all-wheel drive drivetrain

With the new John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI is for the first time combining its most potent engine offering with its ALL4 all-wheel drive system. The result is the most efficient possible deployment of the available power, providing very strong acceleration in all conditions.

The considerable power and torque of the 2-litre turbocharged engine is fed through either a six-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed sports Steptronic transmission. 

The manual gearbox offers ideally spaced ratios, a model-specific gear lever and short shift mechanism for rapid gearchanges, and also features an engine speed adaption facility via a gear sensor for the smoothest possible downshifts. 

Carbon friction linings for the synchronising rings add to the inherent efficiency of this lightweight, easy-to-use gearbox.

The eight-speed Steptronic gearbox allows for especially fuel-efficient driving thanks to the wide spread – but closely stacked – gear ratios and quick shifting times. Further efficiency improvements can be realised if the vehicle is fitted with MINI Navigation XL, as the Steptronic gearbox takes into account upcoming bends and junctions, thereby avoiding unnecessary gearchanges. Gears can be changed either automatically, or manually via the shift selector or with paddles on the steering wheel. A launch control function enables the quickest possible acceleration away from rest, every time.

The ALL4 all-wheel drive system deploys the engine’s output to maximum good use. The system uses a bevel gear power take off on the front differential and an electro-hydraulically controlled ‘hang-on’ clutch mounted on the rear axle to distribute the engine’s power as required. In normal driving and with the DSC active, the vehicle is effectively front-wheel drive, the clutch only sending power rewards when required - in just fractions of a second - if the need to do so is detected by the DSC system. The DSC continually monitors wheel speeds, accelerator position and engine torque, amongst others, plus takes into account the dynamic traction control setting and MINI Driving Mode, thereby quickly identifying any possible need for torque distribution – either in slippery conditions or during especially dynamic driving.

Not only does the ALL4 system make driving more fun, it also assists the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in reaching 62mph from a standing start in just 6.3-seconds.

Suspension and braking: John Cooper Works specification

Naturally, the suspension and braking set up of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman has been upgraded to match its increased performance. As with the other John Cooper Works specification MINIs in the range, the John Cooper Works Clubman features a firmer suspension setup, in this case specifically tailored to the Clubman’s wheelbase and weight distribution.

Variable Damper Control is available as an optional extra, offering a choice of two set-ups for the electronically controlled dampers, which can be accessed via the MINI Driving Modes, a standard feature on the John Cooper Works Clubman. SPORT mode provides the most dynamic driving experience, while in MID and GREEN mode the damper characteristics support a more comfortable driving style. The MINI Driving Modes are selected via a rotary switch at the base of the gear lever and also influence the characteristic curves of the accelerator pedal and steering, the engine acoustics and the shift characteristics of the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission (if the latter is fitted).

The standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) - which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential - and Performance Control, which assists agile turn-in when taking bends at speed. The standard functions of the electromechanical power steering include speed-related steering support for maximum precision when cornering at speed and for comfortable manoeuvring at low speeds.

The braking equipment of the John Cooper Works Clubman has also been strengthened over the Cooper S model, with a four-piston caliper setup developed in partnership with braking specialists Brembo. These powerful brakes are readily identifiable by the red finish for the calipers, complete with the John Cooper Works logo.

The standard equipment for the car also includes 18” light alloy wheels in Black ‘Grip Spoke’ design, which are exclusive to this model. This wheel design is also available as an option in silver, with a 19” ‘Course’ two-tone design a further option.

MINImalism: Maximising efficiency

The inherent efficiency of the engine, transmission and ALL4 drivetrain is further boosted by additional technology – MINImalism features that include as standard brake energy recuperation, shift point display, needs-based control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units, electromechanical power steering (which only provides assistance as it’s needed) and a map controlled oil pump. The auto start/stop function can also be used in conjunction with the Steptronic transmission.

The MINI Driving Modes enable activation of the GREEN mode, which supports an efficiency-optimised driving style. In models fitted with the Steptronic transmission it is possible to use the coasting function, whereby the drivetrain is decoupled at speeds of between approximately 30 and 100 mph as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal.

Interior Design: Practical and stylish

The inherent practicality built into every new MINI Clubman is obvious, with five full-sized seats accessed via four side doors and the Clubman’s characteristic split rear doors. Behind the latter is a load area of 360-litres, which rises to as much as 1,250-litres with the rear seats folded flat (a 40:20:40 split is available as an option).

The John Cooper Works modifications take this highly versatile package and inject the genuine fittings and feel of a high performance car, creating a unique proposition. The standard trim includes John Cooper Works sports seats in Carbon Black upholstery with Dinamica/fabric with integrated headrests. As an option these can be trimmed in Dinamica/Carbon Black leather with red applications.

In addition, there’s a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works door sill cover strips, the John Cooper Works gear or selector lever, stainless steel pedals including driver footrest and cockpit displays with dark dials. Other sporting details include the anthracite roof liner, interior trim ‘Grey Chequered’, and red design accentuations not just on the seat surfaces, but also on the steering wheel rim, the gear or selector lever and the central instrument surround.

Safety and equipment

With its torsionally stiff, rigid and weight-optimised body structure, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman forms the ideal basis for its comprehensive set of standard safety fittings. These form part of the integrated MINI safety concept comprising of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats (including belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters at the front) as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear. Other standard features include a tyre pressure display function for each individual wheel and Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity, as well as the collision warning with city braking function. Meanwhile, impact absorbers and deformation elements ensure optimised pedestrian protection.

LED headlamps are fitted as standard, and they can be supplemented with a turning light function including adaptive light distribution, if desired. In addition to air conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility and electric parking brake, other standard features include Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear, cruise control with brake function, and Comfort Access - also enabling touch-less opening of the split doors by means of a foot movement under the rear apron. The standard fit audio system is the Radio MINI Visual Boost including USB socket and operation via the MINI Controller in the centre console, as well as the 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument fitted with a MINI Navigation system.

Optional items include the Harman Kardon hi-fi system and the MINI Navigation System XL. The features of the MINI Navigation XL include not just the Touch Controller in the centre console but also an 8.8-inch colour screen in the central instrument. For the first time in a MINI, the latter takes the form of a touchscreen, so functions can now also be selected and adjusted by placing a fingertip on the screen. Other options include a panorama glass roof, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, seat heating for driver and front passenger and windscreen heating. The unique MINI Connected in-car infotainment program is also available, offering extensive integration of smartphones in the car. This allows the use of internet-based services in the areas of infotainment, communication and driving experience by means of apps.

Over 80% of MINI John Cooper Works Clubman customers are expected to choose the Chili pack which adds a host of additional extras to the car. These features include the customer’s choice of any upholstery from the range, heated seats, 19” Course spoke alloy wheels and the storage compartment pack. Chili pack is priced at £2,000 on MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.

A range of additional option packs and personalisation equipment allows every MINI John Cooper Works Clubman buyer to tailor their car to their exact preferences, in the process creating a unique take on an already highly exclusive vehicle.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is on sale across the UK from today.