MINI will use the setting of the Auto Shanghai 2015 show to unveil its latest performance model, the John Cooper Works 5 door. Although it will also be the first time that the 3 door John Cooper Works model will be seen in China, it is a global premiere for the five-door version. Note: pictures have not yet been released of the car so take what you will from the images here of the 3 door and the Countryman Park Lane.
Exterior
The MINI 5 door John Cooper Works is easily distinguished from the Cooper S and Cooper SD variants by a more aggressively styled body kit consisting of a front end that includes a lower bumper section with noticeably larger air intakes replacing the fog lights. A similar visual treatment towards the rear, including a more aerodynamic roof spoiler and John Cooper Works badging on the boot lid, mark it out from the rest of the 5 door models. Black 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with a contrasting machined finish complete the sportier image.
Interior
Continuing the sporting theme inside, the John Cooper Works gets sports seats and black upholstery that features flashes of red throughout. As with the exterior, the cabin has plenty of visual reminders that it is a more special model, including darker instrument dials.
Mechanicals
Under the bonnet is the most powerful engine to power a MINI model, the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit that features in the 3 door John Cooper Works. Producing 231hp, it is capable of accelerating the 5 door to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just over six seconds. In China MINI will equip the car with a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as standard but European models will get a six-speed manual.
Anything else?
The Auto Shanghai 2015 show will also see the unveiling of a new Park Lane edition of the Countryman (pictured below and as the main image). Painted in a combination of Earl Grey metallic paint with a contrasting Oak Red roof and door mirror caps, it also wears 'Park Lane' badging on the side scuttles, door sills and on the interior. The Countryman Park Lane also gets 18-inch alloy wheels that are finished with a Turbo Fan Dark Grey design. It will be offered in two distinct models: the Countryman Cooper Park Lane and Countryman Cooper S Park Lane, both of which will be available to order with MINI's optional all-wheel drive 'ALL4' transmission.