At the recent Geneva Motor Show, MINI revealed the new Clubvan Concept as well as the John Cooper Works Countryman. The super sport crossover made its debut earlier this year and is powered by a newly developed four-cylinder engine boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control, and producing 160 kW/218 hp.
MINI JCW Countryman comes as standard with an aerodynamic kit, lowered sports suspension, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and exclusive design features. This is the first John Cooper Works model to also offer a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option.
Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) comes in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h / 140 mph (automatic: 223 km/h / 139 mph).
The second attraction at the MINI display was the new MINI Clubvan Concept – a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small car-based van segment.
The Clubvan has seats for two therefore creating the capacity needed by business owners on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customization potential.
The flat load area which reaches from the split rear doors right up to a partition grille behind the two seats makes full use of the interior’s depth. Six attachment loops recessed into the load floor use elasticated straps to hold cargo in place. The fixed partition grille, made from solid aluminium in the lower part and a stainless steel honeycombe grating, ensures items stowed in the rear won’t fall into the front cabin.
It remains unknown if the premium van will head to production.
Author: Horatiu Boeriu
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/03/14/mini- ... ountryman/