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The 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is a hot crossover

With the introduction of the 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, Mini has both rounded out its JCW line-up, and created one of the fastest little crossovers out there. The model follows the recently released JCW Clubman, and like that car, the JCW Countryman has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That puts it solidly ahead of the next sportiest crossover, the 215-horsepower Juke Nismo RS, though it falls short of the monstrous Mercedes-AMG GLA45's 375 horsepower. The JCW Countryman's power is sent to all four wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission. Although the automatic has launch control, Mini claims both the manual and automatic JCW Countrymans will reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 145 mph. Comparing acceleration times, the Countryman comes up a tenth behind the JCW Cooper, and two tenths behind the JCW Clubman. On top of the extra power, the JCW Countryman gets improvements in the steering and stopping departments. We don't have much detail about the suspension at this point, but it says it has been changed for better handling. The brakes are upgraded to Brembo units, with the front calipers featuring four pistons. You'll be able to spot a JCW Countryman thanks to a few exterior and interior tweaks, too. JCW badges adorn each side of the car, the front bumper eschews fog lights for larger air inlets, and the grille gets a red surround. Mini also offers its Rebel Green paint as well as a Chili Red roof and mirrors, both options that are only available on JCW vehicles. The interior receives JCW sport seats, steering wheel, and shifters, too. The high-performance Countryman will make its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show and should reach US dealers this April. Mini has not revealed pricing yet, but will likely present it closer to the on-sale date. Related Video:

Last chance to order an R56 Mini Hardtop

Mini will be ending custom orders of the current R56 Cooper Hardtop ahead of the retooling process for the new F56 Mini. That means owners who aren't enamored with what they've seen of the model's new look but still want a personalized version of the tossable hot hatch had best get down to their local Mini dealership and submit their order post-haste.
According to Mini enthusiast site Motoringfile, all orders must be submitted by August 28 in order to get a custom build. Orders are also locked in after that, so if you do get one of the spots, make sure you're absolutely content with the car you order. This cutoff will affect all models of the Hardtop, including the John Cooper Works model.
After August 28, owners will need to wait for the new Hardtop to arrive, which Motoringfile estimates will be in March of 2014. If you miss out on this final allocation of hardtops, all is not lost, however. Mini will still accept personalized orders on other bodystyles, which won't be replaced by F56-based models for some time.

2015 Mini Countryman getting mild facelift for NY

Mini has introduced three generations of retro hatchback since its revival in 2001, with numerous bodystyles spun off that core model. But the Countryman has always stood apart from the rest (save the Paceman which was in turn spun off of it). The Mini crossover is bigger than the rest of the lineup, has more doors, more driven wheels and a familiar yet different look.
There's an all-new model in the works, set to share its architecture with BMW's own front-drive family. But that's still a couple of years away, so to keep the Countryman looking fresh, Mini is reportedly preparing to roll out a mildly facelifted version at the upcoming New York Auto Show.
As we're still awaiting confirmation from the automaker, few details on the updated Countryman are available at this point, but word has it that it will only include some minor cosmetic enhancements to the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Just how comprehensive those updates will be, and how many of them will be derived from the latest Mini Cooper hardtop remain to be seen, but with the NY show just a week away, it won't be long before we find out.