What's all this about?

Barely has the largest MINI yet, the MkII Countryman, hit the streets than the Oxford outfit has gone and superseded the Cooper S with a new range-topper. Predictably, it's the hotter-than-hot John Cooper Works (JCW) variant, MINI's fastest road-going crossover yet.

What helps to identify the JCW?

Outside, look for big 18-inch alloys, the JCW Aerodynamics body kit, large air inlets in the front bumper and a bespoke shape of roof spoiler on the boot of the Countryman, as well as subtle badges (natch), while within are JCW-specific sports seats with integrated headrests, as well as a special steering wheel and gearlever. Standard equipment includes sat-nav, rear Park Distance Control and keyless entry and go, while the roof lining is finished in anthracite.

Is the 2.0-litre turbo from the JCW Hatch used?

It is, with the same 231hp at 5,000- to 6,000rpm, but with the higher torque output (350Nm) of the four-wheel drive ALL4 Clubman, rather than the front-wheel drive Hatch's 320Nm. However, the crossover's weight and aero both blunt the performance slightly, the JCW Countryman managing 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, two-tenths down on the Clubman and four-tenths behind the Hatch. However, for a big, hefty four-wheel-drive machine, that's still mighty quick.

What else does the JCW Countryman get?

Brembo brakes with four-pot callipers up front, JCW-tuned sports suspension, a sports exhaust and a choice of two gearboxes, either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed Steptronic automatic. Neither of these transmissions improves the acceleration over the other, but the Steptronic is cleaner - it can achieve 40.9mpg and 158g/km of CO₂ emissions, while the manual is a little less green at 38.2mpg and 169g/km. Finally, Dynamic Damper Control is an option on this ultimate MINI crossover.

When does it go on sale and how much will it cost?

No specifics as yet but it'll hit the roads in the coming months and it will likely cost well in excess of £30,000 once the lengthy options list is raided.