By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The MINI brand is once again combining the expansion of its model range with a foray into a new vehicle class. The MINI Paceman, It features powerful, dynamically stretched coupe lines and the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, that teams up with the exclusive ambience of its versatile interior to make the latest addition to the MINI family a pioneer in the urban environment.
With its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the 162.2-inches long MINI Paceman complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior. The slightly raised seating position in the front of the car provides the driver and front passenger with an excellent view, while the rear passengers enjoy generous levels of space, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort in a lounge style ambience.
Traditional MINI design cues, such as the black bordering on the lower edge of the body, the side indicator surround on the diagonal link between the A-pillar and front wheel arch, and the clear three-level split of body, passenger compartment and roof, point in a distinctive Paceman way to their MINI family ties. The front end, for example, exudes power and presence thanks to its large, distinctively shaped headlights, strikingly sculptured hood and upright hexagonal radiator grille, which is framed on the MINI Paceman by a particularly broad chrome surround.
The most eye catching new feature of the rear are the lights which, in a first for MINI, display a horizontal design. As with the slim and sloping coupe-style rear window, the chrome strip below it and the horizontal creases on the tailgate and rear apron, the form of the lights further accentuates the car’s width. The concentric segmentation of the light sources in the rear lights is very much in keeping with brand tradition as is the overall design of the rear, which reinforces the car’s powerful stance.
The well-known MINI 1.6-liter powertrain will be available, with four cylinders and a zesty power delivery accompanied by remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions thanks to fully variable valve management, based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, a system which optimizes both the engine’s responses and efficiency.
Under the hood of the MINI Cooper S Paceman, a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection enable this engine to generate maximum output of 181 hp at 5,500 rpm, while peak torque of 177 lb-ft is produced between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. An over boost function is at the driver’s disposal to increase torque to 192 lb-ft for particularly powerful bursts of acceleration.
MINI Paceman is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic complete with the Steptronic function enabling manual gearshifts is available as an option, the automatic gearbox also comes with shift paddles attached to the steering wheel; these can be ordered as an option. Extra helpings of driving fun can be summoned with a touch of the optional Sport Button, which tweaks the engine’s responses and the power assistance provided to the steering. In automatic transmission models, the Sport Button can be used to activate a specially tuned sport program which makes various adjustments, including extra zip for the gear changes.
The high-quality standard equipment of the MINI Paceman also fits the brand’s premium character as far as comfort and functionality are concerned. Air-conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Center Rail, model-specific door sill lettering and the radio MINI CD audio system with AUX-IN socket are included as standard on all variants.
The options list, meanwhile, contains items such as a sports leather steering wheel with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, an armrest between the front seats, heated seats, automatic climate control and an electrically operated glass roof. Also on the options list are Comfort Access, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, front fog lamps and a rain sensor.
Customers can take on board entertainment and navigation capability to new levels with the radio MINI Boost CD, radio MINI Visual Boost, harman/kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system and MINI navigation system with a 6.5-inch color display. A voice control system, a hands-free system/mobile phone preparation and a DAB tuner for receiving digital radio programmes, can also be specified.
Estimated fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (manual), 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (automatic), the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $27,500.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
