Mini has updated its range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) versions of its Countryman and Clubman with a new petrol engine that provides high-end performance.
The upgraded models become the fastest road-ready Minis in the firm’s history, thanks to a new 2.0-litre ‘TwinPower’ petrol engine that produces 302bhp and 450Nm of torque.
That’s a huge 74bhp jump in power over the last JCW iterations and enables both models to accelerate to 0-60mph in under five seconds – the Clubman hatchback taking 4.7 seconds in the sprint, and the Countryman SUV 4.9 seconds. That’s 1.4 and 1.5 seconds quicker than the previous respective models.
The two cars are also the fastest Minis ever to come from the factory, with both the John Cooper Works Countryman and Clubman having an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
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A twin exhaust system also makes the two cars sound rather raucous, while both come as standard with All4 all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The chassis has also been enhanced, while electronically-controlled dampers are available as an optional extra. Larger brakes also feature.
18-inch alloy wheels and a central Honeycomb air inlet help to differentiate the JCW from the standard Countryman and Clubman, while as an option, the models can come with a contrasting red roof and 19-inch alloys. The interior also benefits from JCW sports seats, a sports steering wheel and anthracite headliner.
Standard equipment is excellent, with LED headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, park assist, heated seats and a rear-view camera coming on all models.
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The updated versions are both available from July 2019, with the John Cooper Works Clubman being priced from £34,250, and the John Cooper Works Countryman starting at £35,550.
