Mini has finally extended range of models equipped with four-wheel drive. Following models countryman and paceman all-wheel drive is now also available in their station wagon brother, Mini Clubman ALL4.

Given the fact that the Mini sells this unique five-door wagon as a vehicle with a large factor of usability from the very first presentation of the model back in 2007, it is somehow surprising that four-wheel technology was not available earlier.

Mini Clubman ALL4 promises to increase safety and traction with the support of electronically controlled electro-hydraulic clutch on the rear axle. All that without losing its trademark – top driving performance. As promised by the Mini’s engineers, they were able to furthermore increase the Clubman’s fun factor, lightness and responsiveness.

All wheel drive enables the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, which is precisely adapted to the given driving situation. This is possible due to the interconnectedness of Control unit with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The result is a quick response to changes in driving style and the driving surface, enabling the sporty handling and good traction in all weather and road conditions.

Mini Clubman ALL4 with Cooper S and Cooper SD equipment

The newly developed all-wheel drive system is available in two versions. As a Mini Clubman Cooper S ALL4 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin turbo petrol engine (141 kW / 192 horsepower) and standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8-speed transmission Steptronic. Or as a Mini Clubman Cooper SD ALL4 with 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (140 kW / 190 horsepower) and the 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic.

With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic just 6.6 seconds. The top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h) with both options. Compared with the front-wheel drive Cooper S Clubman this is a 0.3 second improvement.

Production has already started in the Mini factory in Oxford. The first customers will be getting the Mini Clubman ALL4 keys in April, 2016.

Image credit: Mini