2013 was a big year for MINI. Apart from reaching 7 models in its line-up with the new Paceman, the British company also unveiled the 3rd generation Cooper and launched the new ALL4 all-wheel-drive system for some of their cars.
Whilst at first go-kart enthusiasts were reluctant towards driving a mini with traction going to all four corners of the car, the system proved to be quite capable even in off-road situations and quite handy, especially in snowy areas of the world.
The Countryman, fitted with the ALL4 system is, for example, described by the officials as a versatile SUV styled for the city but at home in the country. And they might be somewhat right. Whilst its size doesn’t match up to an SUV, the large wheel arches, the reasonably high ground clearance and the AWD transmission will allow you to do things never before imagined in a MINI.
Another model that received the new traction system is the Paceman. The Coupe is definitely not destined for off-road but ALL4 might prove useful on ice or snow, whenever you need it to keep you safe.
Sure, it’s no Range but it will get the job done, in the end, better than a FWD model.
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