While everyone remains stuck at home, the folks over at Mini Malaysia have kept busy. The company has announced the arrival of not one, but two new John Cooper Works models, namely the JCW 3 Door and the JCW Countryman. 

Priced at RM311,259, the 2021 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door is powered by a two-litre four-pot turbo good for 231bhp and 320Nm of torque. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission spins the front wheels, launching the hot hatch to 100kph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds. Top speed is rated at 246kph. Mini quotes a fuel consumption average of 6.3 litres per 100km for the smallest car in its JCW range.  

For RM383,463, you get a meatier 306hp/450Nm engine and ALL4 all-wheel drive to go with the 2021 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman. The most practical fast Mini money can buy will do 0-100kph in a swifter 5.1 seconds, all the way to a limited 250kph. The Countryman runs the same eight-speeder as the 3 Door, but is understandably a little thirstier with a fuel average of 7.6 litres per 100km. 

It takes a keen eye to spot the aesthetic updates applied to the JCW duo, which includes a redesigned radiator grille with hexagonal slats and bigger intakes, model-specific air 'scuttles' and revised rear diffusers. Both models are dressed up in piano black exterior trims, with a new set of adaptive LED headlamps leading the way up front. 

Inside, both cars feature a new steering wheel design, 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster paired to an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charger and panoramic sunroof. Mini's Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant are standard across both JCW models, as are connectivity features such as Mini Online, Concierge Services, Mini Navigation and Apple CarPlay.  

Prices quoted include four years of unlimited mileage warranty and scheduled maintenance, plus the SST exemption which has been extended until the end of 2021. The JCW 3 Door and JCW Countryman are also backed by Mini Malaysia's five-year, 24-7 roadside assistance program for extra peace of mind. 

Which would you take to the track in once it reopens? The classic JCW 3 Door, or the peppier (and heftier) Countryman?