MINI Countryman R60 ALL4 2011

[OSE_NERO]

Well, you did manage to let me drive my dream Mini, PD. But you messed it up. With a more capable version available (the All4), why did you settle for less? You're supposed to be for the fans, but on a lot of models, you skimp on the better ones for ones that just seem "easier to acquire for testing." Well stop, we want the crazy versions. We want the versions of super cars that we'll never see, that we'll only ever read about with their steroid induced models. But we'll start with cars like this. Baby steps.

Now of course, the All4 does have a meaning. It's 4WD whereas the model we have is the rinky-dink FWD model. There's even an option, albeit I can't remember (most likely JCW Works), that allows more horses as well. Let the Minis be competitive for once.

 

[20B_4ME]

It's because the FWD version is actually quicker and much lighter. Lets look at the Cooper S FWD and AWD for which the only difference between the two is how many wheels are driven:

Mini Countryman Cooper S FWD: 3053lbs (1385kg)

Mini Countryman Cooper S AWD: 3208lbs (1455kg)

Also, here is a quick review of the All wheel drive system on the Countryman:

"The system itself is typically 100% front wheel drive which means the rear tires are just rolling along with the car until they sense slip. While that means that your Countryman All4 is nothing more than a FWD almost all of the time, it also means it’s more efficient than some other, older comparable systems. At any point when traction is lost, up to 50% of the power can be sent to the rear. Like other modern systems, power can also be sent from left to right based on traction needs. Put plainly, All4 is what you need when you need it and nothing more.

In all the All4 Countryman Cooper S is the most solid and grown-up MINI yet. Yet I can’t help but feel it’s overkill when you already have an exceptional front wheel drive Countryman Cooper S for $1,700 less. There simply isn’t enough benefit to justify the cost, weight, efficiency, and performance penalties."

Taken from here: http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/10/15/motoringfile-review-countryman-cooper-cooper-s-all4/

 

[OSE_NERO]

It's because the FWD version is actually quicker and much lighter. Lets look at the Cooper S FWD and AWD for which the only difference between the two is how many wheels are driven:

Mini Countryman Cooper S FWD: 3053lbs (1385kg)

Mini Countryman Cooper S AWD: 3208lbs (1455kg)

Also, here is a quick review of the All wheel drive system on the Countryman:

"The system itself is typically 100% front wheel drive which means the rear tires are just rolling along with the car until they sense slip. While that means that your Countryman All4 is nothing more than a FWD almost all of the time, it also means it’s more efficient than some other, older comparable systems. At any point when traction is lost, up to 50% of the power can be sent to the rear. Like other modern systems, power can also be sent from left to right based on traction needs. Put plainly, All4 is what you need when you need it and nothing more.

In all the All4 Countryman Cooper S is the most solid and grown-up MINI yet. Yet I can’t help but feel it’s overkill when you already have an exceptional front wheel drive Countryman Cooper S for $1,700 less. There simply isn’t enough benefit to justify the cost, weight, efficiency, and performance penalties."

Taken from here: http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/10/15/motoringfile-review-countryman-cooper-cooper-s-all4/

Now that I didn't know. However, I'd rather they put it in the game and "mess-up" giving it AWD all the time. It'd be better to drive, imo