Mini extends all-wheel drive 04 | 06 | 2013

MINI HAS EXTENDED its ALL4 four-wheel drive technology to its Countryman and Paceman models. This is the first time the technology has extended beyond just the John Cooper Works versions.

From next month, there will be four versions of the Countryman and Paceman available with optional ALL4: all will be powered by BMW's 122bhp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.

This increases the number of all-wheel versions within the Mini model range to 10 models. The new models are also fitted with 6-speed manual transmission as standard: a 6-speed auto 'box is available as an option.

The range will include Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and Mini Cooper S Paceman ALL4 (184bhp), the Mini Cooper SD Countryman ALL4 and the Mini Cooper SD Paceman ALL4 (143bhp), along with the Mini Cooper D Countryman ALL4 and the Mini Cooper D Paceman ALL4 (112bhp).

The Countryman ALL4 sprints from 0 to 62mph in 11.9 secs (auto: 11.7s), marginally slower than the Paceman All4 which reaches 62mph from standstill in 11.8s.

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Jim McGill