A NEW-look performance MINI Countryman is on the way with the arrival of a John Cooper Works model later in the year.

Following on from the revisions made to the Countryman last month, MINI is now updating the hot JCW version with more technology and a 2.0-litre turbo engine now boosted to deliver 306hp.

The result is a sporty performance with a 0 to 60 time in the region of 5.1 seconds and an official best fuel return of almost 41mpg.

Emissions are said to be as good a 156g/km which is comparable to the current model.

Other changes include a five-inch digital dashboard display similar to that fitted to the all-electric MNI, all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

In line with the recent facelift of the Countryman the new car gets an updated radiator grille, LED lights front and rear while the JCW has larger exhaust tailpipes to produce some added noise.

Prices now start from £36,000 - an increase of around £2,500 over the previous JCW version and the new car is due to be on the road in November.