What is a Mini Paceman, we hear you ask? That’s a very good question. Where does it fit within the Mini line up? That’s an even more pertinent question.
Mini says the Paceman Cooper S is a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) but the reality is that this car is one of a new breed of higher riding urban crossovers such as the Nissan Juke or Holden Trax which are offered in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration depending on the market.
The Paceman can be summed up as a Maxi sized Mini hatchback for lovers of the brand who want more space inside the cabin, and a more commanding driving position which this new breed of urban crossover offers.
From the A Pillar forward it looks much the same, and shares the same basic architecture underneath as the five-door Mini Countryman, which explains why in overseas markets it also comes with the option of the All4 all-wheel-drive transmission but sadly not in New Zealand, as yet.
From the A pillar back, the Paceman is wholly unique with a steeply raked windscreen, sloping roofline and glasshouse that’s not dissimilar to the Range Rover Evoke, and it’s the first model from Mini to wear its nameplate in large letters on the rear hatch underneath the large centrally mounted Mini badge
In New Zealand, the latest member of the Mini family is only available in front-wheel-drive Cooper S specification, which provides the potent 135kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. Unlike the Countryman, a naturally aspirated petrol engine, or turbo diesel engine aren’t available.
As with most press test vehicles our Paceman Cooper S was fitted with a few extra cost options. It came equipped with the $5,000 Chilli package which includes:
•    Gravity leather upholstery
•    Harmon Karden Hi Fi system
•    Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washer system
•    19 inch Y Spoke Light Anthracite alloy wheels
In addition, the Paceman Cooper S was fitted with a black roof and mirror caps at no extra cost but the black headlight surrounds were $300, the black bonnet stripes were $200 and the Blazing Red super solid paint was $300. This took the drive away price from $53,500 on road to $59,300.
For those people who want it, an automatic transmission with paddle shifters is an additional $3,000.
Behind the steering wheel the Paceman Cooper S feels not unlike a regular Cooper S hatch, with the same comfortable seats and ergonomic details but the power window switches have changed from dashboard mounted toggle switches to door card mounted buttons which is a far more sensible and intuitive place for them. All other switchgear remains Mini centric and is easily found and operated.
An interesting design touch is an illuminated central rail which runs from the dashboard through the centre of the car to the rear seats. A very useful sunglass holder is attached to the rail between the two front seats, and there are dual cup holders at each end of the rail for the occupants.
Some months ago at the media launch, I first drove the Paceman Cooper S on the track at Hampton Downs with the Sport mode engaged and was impressed with the quality of the ride, handling and engine performance.
Thankfully, despite its larger footprint and higher ground clearance, the go-kart like performance and handling so beloved of Mini owners has been replicated in the Paceman Cooper S.
The Paceman Cooper S felt stable and well planted to the tarmac of the Hampton Downs circuit, and as a daily driver on the road the car also provides the same level of driving engagement as it hatch siblings, which has always been the strength of the Mini brand.
But as well as being fun to drive, the Paceman Cooper S offers more space and comfort than the standard Cooper hatch, the two rear passengers are not going to feel cramped inside and with a 300 litre boot space, taking four people away on a weekend trip is entirely possible.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Paceman Cooper S will appeal to brand aficionados and people who may not have considered the brand before, because by its unique position in the line-up this Maxi Mini offers something a little bit different and useful.
Specifications:

Body type    3-door hatch
Drive    Front wheel
Engine type    Inline 4-cyl
Engine capacity    1,598cc
Max power    135kW/5,500 rpm
Max torque    240Nm/1,600 rpm
Fuel consumption    6.1L/100km
C02 emission    134g/km
0 to 100km/h    7.5
Airbag    6
ESP    Yes
Air conditioning    Climate
Satellite navigation    Optional
Cargo cover    Yes
Boot capacity    330/1,080 litres
Wheel type    18 inch Alloy
Spare tyre    N/A
Price    $53,500