John Cooper Works Countryman

Make
Mini
Segment
SUV

Mini is on a facelift frenzy right now. Back in May, the popular Mini Countryman crossover was given a refresh for the 2021 model year, while spy shots have shown the British automaker is already preparing to give the Cooper an update to ease the wait for the next-generation model. Now, Mini has lifted the wraps off the new range-topping 2021 John Cooper Works Countryman, which gains a fresh new design and updated cabin tech.

Arriving in dealers this November, the 2021 Mini JCW Countryman features a redesigned grille and new standard LED headlights and rear lights with Mini's signature Union Jack graphics. Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and a matrix function for the high beam lights are also available and the tailpipes have a larger diameter of 3.7 inches.

New exterior color options include White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic and Piano Black. The headlight surrounds, rear lights, grille, door handles, and the model lettering on the trunk lid are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome with the latter option.

Inside, the interior is adorned with new accents that give the cabin a more premium ambiance. A five-inch digital instrument display positioned behind the steering wheel is a new optional extra, while the 8.8-inch touchscreen is updated with a higher quality design featuring a bezel and touch-sensitive control panels with high-gloss Piano Black surfaces. Thanks to an onboard SIM card, the Mini JCW Countryman is always online.

The Mini Navigation Plus option also provides real-time traffic data, an internet portal, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa voice support. Under the hood, the 2021 Mini Countryman JCW is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That makes it the most powerful engine fitted to a standard Mini. 0-62 mph takes 5.1 seconds.

Compared to the regular Countryman, the John Cooper Works features a stiffer body structure and chassis and can also be equipped with an adaptive chassis.

Sporty standard equipment includes a sports brake system with four-piston fixed caliper disc brakes on the front wheels and single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels, along with 18-inch light-alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

With four doors, a large tailgate, and five full-size seats, the Countryman's practicality has made it one of the most popular models in Mini's lineup. In the new Mini JCW Countryman, the luggage compartment can be expanded up to 49 cu.ft.

Pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, but expect the 2021 Mini JCW Countryman to have a higher price tag than the outgoing model, which starts at $39,400.