Mini Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired | Maxi Cool | Driven

 The MINI Countryman comes in three variants with leatherette Carbon Black as standard upholstery and leather Cross Punch Carbon Black for the all-new MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired. The three variants are the MINI Countryman Cooper S (Petrol), the MINI Countryman Cooper SD (Diesel) and the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired (Petrol). We got the Cooper S JCW Inspired Petrol variant for a review.

The Cooper S JCW Inspired is powered by a petrol 1998cc, 4 cylinder engine that produces around 192 hp and a peak torque of 280Nm with a 0 to 100kmph in 7.5 seconds. The British Racing Green colour is offered exclusively for the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.

Let me talk about its cool features, rather than doing the usual review of a car. 

1.       The car is equipped with John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit which is basically a rear roof spoiler and smart 18-inch JCW thrill spoke alloy wheels. The car has a British Racing Green colour with white roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes in white.

2.       The car has LED headlights, LED fog lights, rear fog lights, chrome plated double exhaust tailpipe finisher, roof rails and not to miss a panorama glass roof. The roof-rails are in satin-finished aluminium. The car has silver-coloured side sill tops. The distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour of the LED headlamp together with the radiator grille produces a smart front view.

3.       This car also comes with Comfort Access System which in essence means that it puts an end to searching for car keys in your trouser pockets, jackets or handbags. All you have to do is to approach the MINI, open the door and press the start button. The unique key is recognised remotely by the comfort access sensors. This is the MINI way of explaining the keyless entry feature.

4.       The all-new MINI Countryman is some 20 cm longer than its predecessor and approximately 3 cm wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 cm. This growth has resulted in increased seating space for five adults. The raised seating position ensures a good view for those inside.

5.       Using the cargo function, boot capacity can be increased from 450 litres to 1,309 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split. This constitutes a maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model. The Automatic Tailgate combined with Comfort Access System allows the boot to be opened and closed just by waving your foot under the rear fender.

6.       There is also a picnic bench which once pulled out keeps the fender covered and also has space for you and your loved one to cosy up without spoiling your clothes. We find this the coolest of all the cool functions!

7.       Inside you get to notice the JCW door entry strips and stainless steel pedal covers. The John Cooper Works magic continues in the illuminated cockpit with the JCW sports leather steering wheel that comes with steering mounted controls.

8.       The steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach. For the driver there is a smart Head UP Display. Driver Assistance Systems include Cruise Control, Park Assistant and Rear View Camera.

9.       Luxury and utility  inside include ‘leather cross punch’ sport seats, 2 zone automatic air conditioning, centre arm rest for front and rear ,Harmon Kardon hi-fi speaker system, MINI Find Mate and the MINI Wired Package. The sports seats for the driver and front passenger can be adjusted for height and there are electric seat adjustments with memory function. The MINI Wired Package includes Navigation System Professional and MINI Connected XL 8.8” screen with Touch Controller and Bluetooth mobile connectivity.

10.   The iconic circular central instrument panel is surrounded by an LED ring offering a brilliant colour display in 8.8-inch touchscreen. The intuitive use is complemented by the controller on the middle console for easy operation of multimedia, phone and car functions.

11.   The MINI Excitement Pack features LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cockpit with a choice of selectable colours as well as projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver's side when opening and closing the car door.

12.   MINI Driving Modes enable an individualised vehicle set-up. In addition to the standard MID mode there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN mode.

13.   Driving is fun with the auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.

14.   The 8-speed sports automatic steptronic transmission in the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired with paddle shifters makes for a very sporty drive.

15.    Safety has not been compromised in this car as it comes with front and passenger air bag. Then there are features like Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control and Run-flat tyres as standard.