Launched in 2010, the MINI Countryman holds the title of biggest second biggest MINI ever after the current Clubman. For the 2017 model year, the British manufacturer will freshen up the Countryman with an all-new generation which is tentatively due at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The swirling camouflage hides a more modern design for the subcompact-sized crossover, one that resembles that of the Cooper 5-Door. Everything from the mesh grille to the oval headlights oozes MINI, while the two tailpipes poking out from each corner of the rear bumper are a tell-tale sign this is a JCW variant.
Look more closely and you’ll also observe more aggressive front air intakes than those of the regular 2017 MINI Countryman. The bigger alloy wheels and the front air dam are other features characteristic of JCW models. As far as the cabin design is concerned, don’t expect too much change over the MINI Cooper 5-Door.
Based on the UKL platform that also underpins the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and BMW X1, the 2017 MINI Countryman and Countryman JCW will be available with the All4 all-wheel-drive system. Mind you, prepare to pay extra for the added traction. Goodies such as variable damper control will also be offered.
Engine-wise, the lineup will consist of three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units. The most performance-oriented option will come in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 228 horsepower (231 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. Cog-swapping duties will be handled by a six-speed manual transmission as standard or a 6-speed auto that does a fine job in the fan-bleeding-tastic MINI John Cooper Works.
Rumor has it a plug-in hybrid variant of the Countryman is also in the works, one that will incorporate an electric motor into the independent Z-axle to drive the rear wheels. We'll have to wait and see if the rumor will come to fruition.
Look more closely and you’ll also observe more aggressive front air intakes than those of the regular 2017 MINI Countryman. The bigger alloy wheels and the front air dam are other features characteristic of JCW models. As far as the cabin design is concerned, don’t expect too much change over the MINI Cooper 5-Door.
Based on the UKL platform that also underpins the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and BMW X1, the 2017 MINI Countryman and Countryman JCW will be available with the All4 all-wheel-drive system. Mind you, prepare to pay extra for the added traction. Goodies such as variable damper control will also be offered.
Engine-wise, the lineup will consist of three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units. The most performance-oriented option will come in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 228 horsepower (231 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. Cog-swapping duties will be handled by a six-speed manual transmission as standard or a 6-speed auto that does a fine job in the fan-bleeding-tastic MINI John Cooper Works.
Rumor has it a plug-in hybrid variant of the Countryman is also in the works, one that will incorporate an electric motor into the independent Z-axle to drive the rear wheels. We'll have to wait and see if the rumor will come to fruition.