MINI'S quest to have a model in every small car niche imaginable - and even some that aren't - continues apace, writes William Scholes.
Latest to arrive are a four-wheel-drive version of the Clubman - that's the sort of estate version of the Mini with back doors that open like a panel van's, in case you need reminded - and a convertible version of the extremely potent John Cooper Works hatch.
The four-wheel-drive Clubman - branded ALL4 - will be available in April for either Cooper S or Cooper SD models.
It gets the same hardware already offered on Mini Countryman models, though it has, says the company, been "specially redeveloped to ensure sportier handling and improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of the new Mini Clubman".
Prices start from a very un-mini £24,305, though the Mini is a defiantly premium proposition and can be easily regarded as an alternative to cars like the Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series.
The Cooper S ALL4 has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 189bhp, fuel consumption of 40.9mpg on the EU combined cycle and 159g/km CO2,
The Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 features a 187bhp diesel engine with 295lb/ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 58.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 126g/km.
The John Cooper Works convertible, meanwhile, costs £26,630 and pumps out 231bhp and 236lb/ft from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
Top speed is 150mph and 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds; four-piston Brembo brakes and uprated suspension and cooling complete the ultimate wind-in-your-hair pocket rocket package.
