MINI JCW Countryman Starts at $35,550

Mini has just announced pricing for the Countryman John Cooper Works edition, revealing that after all the speed oriented goodies are tacked on, the small crossover will cost $35,550.

The biggest news for the Countryman JCW is the standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, representing the first JCW model to use the technology. It incorporates an electromagnetic center differential that spreads out power evenly between the front and rear wheels, but can also direct power to wherever it will serve the most benefit to the car.

Providing power for the all-wheel-drive setup is a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four pot engine that cranks out 208 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. Fitted standard to the engine is a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed automatic with Steptronic function and steering wheel shift paddles is available as an option. Sprinting from 0-60 mph will take the car seven seconds, all while achieving about 31 mpg according to the company.

For performance, the JCW Countryman is equipped with MacPherson struts in the front, while a central-arm rear axle has been adapted specifically for the sporty model. The vehicle is 10-mm lower than the standard Countryman while thicker sway bars, larger brakes, and 18-inch wheels round off the package.

Few options were announced, but among the ones available are 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, black or red leather-trimmed sport seats and interior trim, and red exterior stripes.

The Countryman JCW’s main competitor is the Volkswagen Golf R, which also sports a six-speed manual gearbox, all-wheel drive and a very close $35,385 price tag.