The Mini Countryman 
was added to the Mini family back in 2010, and it was refreshed for the 2015 model year. Since then, we’ve seen spy shots of the next generation Countryman testing, with the most recent shots coming back in January of 2016. Now, we’ve got some more spy shots, but this time, they are shots of the next-generation Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. This comes as no surprise, as the next-gen Countryman is reportedly due to hit showrooms in the second half of this year, and the JCW version is sure to follow shortly after that.
As far as information goes, we have very little concerning the Countryman JCW, but the spy shots at least give us an idea of how the JCW variant will differ from the base model. Of course, the JCW models never really vary that much, but there is at least some difference to talk about. The model will, of course, get all of the new design and styling from the soon-to-be-released base model, but it will sport a few differences of its own.
With the base model Countryman debuting soon, this thing will likely hit dealerships by the end of the year. So, with that said, let’s take a closer look at these spy shots and see if we can make out anything significant on the Countryman JCW.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works.
Spy Shots
April 22, 2016 – Mini Countryman JCW caught testing at Nurburgring
Exterior
To the untrained eye, these spy shots may look identical to the spy shots we saw of the Mini Countryman last January, but upon closer inspection there are some minor differences that make the JCW different from the base model. Of course, the vehicle will get the new headlamps and larger taillights, but the JCW model will get its own front fascia and some other changes here and there.
The shape of the front grille and air dam look to be the same shape as the standard model, but on the JCW, the mesh in the middle is hexagon shaped
The most dominate difference is the front fascia. The shape of the front grille and air dam look to be the same shape as the standard model, but on the JCW, the mesh in the middle is hexagon shaped. The JCW model also gets a larger air inlet on each side of the air dam, and a small vertical vent on each corner. To the sides, the JCW model looks to have the same wheels that we saw in the last spy shots of the base model, but it does have roof racks up top. Furthermore, it looks like there is also a moonroof on the JCW version.
In the rear, we see the same overhang on the hatch. The taillights will likely be the same as what we see in the spy shots of the base model, but on this mule they are currently covered with camo and decoys, so it is possible that they will differ a little. The other noticeable change around back is a small diffuser between the rear exhaust outlets.
Interior
At this point, the interior of the Countryman JCW is a complete mystery. We haven’t even seen the interior of the base model yet, so we can’t even go off that. Chances are, it will feature the same styling from the Mini Clubman , including the rectangular HVAC vents, a new center console, and larger storage compartments on the doors. The instrument panel and infotainment system will probably carry over from the Mini Cooper.
As is the case with most JCW models, expect to see a JCW-specific steering wheel, JCW sport seats that are wrapped in Dinamica or leather, a JCW shifter, JCW side sills, and stainless steel pedals. It may also include a larger infotainment screen (the system was upgraded to an 8.8-inch unit in the Mini Cooper JCW) and some other features that are optional on the base model.
Drivetrain
Unlike that interior, we have a pretty good idea of what will power the new Countryman JCW. We expect to see the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is used in the Mini John Cooper Works. It delivers 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. All that power should be transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
We expect to see the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is used in the Mini John Cooper Works
Performance figures are still up in the air, but the Mini John Cooper Works can hit a 60-mph sprint in 5.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 150 mph with the manual or 149 mph with the automatic. The Countryman is a little bit bigger, so expect the 60-mph benchmark to come in at 6.1 seconds with top speed probably in the 145 to 147 mph range. Then again, the engine could be retuned a little so that the Countryman JCW can obtain the same performance, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Prices
It’s a little too early to really discuss a solid price, but we know the current Countryman JCW ALL4 retails for $35,350 at the time of this writing. That said, I would expect a similar price point for the 2017 model. If anything, the pricing may increase by up to $1,000, but we’ll just have to wait for official information to know for sure.
Competition
Fiat 500X Abarth
Fiat is probably the number one brand that has really followed a design structure similar to Mini. In just February of 2016 we received spy shots of the 500X Abarth out for some cold weather testing, and we should be seeing it in showrooms around the same time we see the Mini Countryman JCW. At this time, few official details are known, but reports indicate that the 500X Abarth will get the 1.75-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder that is found in the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. If that is the case, the 500X Abarth should benefit from 200 horsepower, a seven-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph – figures that should put it right in line with the Countryman JCW. We expect the 500X Abarth to start out around $31,000, so it may be a little cheaper than the Countryman JCW. The question is, which one will hit showrooms first?
Read our full review on the Fiat 500X Abarth here.
Conclusion
With the next-generation Countryman just months away from making its debut, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing spy shots of the Countryman JCW. I personally think the JCW models have always been too similar to their respective base models, but if I were going to go for a Mini, I would probably go for one of the JCW models. I mean why not? You might as well go for the best version you can get. As far as the differences between the base-model Countryman and the JCW variant are concerned, I like that the JCW does feature some different styling up front, but I think Mini could put more work into differentiating the model. All told, it’s really just a Countryman with a different engine, different front fascia, and some other minor add-ons. Who knows, maybe when we see it lose all the camo, there might be more to get excited about.