So it’s not a crossover, compact or any type of SUV but the newly introduced MINI Clubman wagon with All4 (MINI-speak for all-wheel drive) has just been launched in Europe and is set for a world premiere at the New York Auto Show in April.
The car is identical to the standard Clubman except that it makes use of an electronically controlled AWD system with a hang-on multidisc clutch that decouples the rear axle differential under normal driving conditions for better fuel efficiency and to reduce loss of torque.
When called for, the hang-on clutch relays torque to the rear wheels within a fraction of a second. The system is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that can separately brake or provide additional torque to each wheel.
In Europe the offering will be the Cooper S with the 140kW 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder petrol, and the Cooper SD with an 140kW 2.0L turbo diesel connected exclusively to the 8-speed Steptronic.