Mini continues testing the next generation of its Countryman wagon, as evidenced by these spy photos snapped near the Nürburgring. Judging by the four tailpipes, it is a John Cooper Works version. Rumor has it that the new Countryman JCW will take advantage of a plug-in hybrid system based on a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The output could exceed 320 PS. That said, there will likely be other drivetrain options as well. Buyers will probably get a mild-hybrid version based on the same engine and another one based on a larger 2.0-liter block.
The Countryman family will also be
complemented with an all-electric model in single- and dual-motor variants. The
only battery announced so far stores up to 64.7 kilowatt-hours. Mini has not
announced a premiere date yet, but it is official that the sales will not begin
until 2024.
