Skip advert
Advertisement

New MINI Clubman ALL4 2016 review

Four-wheel drive proves to be another string in the cool MINI Clubman's bow

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your MINI Clubman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Without a doubt, the addition of four-wheel drive as an option strengthens the Clubman’s appeal. Many competitors now offer the system, and the extra stability and grip it adds improves the MINI estate’s already-strong recipe. We’ll have to sample the car on UK roads to see if it’s really worth the extra money, however – and we suspect that the premium price and fuel efficiency penalty may be a bit too much for some.

Advertisement - Article continues below

MINI isn’t known for its four-wheel-drive cars; its ALL4 system was previously reserved for its Countryman and Paceman crossovers. But now the bigger, more mature and versatile MINI Clubman is available with the set-up for the very first time, too.

ALL4 is an intelligent system rather than a permanent one, so the Clubman remains front-driven until slip is detected, at which point it can recouple the rear wheels instantly. It also features torque vectoring – so it can brake or send power to individual wheels – and an electronic diff lock to boost traction out of bends. All that adds around 60kg to the standard Clubman’s kerbweight.

Other than small badges on the front doors, there is nothing on the exterior or in the cabin to mark out the ALL4 from a front-driven Clubman. The system can only be fitted to Cooper S and SD models; we tested the latter, and it’s easy to see why it’s set to be the more popular option. The bone-dry and congested roads around Hamburg weren’t the ideal place to test the system, although it isn’t solely about improved ability in adverse conditions. The ALL4 Cooper SD shaves two-tenths off the standard SD’s 0-62mph time, taking a brisk 7.2 seconds, with hard acceleration in the lower gears not affecting traction at all.

Best family cars

That’s not to say it’s dull, however. The extra weight doesn’t impact on the handling, and the Clubman maintains the standard car’s agility but with an added layer of surefootedness. Understeer is kept well in check, and if you concentrate you can just about feel the effect of the electronic diff coming out of tight corners. It’s not as much fun to drive as the regular MINI hatch, however and on dry roads most buyers wouldn't notice the difference over a front-wheel drive Clubman.

The 2.0-litre diesel is as strong and flexible as ever. It’s vocal, but doesn’t sound bad and selecting Sport mode brings a bassier (if artificial) rumble into the cabin. Fuel economy with the ALL4 system suffers, though, dropping to a claimed 58.9mpg – the two-wheel-drive car promises 65.7mpg.

The ALL4’s biggest problem is its price tag. Four-wheel drive adds £1,300 to the cost of the Clubman SD auto, but once you’ve specced the essential Chili Pack it totals £30,000-plus. Having said that, an equivalent Audi A3 quattro or BMW 1 Series xDrive both come in at a similar level.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £2,892 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,518 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,600 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024
Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships
Opinion - Jaguar

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships

Mike Rutherford thinks it's been a difficult few months for the British car industry
Opinion
8 Dec 2024
ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024