2018 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4: Heading Where No Mini Has Gone Before [Video]

Mini took the states, but how about the trail to an abandoned mine?

Last week, hundreds of Minis took to the roads, traversing the country in the annual “Mini Takes the States” event. As they descended upon the final destination: the mountain resort town of Keystone, Colorado, Roman and Tommy devised a challenge for the Countryman – the largest Mini out there. We know the ALL4 all-wheel drive system is capable. However, the Countryman’s ground clearance works against its rugged appearance. At just 6.3 inches, the car sports a modest amount of ground clearance, but nothing earth-shattering.

Still, the 2018 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 does pack a turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter unit churns out 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The ALL4 all-wheel drive system can split torque from front to rear, but lacks locking differentials. It uses a hydraulic multi-disc clutch fitted inside the rear axle to engage the rear wheels when computers detect the front wheels are losing grip. But how well does the system actually work on slippery surfaces, like a dirt track?

To find out, Roman and Tommy take the 2018 Mini Cooper S Countryman up the Peru Creek trail, just outside Keystone. Will the car make it up to the mine? Check out the video above to find out!

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