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2018 MINI Countryman JCW Rendered: 231 HP Hot Crossover

Many manufacturers have played with the idea of making a hot crossover. Nissan even reportedly developed a Qashqai Nismo, but it never came out. However, MINI can never be accused of cowardice, as the Countryman had a JCW version right from the get-go.
2018 MINI Countryman JCW Rendered: 231 HP Hot Crossover 13 photos
Photo: Remco M
MINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on NurburgringMINI Countryman JCW testing on Nurburgring
It featured the first 1.6-liter production engine to push comfortably past 200 horsepower and a body kit that set the record straight. A successor is now on its way, and we have a pretty good idea of what it looks like, thanks to the rendering created by Remco M.

Just as the regular 2017 Countryman is making its motor show debut in Los Angeles right now, MINI engineers are probably putting the finishing touches on the John Cooper Works version, which has been seen testing at the Nurburgring throughout the year (check the spy shot gallery).

Our predictions place its debut three to six months from now, most likely at the next Geneva Motor Show. And even though we know for sure that it will have nowhere near as much power as a Golf R or a GLA 45 AMG, we're still pretty excited.

You see, you don't really need 381 hp to have fun in a hatchback, as proven by the Golf GTI. And most people who spend this kind of money also want an all-rounder, to which the Countryman adds classic MINI design.

Which is not to say that we agree with MINI's decision. It's almost a given that the JCW Countryman will have the same 231 hp as its Clubman sister car. Meanwhile, SEAT is preparing the Ateca Cupra with around 300 hp. Givin their comparatively similar size and weight, it's very likely they will eventually drag race with bad results for the Brit.

Volkswagen will also have the Tiguan R ready towards the end of 2017. Sure, it's bigger and heavier than the Countryman, but that also brings a larger cabin to the table.

And MINI definitely needs to hear some constructive criticism because the John Cooper Works Clubman is already an expensive car at 35,800 euros. By the time you add the auto gearbox and all the styling options, you're looking at a too much money for a car that compromises on power.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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