2017 MINI Countryman JCW arrives with 228bhp – enough for a brisk sprint

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The 2017 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works arrives ahead of a a debut at the Shanghai Motor Show sporting 228bhp and 4WD.

The new MINI Countryman arrived last autumn as the second generation of a car even MINI’s not entirely sure buyers understand. And now we get the latest iteration of a car that makes no real sense at all – the 2017 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works.

Admittedly, the ‘MINI that’s not Mini’ Countryman has got a bit better looking with this new generation, but it’s still a bit of an ungainly looking lump, and is still keen to offer style over substance.

Still, every model needs a go-faster, range-topping version to encourage punters of lowly versions they’re only a blink away from the car they really want, so a Countryman JCW’s arrival was as certain as Donald Trump’s need for hair product.

MINI has endowed the Countryman JCW with the same 228bhp 2.0 litre four as its JCW stablemates, attached the same fripperies – like new bumpers, bodykit and roof spoiler – added some chunky alloys and added a brace or three of ‘JCW’ badges.

Inside, the JCW gets new sports seats, a titivated steering wheel, a sporty gear knob and black headlining, with, and standard kit includes LED headlights, Cruise, Auto Braking, Keyless, Sat Nav and parking sensors, as well as even firmer suspension and Brembo brakes.

The JCW’s 228bhp from its 2.0 litre turbo four goes to all four wheels thanks to MINI’s electronic ALL4 4WD system, helping the Countryman JCW get to 62mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds according to MINI. They also quote 38.2mpg. 

The 2017 MINI Countryman JCW will go on sale after its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. MINI hasn’t released prices yet, but expect a starting price around £32,500.