Mini, the completely owned division of German auto maker BMW, has officially declared that the Paceman and Cooper Countryman models will be assimilated with All4 all-wheel drive system from the July 2013. Interestingly, the All4 technology is developed by the British auto maker on learning from the multiple Dakar rally titles. With the addition of this innovative technology in two of Mini's models, the total count of all-wheel drive cars in the auto maker's portfolio will now stand at ten.
Coming to the technical configuration of both the models, Cooper Countryman and Paceman are equipped with a same 1.6 litre engine, which has the potential to churn out a maximum power of 120 bhp, along with a highest torque of 160 Nm. The power produced by this drivetrain is equally transmitted to the front wheels of the car through either its six-speed manual gearbox or a six speed automatic transmission system, in both the models.
Sources close to the development process stated that the new Cooper Countryman and Paceman will be put to sale in Europe from July 2013. Industry experts are of a view that once the model will be launched in Europe, the All4-spec Mini will be then routed towards the Indian auto market. However, it must be noted that the model will be tagged with a heavy price tag as it will attract a high cost of importing in India.
