New MINI JCW Clubman and Countryman roll in from RM329K

KUALA LUMPUR: MINI in Malaysia has unveiled two new variants to join the iconic British automotive brand with the introduction of the Clubman and Countryman, which now bears the John Cooper Works (JCW) badge – signifying more power and kit.

The new variants are currently estimated to be priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM328,888 and RM348,888 for the Clubman and Countryman respectively, while being accompanied by a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service intervals.

They are also covered by a five-year Roadside Assistance programme that provides a 24-hour Accident and Help on the Phone as well as On the Spot Hotline, free towing services (over 200km from residential home, replacement vehicle, accommodation, mobility services solutions and repatriation service.

Both models are available in two colour options of Rebel Green and Midnight Black, while White Silver is exclusively tagged to the Clubman and Light White for the Countryman.

JCW Clubman

JCW Countryman

Externally, both the Clubman and Countryman have been garnished with JCW parts that include an Aerodynamic body kit, Burnish Black 19-inch Course Spoke wheels, grille, Chili Red roof and mirror caps, Chili Red decals, rear spoiler, stainless steel tail pipes, side scuttles, door sills and MINI Yours Logo projection for the puddle lights. Meanwhile, the Countryman exclusively receives a Picnic Bench which folds out from the boot.

Under the hood, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now plays to an uprated tune of 231hp and 350Nm of torque for the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, managed by an eight-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic and paddle shifters – allowing them to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds (Countryman – 6.5 seconds) and onwards to a top speed of 238kph (Countryman – 234kph).

JCW Clubman

The ALL4 system electronically controls the distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels, allowing for better acceleration and agility, while ensuring optimum traction and stability regardless of road conditions.

According to MINI, the latest ALL4 is also more compact, lighter and more efficient system, which consists of a bevel gear on the front axle differential called a power take-off, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electro-hydraulically controlled hang-on clutch.

JCW Clubman

JCW Countryman

This allows for an ideal balance of power distribution between the front and rear wheels to ensure that optimum traction and driving fun is achieved.

In terms of fuel consumption on the combined cycle, the Clubman burns 7.2 litres per 100km, while the Countryman goes through 7.4 litres.

Inside, there’s also JCW touches such as the sports seats with Dinamica Leather upholstery in Carbon Black and Red Stripes, stainless steel pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument cluster, centre display trim – while being accented by Fibre Alloy (Clubman) or Piano Black (Countryman).

There’s also a high contrast colour Heads-up Display (HUD), which displays the current speed, gear, rev-gauge and also alerts its driver when to shift up a gear.

Also included is a 3D navigation system that’s displayed on a new 8.8-inch screen (now with touchscreen technology), while a split-screen function is also available to display two map views simultaneously.

JCW Clubman

JCW Countryman

Other features include MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity, a 20GB hard drive, a LED ring around the centre instrument, Parking Assist, six-speaker 410W Harman Kardon sound system, reverse camera, keyless-entry with red start-stop toggle and automatic tailgate for greater convenience.

Another new feature is the unique MINI Find Mate, which helps to keep track of the any knick-knacks and comes with two Bluetooth tags that can be attached to a luggage or a set of keys – allowing the vehicle to detect if the item(s) is in the vehicle. If not, an audible signal and the location of the item will be sent to the driver’s smartphone, but should the item(s) be out of range, the car will navigate the driver back to its last known location.

Depending on mood, there are three driving modes to choose from via a rotary switch at the base of the gear knob for SPORT, MID or GREEN, which changes the characteristics of the accelerator and steering sensitivity (Sport being the most sensitive) as well as the engine acoustics and shift characteristics of the transmission.

If fuel is scarce, selecting GREEN mode will provide efficiency-optimised driving with coasting function where the drivetrain is decoupled at speeds between 50 and 160kph once the driver’s foot is off the accelerator pedal. This also alters the Countryman’s adaptive Dynamic Damper Control suspension system, while the Clubman sits on a set of tightened sports suspension.

The brakes have also been uprated, with a set of Brembo four-piston callipers for greater braking performance that have been splashed in bright red paint and bearing the JCW badge.

To help with handling, both Clubman and Countryman have Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control – acting as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential, and Performance Control for more agility when taking on bends at speed.

“As we celebrate John Cooper’s 94th birthday, we are pleased to introduce two new MINI John Cooper Works models which carry the legendary high-performance DNA set by John Cooper as well as the reputation of premium sophistication that MINI is known for,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun.

MINI John Cooper Works Clubman