The 2nd-generation MINI Countryman bows out from Malaysia with a final sporty flourish.
The MINI Countryman has been rather well-liked by Malaysians since its first introduction over here in 2011, and especially so when local assembly of the model began in 2013 at Kulim. It is after all the top-selling model for the brand locally year-after-year, with this crossover routinely accounting for a bulk of its annual sales.
But alas, all good things must come to an end, and it is finally time to bid a fond farewell to the second-generation Countryman over here (likely in preparation for the imminent arrival of its successor). Though in typical fun MINI fashion (and totally not because they have these bits lying around), this maxi-crossover has been sent off with a sporty flourish in the form of an exclusive John Cooper Works Trim.
Limited to 168 units, this exclusive edition of the Countryman lands with the John Cooper Works (JCW) aerodynamic kit that is headlined by a meaner front apron with built-in air ducts and rear bumper with a diffuser. The kit also brings with it branded door sill finishers, a sporty rear spoiler and 19-inch JCW Circuit Spoke Wheels with run-flat tyres.
Moving on inside meanwhile, this JCW Trim of MINI Countryman is further accentuated by anthracite sun visors, dome light housing, as well as anthracite pillars that span the front to the rear of the vehicle. Featured within too are two handles on the ceiling in the rear and front, which according to the automaker ‘add to its sporty appeal’.
Now just to be clear here, the aforementioned sporty appeal of this JCW Trim should not be conflated by the true sportiness that is inherent with the true JCW Countryman. Such is because while the full-fat JCW packs a potent 306 hp from its 2.0-litre turbo four pot under its hood, this JCW lookalike instead only outputs a more modest 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque from the same engine configuration.
That being said though, this crossover is still to be capable of sprinting to the century mark in a more-than-reasonable 7.5 seconds, and onwards a top speed of 226 km/h. MINI is also claiming that its 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission can achieve extremely fast gear change in the SPORT driving mode, or activate the coasting function for increased comfort via the GREEN driving mode.
And speaking of green, the MINI Countryman JCW Trim will be available in four enthralling colours, namely the British Racing Green, Chilli Red, Nanuq White and Sage Green. All of which in limited quantities to offer a truly exclusive ownership experience.
Funnily enough however amid all this JCW-themed send-off fanfare, MINI has incidentally also stated that the normal Countryman still be available for order over here. The standard flavour of this maxi-MINI currently retails for RM 250,388, while the limited JCW Trim adds another RM 3,500 to that price. It is worth highlighting that these prices mentioned here are inclusive of SST, but are without the RM 10,400 MINI Extended Warranty and Service package factored in.
With Straight Line Financing by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the MINI Countryman JCW Trim is made more attractive with a special 0% interest rate offer, available for a limited time only. Alternatively, the MINI Countryman JCW Trim can be owned with Easy Drive Financing, starting from RM 2,329.00 (based on estimates of 75% loan, 100,000 km mileage on a five-year tenure).
For those who prefer the classic MINI Countryman on the other hand, customers can still opt for the standard variant from RM 2,296.00 (based on estimates of 75% loan, 100,000 km mileage on a five-year tenure) with the Easy Drive Financing, or opt for the same limited-time 0% interest rate programme with Straight Line Financing.
