Well-being a Mini, at least it has performance on its side, with an uprated version of the familiar Cooper S engine (Valvetronic throttle-less induction is added to the existing direct-injection and turbo), an electronically controlled center diff for its optional AWD system, and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
Nevertheless even those things don't make it unique. Nissan's new Juke has its own DI 1.6-liter turbo four, multi-link chassis, and tops the Mini with side-to-side torque vectoring for its AWD system.
So we got the Juke and Mini together. It took place off the Mini's German launch event, which meant no Motor Trend verified test-track performance numbers were possible, but we made sure to run them back to back on a good mix of delimited autobahn, fast country roads, twistier hill route and suburban schmoozing. The Mini came with the AWD system (called All4) and a six-speed manual, while the Juke had a CVT (with six virtual ratios) because that's standard with the AWD system. In fact the front-drive Jukes have simpler torsion-beam rear suspension. The Mini is always multi-link, about whether it has All4.
www.motortrend.com
