The new Mini Paceman is further proof there�??s no end to the number of niche segments carmakers will exploit to increase market share.
It now seems Mini is capable of coming up with a design to fill almost any gap no matter how small the niche is �?" even if Mini means not so mini.
This seventh model line from Mini rides on the same platform as its four-door Mini Countryman sibling, identical from the A-pillar forward but all-new back. Billed as a sports activity coupe, the two-door Paceman is lower and, surprisingly, longer (by 12mm) than its four-door stable mate.
Priced between $35,900 and $46,450, the Mini Paceman is rivalled only by the more expensive Range Rover Evoque (with which it shares a similarly raked roof and rising beltline) and the cheaper, forthcoming Nissan Juke.
With the Mini Paceman, it appears Mini�??s stylists have struck on a design that fuses key elements from the two biggest-selling Mini models �?" the Mini Cooper Hatch and Mini Cooper Countryman �?" to squeeze into a �??compact SUV-coupe�?? segment. Similarly, the Paceman only seats four, like the three-door hatch, not five like the Countryman.
While it lacks the Countryman�??s rear seat accessibility, the Paceman�??s rear buckets are really quite accommodating �?" even for two large adults (as tested). There�??s decent legroom, sufficient headroom and enough elbow space back there for comfortable travel.
Replacing the rear bench seat in the Paceman is Mini�??s unique rail system that allows for the connection of various Mini-esque add-ons, such as cup holders and mobile storage compartments.
Rear cargo space isn�??t bad either, with the deeply-recessed boot able to swallow 330-litres with the rear seatbacks in place, expanding to 1080-litres when folded.
Inside the Paceman you�??ll find the usual array of unconventional Mini fare, including the super-size speedometer mounted smack-bang in the middle of the dash, along with clusters of dysfunctional toggle switches.
There�??s an assortment of soft-touch materials, high-gloss plastics and plenty of Cool Britannia style, but overall, cabin quality falls short of �??premium�??, an impression further emphasised by the egg-carton look and feel of the headliner.
Standard equipment across the Paceman range isn�??t particularly generous, but does include rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers and Bluetooth phone with USB connector.
The Cooper S version adds a Sport button, clear indicator lenses, Dynamic Traction Control, interior surface anthracite and 17-inch light-alloy wheels (up from 16-inch alloys on the regular Paceman).
We first sampled the Cooper S Paceman automatic, which gets a turbocharged version of the 1.6-litre engine that produces 135kW of power and 240Nm of torque (260Nm with the overboost function). The six-speed auto model can go from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds, a half second slower than the standard-fit six-speed manual.
Mini has elected not to bring the heavier, slower All4 �?" all-wheel-drive version to Australia.
Unsurprisingly, the Cooper S Paceman drives like its Countryman counterpart. That is, it�??s typically Mini-capable in the twisties, with precise steering that inspires a good deal of confidence. There�??s a decent level of feedback too, but this comes with some unwelcomed torque steer when powering out of tight corners.
While there�??s sufficient torque to properly exploit the Mini�??s exceptional handling characteristics, we found the automatic transmission shifts slowly and is less engaging than we would have liked, particularly given this is a performance model.
We�??re also not sure about the inconvenient push/pull paddle shifters. They seem to exacerbate the slow shifting automatic transmission. In fact, it�??s probably about time Mini followed BMW �?" which owns Mini �?" and adopted the now standard industry practice of left-to-downshift and right-to-upshift paddles. A dual-clutch gearbox would be a fine replacement, too.
You can still toss the Paceman into a corner, with the sports suspension keeping the high-riding Mini�??s body movements in check, but it can�??t quite match the cat-like responses of its Mini Cooper Hatch sibling.
It�??s the same story when it comes to straight-line performance.
While it�??s still capable of putting a smile on your face, the Cooper S Paceman doesn�??t exactly feel quick, but at least it�??s keen to rev and is turbo lag-free.
We then tried the entry-level Mini Cooper Paceman with six-speed manual. With this model, Mini is going after the style-conscious buyer, rather than the enthusiast market.
The Cooper features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 90kW and 160Nm of torque for a claimed (and slow) 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.4 seconds.
While it gets along fine on the open road, once you�??re able to stretch its legs, stop/start city driving is less than a satisfying experience.
There are, however, no complaints with the transmission itself; it�??s actually a smooth-shifting unit requiring fingertip effort, only.
The problem lies with a lack of torque combined with the Paceman�??s 1255kg heft. It�??s simply too little, too late to get the car moving quickly enough off the line or from low down in the rev range �?" and that�??s with the right foot flat to the floor.
While there are obvious benefits with the Paceman�??s standard-fit sports suspension with high spring rates, firm damping and limited suspension travel, there�??s an equally obvious downside, too.
While ride quality is fine, (even pleasant) on smooth bitumen, this suspension has a knack for seeking out surface irregularities, the larger of which will find the bump stops and induce bump steer �?" all in the one movement.
Mini hopes to sell a modest 200 Pacemans this year from a total sales volume of 2400 cars. That�??s a ratio of one Paceman for every three Countrymans sold.
The humble approach may well be the right one �?" with a price range from $35,900 for the Paceman Cooper manual through to $46,450 for the Cooper S Paceman automatic, the Paceman is sticking its toe into very dangerous water, coming up against a whole range of premium alternatives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to newcomers such as the Volvo V40 hatch.
This is definitely one for the Mini die-hard fans, then. While it can�??t quite match the go-kart handling of Mini Cooper Hatch, or the versatility of the four-door Mini Cooper Countryman, the Paceman has a fair balance of both qualities.
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