2024 Mini Countryman gets next-gen John Cooper Works make-over to better compete with Audi RSQ3, BMW X2 M35i and Mercedes-AMG GLA35 as it nears Australian launch

Mini has revealed the John Cooper Works performance variant of its upcoming next-generation Countryman small SUV.

Punching out 221kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and packing all-wheel drive, the Countryman JCW can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, according to the brand. Mini also says that despite the new Countryman's chunky styling, it maintains a drag coefficient of 0.26 "one of the most aerodynamic in its class".

The power output of this engine is slightly less than it is for the related BMW X2 M35i. but the 0-100km/h sprint time is the same. Mini says the new engine features optimised pistons, connecting rods, and engine mounts, alongside a dual-drive exhaust turbocharger. A new ‘Go-Kart' driving mode pumps up the exhaust note, with a matching theme applied to the interior ambient lighting and on its OLED displays.

Elsewhere, the Countryman JCW offers the same wild styling cues which are native to the John Cooper Works sub-brand, with aggressive black, red, and white highlights, unique 19- and 20-inch wheels, a specifically designed exhaust note, and a new octagonal grille design.

Inside, the Countryman JCW features what the brand calls a ‘reduced design' which still features JCW-specific higher-grade seats, and also now features a two-tone theme made from recycled polyester. The cabin also features ambient lighting, and the brand's latest software suite.

The rear row of seats is also on rails, with Mini saying it can be adjusted by up to 13 centimetres. It allows for a boot capacity of up to 460 litres (VDA) expanding to 1530L when the second row is folded flat.

The new Countryman also boasts the most thorough active safety suite yet, with the brand saying thanks to its new 'Driving Assistant Professional' system, "For the first time, drivers in the Mini Countryman can take their hands off the steering wheel on highway-like routes at speeds of up to 60km/h, provided they continue to keep a close eye on traffic and remain ready to intervene at any time."

Speaking to CarsGuide, a Mini representative confirmed the standard Countryman C and S variants would arrive in Q1 of 2024, while the John Cooper Works and fully electric variant would arrive in the latter half of the year.

Countryman models will be built in Leipzig, Germany for the Australian market, while fully electric Cooper production is set to switch to China for its next-gen iteration, at least until the brand's historic Oxford plant can be re-tooled to produce the electric model.

Next year will see Mini's line-up refreshed in Australia thanks to the new Countryman and Cooper range arriving, with the production version of the Aceman set to follow at a later date. Stay tuned for more accurate timing, as well as pricing and spec for these next-generation models when details becomes available.