The New Mini John Cooper Works Countryman Arrives With… Less Power Than Before

From the ashes of the every-dying hot hatch, the questionable phoenix of performance crossovers has risen. Volkswagen arguably does the formula best with its T-Roc R, though you’ve also got the Hyundai Kona N and Ford Puma ST just to name a few options.

Mini was early to the fight with a John Cooper Works Countryman in the pseudo-SUVs outgoing generation, though to say it was lukewarm as best is a fair assessment. Now though, there’s a second crack at the whip - albeit it’s not getting us too excited on paper.

Based on the recently revealed new version of the Countryman, this new version follows a similar recipe. Again, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is present - though with a dip in power to 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque (previously 302bhp and 332lb ft). Power is still delivered to an all-wheel-drive system, though the old eight-speed torque converter auto has been swapped for a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.

Predictably with the slight drop in power and torque, the 0-62mph sprint is a bit slower - taking 5.4 seconds, an increase of three-tenths.

Chassis tweaks over the standard car include a “high-performance” braking system, though Mini hasn’t disclosed details. The old car used four-pot callipers on its front axle, so it’s a safe bet the same could be done here. 245mm tyres have been fitted to all four corners, with a choice of 19- or 20-inch “aerodynamically optimised” alloy wheels.

You’ll be able to tell a John Cooper Works from a regular Countryman by a more aggressive bodykit with JCW branding including a new logo, and a specific programme for its daytime running lights.

Sports seats are thrown in, while the rest of the interior is laden with a black and red colour scheme. You’ll also hear a “JCW sound extension” when you start it up. We’ll have to try that one four ourselves before passing any real judgement.

Pricing for the new Mini John Cooper Works kicks off at £42,420 and orders are being taken from today.