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The John Cooper Works story has its roots in 1946. Charles Cooper and his son John founded the Cooper Car Company and built their first racing cars in Charles' small garage in Surbiton, England.  The first production model, the Mark I Mini, rolled off the assembly line in 1959 with the addition of a more powerful engine, new brakes and sharper steering, John Cooper had soon transformed this modest little family car into a giant-slaying racing car. In 1961, the first MINI Cooper was born. 

The BMW Group bought the MINI brand in 1994 and launched the first-generation version in 2001.

At the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2027, the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works won the Caravan weight under 1100kg class.

2027 entrants

MINI Countryman John Cooper Works static

MINI Countryman John Cooper Works

Class winner:
Caravan weight under 1100kg

 

Judges' comments:

"This is a car that is genuinely fun to drive – with precise steering, a muscular 296bhp, and an agile chassis – and it shows a towcar for a lighter caravan doesn't have to be dull."

SUV, MINI retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1998
  • Number of gears / gearbox: 7 Auto DCT
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Drive Train: All Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 296 @ 5,750
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 295 @ 2,000 – 4,500
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 9.28s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 12.45s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 53.54m
  • CO2 g/km: 180

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 1735
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2235
  • Caravan (kg): 750
  • Noseweight (kg): 80
  • Roof Load (kg): 75

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £29,345 - £44,030
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,000 towing gear charges: £45,030
  • Insurance group: 30E
  • ISOFIX Mountings: 3
  • NCAP safety rating: Five

Read more about the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works.

Check with your local MINI Retailer for the latest prices and availability.

2026 entrants

MINI Countryman Exclusive

Class entrant:
Caravan weight under 1300kg | Electric Towcar

Judges' comments:

"The Mini provided excellent braking power. The interior of the car is funky and unconventional, making you feel that this is a fun car to drive."

SUV, BMW, retractable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 1
  • Total maximum power (kW): 150
  • Drive Train: Front wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 184
  • Torque (lb/ft: 214
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 13.78s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 6.77s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 44.5m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 1940
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2435
  • Caravan (kg): 750
  • Noseweight (kg): 80

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £33,005 - £48,005
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,000 towing gear charges: £37,705
  • Insurance group: 23E
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the MINI Countryman Exclusive

Check with your local MINI dealer for the latest prices and availability