MINI has released its ALL4 all-wheel drive system as an option on the base model Cooper Countryman and Cooper Paceman. For quite some time the system was only available on the Cooper S Countryman and, more recently, Cooper S Paceman variants.
The engine remains the same 1.6-litre 4-cylinder producing 90 kW and 160 Nm with the standard six-speed manual and 190 Nm of torque from the optional automatic transmission. These figures translate into a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 11.9 seconds (11.7 for the auto) and a top speed of 184 km/h (182 for the auto). The claimed fuel consumption is pegged at 6.9 l/100 km and 7.7 l/100 km for the auto.
The permanent all-wheel drive system should provide enhanced traction and stability to the already competent chassis. The All4 system is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and distributes drive force at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle. This is said to aid the driver in maintaining control in sand, snow, slippery surfaces or on a twisty pass.
Unfortunately word from BMW South Africa is that MINI has no plans of making the new All4 derivative available locally.
