THE flagship of the new MINI Countryman line up is to be a John Cooper Works model which will sit alongside an all-electric version in the SUV range.

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 300hp, the Countryman JCW continues as an all-wheel-drive car and features a new black, red and white logo.

Performance figures are a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds with a maximum of 155mph. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission which results in an official fuel return of 36.2mpg.

Sporty styling includes a new grille in black, bespoke bumpers front and rear and bonnet stripes as well as JCW model's characteristic quad exhaust set up split into two sets either side at the back of the car.

Prices will start from £42,120 and the JCW will arrive at the same time as the electric model early in 2024.

Uprated brakes with red callipers are standard as is sports suspension and the Countryman JCW is 13cm longer and six centimetres taller than the second generation version.

Boot space now runs from 460 to 1,450 litres.

MINI says the red and black colour scheme at the dashboard, along the door panels and on the high-grade JCW sports seats, is a nod to MINI's racing heritage while the dashboard trim is made of a two-tone textile created from recycled polyester.

As well as a specially designed JCW steering wheel the cabin is dominated by a 9.4-inch round display screen in the centre of the dashboard while there is also a head-up display system.