Mini has revealed its new Clubman All4 five weeks before the model debuts at the New York motor show.
The Clubman All4 is the all-wheel-drive variant of the current Mini Clubman. It uses Mini’s latest driveline to enable both two- and four-wheel-drive as well as torque vectoring.
Four-wheel-drive
The use of a hang-on clutch in the system enables the All4 to decouple the rear and operate in front-wheel-drive under normal circumstances, helping to save fuel and reduce torque losses by up to 30%. However, when the system detects slip, it can engage the variable clutch and immediately direct torque rearwards via a two-part prop-shaft.
The whole system works with the car’s driving dynamics system, which can independently brake or send torque to each wheel for full torque vectoring. It can improve agility by doing things like braking the car’s inside wheels and sending torque to the outside wheels during hard cornering, helping to tighten the car’s line.
Read our extensive test of the second generation Mini Clubman hatch-cum-estate
There are also obvious benefits to traction in low-grip scenarios, such as snow and ice.
Engine and transmission
Just two engines from the Mini line-up are available at launch. The first is the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the Cooper S, which produces 189bhp at 5000rpm and 206lb ft of torque at 1250rpm (this grows to 221lb ft during short stints of overboost).
Mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the Cooper S Clubman All4 can sprint from 0-62mph in a claimed 7.0sec, and will keep on accelerating on until 140mph. This is two-tenths quicker and 2mph slower than the two-wheel-drive alternative.
The manual All4 can also manage a claimed 40.9mpg combined, and produces 159g/km of CO2.
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This may steal sales for Mini's own Countryman
This Clubman with the All4 option would definitely be a more attractive option and would sway buyers away from Mini's own Countryman.
The only fault I find is the rather unattractive huge shifter which is way too tall in an otherwise distinctive and stylish Mini interior. It looks like the end of an aluminum walking cane -- not sporty at all.
Knowing Mini and it's plethora of options and accessories, I am hoping there will be a more attractive and sportier looking shifter on their accessories menu.
It's longer and wider than