Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The Paceman is Mini’s version of the BMW X6, or maybe I should say the more recently added compact X4, or better yet the upcoming X2 that will be based on the same platform architecture as the next-generation Countryman. BMW created the sport activity coupe segment when it introduced the X6 eight years ago, a vehicle dreamed up by combining the idea of a rakish four-door coupe with a crossover SUV. Critics panned it for its tighter rear quarters and lack of cargo space,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Enter the Paceman. Arriving on the market in 2012 as a 2013 model, the Paceman follows the X6 and more recent X4’s example by riding atop its CUV counterpart, albeit in a three-door configuration instead of five. With the Countryman SUV, Mini introduced its ALL4 all-wheel drivetrain along with more rugged styling that includes a larger frowning grille, bigger ovoid headlights, a deeper front spoiler with a black plastic lip extension that continues rearward around each muscled up wheel cutout, down each rocker panel and finally around the rear quarters, and the
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
For 2015, Mini made even more spunk standard, the base Cooper trim relegated to history books and the sportier Cooper S now the entry-level model. What that means is the Paceman’s heavier body shell no longer gets held back by the old non-turbo 1.6-litre four’s 121 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, but instead comes
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Of
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
If driven more moderately the Paceman can produce some very satisfying fuel economy numbers too, but so far the brand hasn’t advertised any new five-cycle Natural Resources Canada numbers. Rather, its outdated two-cycle ratings are still up on the website and unfortunately being quoted by all the online Canadian buyers’ guides I was able to research, showing 8.1 L/100km in the city, 6.4 on the highway and 7.3 combined with the manual, or 8.7 city, 6.5 highway and 7.7 combined
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Speaking of numbers, you might be surprised to find out the three-door Paceman is longer than its five-door Countryman brother. The sleeker coupe measures 4,120 millimetres from nose to tail compared to 4,108, the result of longer bumpers. The two models’ 2,596-mm wheelbase is the same and widths come very close at 1,786 mm for the Paceman and 1,789 for the Countryman, but the Paceman
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
That tapering roofline initially looked damning for rear seat passengers, but after climbing back there myself in a 2014 model and then doing the deed again in this 2015, I was once again reminded that ample headroom remained above my five-foot-eight frame. The Paceman’s twin buckets reduce total occupancy to four, but these perches are comfortable and almost as supportive as the front sport seats while providing large enough side bolsters to keep those in the rear from flying about during hard cornering.
Another surprise lurks behind those rear buckets, and yes I’m talking about the Paceman’s sizable cargo hold. A total of 330 litres (11.6 cubic feet) of luggage space
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Roominess is always appreciated, but there are a number of sporty hatchbacks on the market with as much or more space at their disposal. Most of these can’t be called premium compacts, however, but take a seat inside the Cooper S ALL4 Paceman and you’ll immediately see it’s a serious step above mere mainstream wannabes. Soft-touch synthetics cover most surfaces that aren’t specifically glossed over in piano black lacquered plastic, chromed metal or glass covered and electronically
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
This doesn’t come standard, mind you, but rather is part of the optional Wired Package, available for an additional $1,450 over the base model’s $31,200 starting price, plus $2,295 for freight and pre-delivery preparation (such a big freight charge for such a little car), while the Wired Package also includes voice recognition, Bluetooth and USB audio, plus smartphone integration.
My
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
On that last point, some might consider rain-sensing wipers essential Canadian fare,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
You may have also noticed a sweet set of gloss black alloys rounding out this particular Paceman, these 17-inch rims dubbed 5 Star Black Spoke Alloy Wheels, wrapped in 205/55R17 Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires and costing only $200 extra. There are loads of other available options too, from various hues of leather hides to a number of alternative trims in varying colours, plus parking sensors and Harman/Kardon
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My tester’s genuine leather-look Carbon Black leatherette upholstery was standard, as was pushbutton ignition, a tilt and telescopic multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise, powered windows with auto up/down all-round, heated powered mirrors, air conditioning, a high definition radio, an on-board computer, comfortable and supportive sport seats, dark anthracite interior surfaces, multi-coloured ambient lighting, four-wheel discs with ABS, brake assist and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, seven airbags including one for the front passenger’s knees, and a crash sensor
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Whether the Paceman is your personal favourite Mini or not, the very fact that it exists proves that the Brits at Bracknell, Berkshire think completely outside of the box, not to mention are a very brave bunch. The Paceman doesn’t exactly sell at a blistering pace. It’s not one of those Minis you’re likely to see passing by on a daily or even weekly basis, which gives it a certain exclusive cachet. If you want something very different and very special, consider this wonderfully fun and totally useful little car that’s not really a car at all. It’s a Sport Activity Coupe (SAC)… Or maybe it’s a Crossover Utility Coupe (CUC)? Either way, the Cooper S ALL4 Paceman certainly doesn’t SUC.
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