The new Mini Countryman has grown and the John Cooper Works version is the most 'peppery' of the range.
The acronym JCW is in fact the one that has always represented sportiness par excellence at Mini and even combined with the third generation of the Countryman it is no exception.
Photo story Mini Countryman John Cooper Works - Photo - Ansa.it
If in terms of dimensions the changes are perceptible, in particular in the length which marks an increase of 13 centimetres, what was striking as soon as we got on board during the road test on the coast of Portugal were the interiors, now characterized by the arrival of new circular instrumentation touch screen.
The command center, a large, completely digital disk that stands out in the center of the dashboard, is coordinated by the innovative Mini Operating System 9, fully connected and with new capabilities and customizations.
Under the bonnet, however, there is a 2.0 turbo petrol engine which develops the remarkable power of 300 horsepower which, combined with the seven-speed automatic transmission and All4 all-wheel drive, ensure great driving fun.
At the wheel, everything translates into a double sensation, namely that of the possibility of using the Countryman JCW for everyday life, be it urban or for journeys even over long distances, as well as that of the possibility of having fun on curves, even if they were from a circuit, leaving nothing to chance.
The large touchscreen can be customized with 8 different scenarios, combined with the expected driving modes, and is equipped with an advanced voice assistant that can be activated via 'Hey Mini'.
The steering wheel is now multifunctional and newly designed with a two-spoke design and fabric strap (optional and with great impact) instead of the classic lower spoke.
Observed from the outside, the new 'bad guy' of the range has an imposing general shape, if compared to previous generations, however smoothed out by the many design details that make it ready for comparison in the field of sportiness.
There is no shortage of aerodynamic elements, while the new LED headlights are specific for the John Cooper Works.
The front is also renewed, with the newly designed octagonal grille designed in glossy black, to accommodate the new tricolor JCV logo.
Also new is the concept for the C-pillar which joins the contrasting roof, in Chili Red colour.
As a sports car ready to adapt to the most specific tastes, the offer of alloy wheels is also wide, available up to 20 inches.
Habitability, although considered the JCW's approach, remains a strong point of the Countryman, in the name of versatility.
In particular, the rear row can be adjusted in length and with the rear seat folded down, the load capacity goes from the standard 460 liters to 1,450 litres.
For the new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works the price list starts at 51,000 thousand euros.
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