Yes, it’s true. I have grown to like the new Mini Clubman wagon. As my man Tavarish would say, “fight me.” Now this funky but not-so-mini-Mini is about to get even more appealing: reportedly, the car will get all-wheel drive, including for its hot John Cooper Works version.
That comes from our pals over at MotoringFile, who report the Clubman will get Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system starting next spring. And after that, the JCW version will as well, they say, with production slated for late next year. They have a detailed write-up on how this system will work that you should read.
I don’t care what anyone says, I think this is cool as hell. People have been clamoring for an all-wheel drive performance Mini (that isn’t the JCW Countryman) for years and most likely, it will have a stick shift too, because Mini is good about including those on their models.
I’m hoping for more power than the current JCW Cooper’s 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, but in true BMW fashion it’s apparently much quicker than the numbers let on.
MotoringFile says AWD will be a $1500 option, so the only thing I’m worried about is cost. The last JCW Cooper (aka Hardtop) we drove cost more than $40,000, and I’m sure the Clubman wagon will carry more of a premium.
Otherwise, this is a good thing. I’m excited about it. I want to drive one. FIGHT ME.
Contact the author at patrick@jalopnik.com.