Mini Debuts its New Clubman All4

Mini Clubman ALL4 (Credit: © Mini)

Earlier in 2015, Mini debuted the new clubman model, AKA the not-so-mini Mini. Unfortunately, the Clubman came only with front-wheel drive, leaving many buyers wishing power went to all four wheels. Today, Mini satisfies those wishes with the unveiling of the Clubman All4.

Virtually every bit of the Clubman ALL4 is the same as its front-driven sibling, save for the fact that it delivers power to all four corners. The all-wheel-drive system not only enhances the Clubman’s ability to handle slippery conditions, but it also helps the larger Mini handle the twisty stuff even better. This system uses a power take-off bevel gear in the front diff, an electrohydraulically controlled hang-on clutch in the rear axle, and a dual-section propeller shaft to link them up.

Mini Clubman ALL4 (Credit: © Mini)

Thanks to the Mini Clubman’s Dynamic Stability Control, torque is instantly adapted between the front and rear axles for optimal handling and traction. Power initially hits the front axle, but the bevel take-off gear ships power toward the rear axle, which is then adjusted via the hang-on clutch for the driving conditions.

Like the Clubman, the ALL4 version comes in two states of tune. The base model makes use of a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed auto transmission. This base model hits 60 mph in a not-so-hot 9.2 seconds – 0.3 seconds slower than the front-driven Clubman.

Mini Clubman ALL4 (Credit: © Mini)

As for the Clubman S ALL4, it uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that cranks out 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of twist. This engine also mates to a manual or auto transmission, but its sprint time is significantly lower at 6.7 seconds with the manual and 6.6 seconds with the auto – 0.3 seconds faster than the Clubman S.

The Clubman ALL4 will hit showrooms in April 2016, but there are no details on its pricing at this point. Stay tuned for more on this.