MINI Countryman JCW spied

By Jack Rix

24th June 2010

It's a Countryman, but with added attitude! The jury's still out on the MINI 4x4's challenging styling, but that hasn't stopped BMW from developing a sporty styling pack for its compact SUV. These images were leaked onto the web and clearly show an agressive new look for the Countryman and suggest a high-performance 4x4 variant is on the way.

Besides a more agressive splitter the front remains unchanged. Lower side sills with a trademark vent ahead of the rear wheel arch pump up the profile, while a lower rear bumper completely surround the twin exhausts.

And the kit's not all for show either. These leaked photos were taken in a wind tunnel during testing, suggesting the new bodywork has a positive effect on the car's aerodynamic performance.

The new look is virtually a carbon copy of the bodykit fitted to high-performance JCW versions of the hatch, cabriolet and Clubman - particularly the distinctive side sills. Larger diameter twin exhausts, and a taped-over 'ALL4' badge on the front wing - suggesting that this Countryman has some serious performance potential.

Expect the Countryman JCW to use the same 208bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as other models in the range, and to hit 62mph from a standstill in under seven seconds. The sporty styling pack is also likely to be offered as an optional extra on the other models in the range.