During our visit to Abu Dhabi, we took part in a rather special event held by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and MINI: the unveil of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.
More than 40 guests, including ourselves, participated in the customer and media event, in which MINI Driver Instructors guided participants through the driving options available on the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, through a series of dynamic driving activities.
Participants also enjoyed taxi drives in the new MINI John Cooper Works GP, the fastest MINI ever built. The limited edition model boasts a modified four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 218 hp. Only 2,000 units have been produced worldwide, 20 of which are available for purchase across the Middle East.
Available from January 2013 onwards, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will offer an optional automatic gearbox, which supplies power to all four wheels.
Commenting on the arrival of the JCW Countryman, Sarah Klippert, MINI Manager, BMW Group Middle East, said: “Currently, the MINI Countryman is the best-selling MINI model in the Middle East, so the new edition of the MINI JCW Countryman coupled with the new automatic gearbox is an exciting addition to the MINI portfolio. “
Having arrived in the region last month, the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is also available on the following MINI John Cooper Works models: Hatch, Cabrio, Coupé and Roadster. Owners who opt to go the automatic route still have the ability to shift gears manually by using the selector or shift paddles located on the steering wheel.