New MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman introduced

MINI Malaysia today introduced the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, the two most powerful and exclusive MINI models ever. They were unveiled at the MINI Track Days 2017 held at the Sepang International Circuit.
Introducing the new MINI John Cooper Works models, BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO, Han Sang Yun, said, “In the summer of 1959, Sir Alex Issigonis presented the Mini, his idea of a small car complete with ample space and exciting driving capabilities to the world. The humble classic Mini was then transformed by racing legend John Cooper into a world touring and rally champion, winning the Monte Carlo Rally back to back in 1964 and 1965. Today, as we celebrate John Cooper’s 94th birthday, we are pleased to introduce two new MINI John Cooper Works models which carry the legendary high-performance DNA set by John Cooper as well as the reputation of premium sophistication that MINI is known for.”
MINI Malaysia head, Kidd Yam, added, “MINI has seen a very positive growth in the Malaysian compact segment. In 2016, we delivered over 900 vehicles and recorded a 19% growth in comparison to the brand’s performance in 2015. In the first half of 2017, MINI delivered over 460 vehicles, charting a 9% increase since the same period last year. As the third largest brand in the Malaysian premium segment, we hope to maintain this progress in the industry as we introduce newer variants from the MINI family.”
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is a blend of “versatile performance and sophisticated design”, while the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is built for the adventurer.
The looks of a racer, the spirit of a champion
Key exterior highlights of the new John Cooper Works Clubman and John Cooper Works Countryman include the John Cooper Works aerodynamic bodykit, 19-inch John Cooper Works Course spoke wheels in Burnish Black, John Cooper Works grille, Chili Red roof and mirror caps, Chili Red body stickers, rear spoiler, stainless steel tailpipes, as well as John Cooper Works side scuttles and John Cooper Works door sill.
Inside, the John Cooper Works sports seats with Dinamica leather upholstery in Carbon Black and red stripes, John Cooper Works leather steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, John Cooper Works instrument cluster, John Cooper Works centre display trim.
With great power comes great responsiveness
Both new John Cooper Works variants feature the 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology which produces 231hp with 350Nm of torque. Together with their eight-speed Steptronic Sports automatic transmission, the Clubman hits 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds while the Countryman does so in 6.5 seconds.
The sports brake system developed specially for both the models ensures that not only the acceleration figures reflect the car's thrilling performance-oriented character. Designed in collaboration with the specialist manufacturer Brembo, the four-piston fixed caliper disc brakes guarantee consistently high deceleration performance even when exposed to intensive stress on the race tracK. The Brake calipers are finished in red and bear the John Cooper Works logo.
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman are the first top athletes of the latest generation to be fitted with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 as standard. The electronically controlled distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels allows particularly spirited acceleration manoeuvres as well as increasing agility when taking bends in dynamic style. Additionally, ALL4 ensures supreme traction and optimised driving stability in all weathers and road conditions. Due to the fact that it is interlinked with Dynamic Stability Control DSC, ALL4 guarantees drive torque distribution that is adapted quickly and precisely to the given driving situation, thereby underscoring both the extreme athletic character and the versatility of the new John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman.
The latest version of the all-wheel drive system ALL4 consists of a bevel gear on the front axle differential called a power take-off, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electrohydraulically-controlled hang-on clutch. This engineering principle enables not just a compact and weight-optimised structure but also a highly efficient form of variable power distribution.
In normal driving situations with active DSC, the Clubman and Countryman uses front-wheel drive as is typical of the brand. Here, there is a significant reduction in the loss torque that occurs due to the channelling of power in the power take-off and its transmission via the propeller shaft to the rear axle. Only when necessary does the hang-on clutch relay torque to the rear wheels within a fraction of a second by means of an electrohydraulic pump.
The need for this is determined by the DSC control unit, which permanently measures wheel rotational speeds, current longitudinal and transverse acceleration, road speed, accelerator pedal position, engine torque and steering angle as well as the settings of the dynamic traction control and the optional MINI Driving Modes. Based on this data, any risk of drive slip when setting off, in the event of a particularly intense load requirement or during dynamic cornering can be identified early on; thereby making it possible to anticipate and counteract any tendency to lose traction or any oversteering or understeering of the vehicle.
The intelligent ALL4 control system permanently calculates the ideal balance of power distribution between the front and rear wheels. This allows engine power to be constantly channelled to wherever it can be most effectively converted into traction and driving fun.
New functionality and equipment beyond borders
The new John Cooper Works models feature the high contrast head-up display which displays all the important information drivers need – speed, gear position gear, best moment to change up or down and a rev display.
3D navigation to lead the way can be operated via an 8.8-inch screen, where a split-screen function is made available to display two map views at the same time. For the first time, the screen can be operated using the Touchscreen technology or alternatively, via the MINI Touch Controller on the centre console. Some of the features include MINI Connected, a Bluetooth Connectivity, 20GB of storage for music, as well as an LED ring around the centre instrument.
Another new functionality for the new models is the MINI Find Mate, which can help keep track of anything the driver wants. It comes with two Bluetooth tags that can be applied to for example luggage or keys, allowing the vehicle to track whether these tagged items are in the vehicle or not. If not, an audible signal will be sent and the location of the item will be sent to the driver’s smartphone. If the item is out of range, the car will navigate the driver back to its last known location.
Both new John Cooper Works models are made available in the exterior colours of Rebel Green and Midnight Black. The White Silver is available exclusively for the Clubman while the Light White is for the Countryman.
MINI Roadside Assistance
Both new models are also covered by MINI Malaysia’s newest five-year Roadside Assistance program, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year “accident and help on the phone and on-the-spot” hotline, free towing services and when needed (over 200km from residential home), replacement vehicle, accommodation, mobility services solutions as well as repatriation services.
The MINI Roadside Assistance program can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.
The two new models come with four years’ unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. The estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, with GST and without insurance) are:
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman: RM328,888.00.
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: RM348,888.00.