MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) Review

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The MINI Paceman is too much of a compromise. It’s not enjoyable or stylish enough to justify the reduced practicality. And it’s not even cheap enough, because the Countryman is a more affordable used buy.

+Bigger and more spacious than a standard MINI hatch, distinctive styling, reasonably fun to drive, decent value used.

-Less practical than a Countryman, stranger looking than a Countryman, just buy a Countryman...

Insurance Groups are between 13–32
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

The MINI Paceman answered a question nobody asked. Launched in 2013, the Paceman is essentially a three-door version of the Countryman SUV, with a smaller boot, limited rear space and back end styling that looks a little… odd. All of which means the Paceman sold in small numbers, so few tears were shed when it was discontinued in 2017. Today, the divisive styling remains, but the lower prices on the used car market make it easier to justify, if hard to recommend.

Do you remember when MINI went through that mad spell? When it launched all of the cars, all at the same time. There was the MINI Coupe, the MINI Roadster and this, the MINI Paceman.

It was launched as a sportier version of the MINI Countryman. Hence the ‘pace’ in Paceman. This meant lowered suspension, the removal of two doors and weird rear styling. It looks like somebody took a giant cheese grater to the back of a Countryman. It’s not prettier, but it’s mildly less offensive than the MINI Coupe. A bit of a ‘Stinking Bishop’, then? Other cheeses are available.

Rivals are few and far between, presumably because other manufacturers saw what MINI created and decided to keep their cheese grater under lock and key. The old three-door Range Rover Evoque was more expensive, so the most obvious rivals are the MINI Hatch and the MINI Countryman.

You might be wondering if there’s a point to the MINI Paceman. Indeed, we nearly opened this review by asking if you even remember the MINI Paceman, but then we remembered that you arrived here via a search engine, so that question would be null and void. A bit like the MINI Paceman, then? Sorry.

Okay, it’s time to cut the Paceman some slack (and for us, a slice of Grimbister). In isolation, it’s not a bad car. It’s certainly sportier than the Countryman, so it ticks that particular box. Like most MINI variants, the ride is a little on the firm side, especially on larger alloy wheels, but that kind of fits with the Paceman vibe.

In Cooper S guise, it’s a lot of fun. Quick, punchy and a greater feeling of involvement than you’ll find in the Countryman. It’s not on the same level as the MINI Hatch, not least because of the extra weight and the top-heavy stance.

The John Cooper Works edition doesn’t quite have the pace to rival a hot hatchback, but it’s great fun in small doses. Meanwhile, the Cooper D is powered by a BMW 2.0-litre diesel engine, so it’s great if you spend more time on a motorway than a B-road.

As for practicality, the boot offers 330 litres of luggage space, which is 20 litres down on the Countryman, but larger than the MINI Hatch.

You can also fold the rear seats, which is a better use for them than trying to squeeze a couple of people back there. Not only are the back seats hard to reach, this is a strict four-seater, so you’ll have to leave one of your mates behind. Alternatively, you could buy a Countryman.

The MINI Paceman certainly has rarity on its side, but the same could be said of the red widow spider, and you wouldn’t welcome one of those into your life.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Paceman is certainly sportier than the regular Countryman. The 10mm drop in ride height helps, with the suspension set-up to deliver sharper body control and less lean when cornering.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Handling and ride quality

The Paceman feels more like a hatchback than an SUV, which is probably what MINI’s engineers were aiming for.

All4 models are the most impressive, aided by bags of traction when you’re powering out of a corner. It means that the John Cooper Works model is great fun to drive. We also like the positive steering, which is well-weighted and full of feel.

There are drawbacks. The ride quality is far from cushioned, which is something you’ll notice on larger wheels. It can be uncomfortable in town and unsettled at high speeds. We’d recommend a Paceman with the optional comfort suspension if you value your lower spine.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Engines

The 190PS 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Cooper S is the best unit in the MINI Paceman. The zero to 62mph time is polished off in just 7.4 seconds, so it’s quick, without the hardcore edge of the John Cooper Works edition.

For a different take, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Cooper SD is worth a look. It's a bit out of character with the Paceman, but for long-legged economy, it’s the best choice.

Alternatively, the Cooper D offers a similar level of efficiency without the poke. We’d avoid the Cooper, because 122PS isn’t enough in the Paceman. The engine has to be worked really hard to get the best out of it, which becomes tiresome over time. It will also put a dent in the fuel economy.

We’d also give the disappointing automatic transmission a swerve, because the manual gearbox is so much better.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Safety

Although the Paceman wasn’t tested by Euro NCAP, the MINI Countryman was awarded a maximum five-star rating when it was crash-tested in 2010. Impressive, but a lot can change in a decade. The Countryman and Paceman wouldn’t achieve the same rating in 2020.

Along with multiple airbags and electronic stability control, the Paceman has Isofix child car seat mounting points in the back, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a tyre repair kit. All Pacemans (Pacemen?) left the factory with run-flat tyres.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Towing

The MINI Paceman boasts a maximum towing capacity of 750kg to 1000kg, depending on the engine.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
Cooper 48 mpg 10.3 s 140 g/km
Cooper ALL4 42 mpg 11.4 s 140 g/km
Cooper ALL4 Automatic 40 mpg 11.6 s 168 g/km
Cooper Automatic 41 mpg 11.5 s 168 g/km
Cooper D 67 mpg 10.8 s 115 g/km
Cooper D ALL4 60 mpg 11.5 s 129 g/km
Cooper D ALL4 Automatic 48 mpg 11.8 s 158 g/km
Cooper D Automatic 50 mpg 11.2 s 111–149 g/km
Cooper S 47 mpg 7.4 s 139 g/km
Cooper S ALL4 44 mpg 7.6 s 148 g/km
Cooper S ALL4 Automatic 40 mpg 8.0 s 165 g/km
Cooper S Automatic 42 mpg 7.7 s 157 g/km
Cooper SD 63 mpg 9.1 s 122 g/km
Cooper SD ALL4 48–59 mpg 9.2–9.3 s 130–156 g/km
Cooper SD ALL4 Automatic 48 mpg 9.3 s 160 g/km
Cooper SD Automatic 50 mpg 9.3 s 150 g/km
John Cooper Works ALL4 39 mpg 6.8 s 172 g/km
John Cooper Works ALL4 Automatic 37 mpg 6.8 s 184 g/km

Real MPG average for the MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

76%

Real MPG

28–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

110

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) interior

Interior Rating
The MINI Paceman lacks the feeling of quality you get from a smaller MINI. The dashboard structure looks and feels cheap, and there are too many examples of cheap plastics and shiny materials.
Dimensions
Length 4109–4124 mm
Width 1996 mm
Height 1518 mm
Wheelbase 2596 mm

Full specifications

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Practicality

It would be unfair to criticise the Paceman for being less practical than the MINI Countryman, because it was designed to offer something a little different. That said, folding the rear seats provides a maximum capacity of 1080 litres, which is only 90 litres short of the Countryman. There’s also 330 litres of space with the rear seats up, so it’s more practical than the regular MINI hatchback.

Let’s be honest, though, having no rear doors is going to be a pain if you need regular access to the back seats, while the fact that the Paceman is a strict four-seater is going to limit its appeal. These things are more forgivable when you view the Paceman as a more practical MINI hatchback, rather than a proper SUV.

We like the central rail system, which lets front and rear seat passengers clip on things like cupholders and sunglasses holders, and move them to the rear. It’s a novel approach – the kind of thing you’d expect from MINI.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Quality and finish

The Paceman does not live up to the usual MINI standard. Low points include the panel around the climate control buttons and the centre console.

It’s not all bad, because the bits ‘borrowed’ from BMW are much better. The infotainment screen is impressive, while some of the buttons and switches also feel more upmarket. We also like the quality of the paintwork and the way the doors shut with a reassuring thud.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Infotainment

It might be hard to believe in 2020, but some versions of the MINI Paceman lack any form of infotainment. Instead, you get a fiddly radio panel built into the bottom of the central speedo. It’s a pain to use, especially on the move.

Versions with sat-nav feature an infotainment system that’s straight outta BMW. It’s controlled by a BMW iDrive rotary controller located in the centre console. It’s not as easy to use in the Paceman as it is in a BMW, but it does the job.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Predictably, the Cooper D is the most economical Paceman, offering something in the region of 45mpg. There’s a slight penalty for choosing an All4 all-wheel-drive variant, but the difference is minimal.

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Prices

MINI Paceman prices start from around £6000. For this budget, you’re looking at a 2013 model with up to 100,000 miles on the clock.

When you consider that Countryman prices start from £4000, you have to question why you’d spend more to get less practicality. There are also more examples of the Countryman to choose from, so you can afford to be more picky.

Back to the Paceman, the most you’ll have to pay is £17,500 for a late John Cooper Works edition. The very latest examples of the Paceman are just out of warranty, but it’s still possible to buy one via the MINI approved used scheme.

The Cooper D is the most common variant on the used car market, followed by the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works (JCW).

The JCW didn’t sell in huge numbers, but you can buy an early example for less than £10,000. In many ways, it makes the most sense, because it has the sportiness to go with the limited practicality.

In true MINI style, the Paceman was available with a range of personalisation options, including an array of cosmetic accessories. Body stripes, different alloy wheels, coloured door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, coloured rear-view mirror covers, LED interior lights, storage items for the centre rail and DVD players were just some of the extras available.

Few, if any, of these options will add anything to the price of a used MINI Paceman. There are two things to consider here. Firstly, it means you’re getting more for your money. Secondly, you have to hope that you share the same tastes as the original owner. Green rear-view mirror cover, anyone? How about a Union Jack?

MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017): Running Costs

On paper, the MINI Paceman looks like an economical SUV coupe, but it’s worth remembering that the figures were sourced using the less reliable NEDC formula. It makes more sense to use Real MPG.

Cooper SD models will do around 45mpg, but Cooper SD automatic models drop to around 40mpg.

You can expect to see around 35mpg from a Cooper model, but slightly less in a Cooper S. The John Cooper Works All4 is the least economical Paceman, returning around 30mpg on a combined cycle.

Insurance groups range from 13 to 15, so getting cover shouldn’t be expensive. You’ll pay more for a John Cooper Works, mind. As for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), you’ll pay between £30 and £150 a year, depending on the engine and CO2 emissions.

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MINI Paceman (2013 – 2017) models and specs

It was always hard to make a case for the MINI Paceman when it was new. In truth, not much has changed following the passing of time. That said, the lower prices make it easier to justify, if no less difficult to recommend.

The Cooper S would be our preferred option. It offers the pace to match the Paceman’s supposedly sporting credentials, and the running costs shouldn’t be too daunting. However, the standard MINI is more fun and the Countryman is more practical.

Dimensions
Length 4109–4124 mm
Width 1996 mm
Height 1518 mm
Wheelbase 2596 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1255–1420 kg
Boot Space 330–1080 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 18000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit / Run-flat tyres
Alternative Run-flat tyres
Costs
List Price £19,215–£31,281
Insurance Groups 13–32
Road Tax Bands C–I
Official MPG 36.7–67.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2019

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 Cooper 3dr £19,215 47.9 mpg 10.3 s
1.6 Cooper ALL4 3dr £20,420 42.2 mpg 11.4 s
1.6 Cooper ALL4 Auto 3dr £21,505 40.4 mpg 11.6 s
1.6 Cooper Auto 3dr £20,355 40.9 mpg 11.5 s
1.6 Cooper D 3dr £20,445 67.3 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 Cooper D ALL4 3dr £21,635 60.1 mpg 11.5 s
1.6 Cooper S 3dr £22,505 47.1 mpg 7.4 s
1.6 Cooper S ALL4 3dr £23,740 44.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 Cooper S ALL4 Auto 3dr £24,925 39.8 mpg 8.0 s
1.6 Cooper S Auto 3dr £23,705 41.5 mpg 7.7 s
1.6 Cooper S Black Auto 3dr £30,356 41.5 mpg 7.7 s
1.6 John Cooper Works ALL4 3dr £29,600 38.7 mpg 6.8 s
1.6 John Cooper Works ALL4 Auto 3dr £30,860 36.7 mpg 6.8 s
2.0 Cooper D ALL4 Auto 3dr £22,905 47.9 mpg 11.8 s
2.0 Cooper D Auto 3dr £21,675 50.4 mpg 11.2 s
2.0 Cooper SD 3dr £23,225 62.8 mpg 9.1 s
2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 3dr £24,445 58.9 mpg 9.2 s
2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Auto 3dr £25,775 47.9 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 Cooper SD ALL4 Black 3dr £31,281 47.9 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 Cooper SD Auto 3dr £24,515 49.6 mpg 9.3 s

On sale until October 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Cooper D 112 Auto 3dr £21,575 - -

Model History

September 2012

MINI Paceman arrives in production form

At the end of September to go on sale in March 2013. Four versions available including a MINI Cooper S Paceman with a 0-62mph of 7.5 seconds. The three-door Paceman is built on the Countryman platform and is 4,115mm long, which makes it almost identical in size to the Countryman.

Highlight of the interior is the rear seat. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system - first seen in the Countryman - comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

The Paceman is a strict four-seater, though practicality has not been sacrificed. Folding down the rear seats expands the rear load-carrying capacity from 330 litres (Focus sized) to a maximum of 1,080 litres. Access is via a large and high-opening tailgate, offering extra practicality for owners.

In the front, the raised seating position gives the driver and passenger an excellent view in every direction. The instrument panel includes many familiar components, including the large round central speedo. However, its black surround and decorative inner rings in high-gloss black or chrome are new, as are the redesigned air vent surrounds. Buttons for the windows, which have been toggle switches below the speedo on every MINI to date, have moved to the door trim panel.

Handling of the Paceman's is enhanced by optional all-wheel drive transmission. Lowered sports suspension as standard will help provide customers with an outstanding driving experience, though regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option.

From launch, Paceman customers will have the choice of four engines: two petrol and two diesel. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.

The 1.6-litre 122PS petrol engine offers a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 140g/km. The MINI Cooper S Paceman uses the same engine, tuned to deliver 184PS and gets to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy is 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.

MINI Cooper D Paceman has a 1.6-litre 112PS turbocharged engine with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds. It will provide owners with a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. The flagship diesel is the MINI Cooper SD Paceman with the familiar 2.0-litre 143bhp engine. Its 0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds. Fuel economy is 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km. A John Cooper Works Paceman version is in development.

Driver aids include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard across the range, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) on the MINI Cooper S Paceman, Cooper SD Paceman and Cooper D Paceman ALL4. Light alloy wheels in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes are standard, with 18-inch or 19-inch on the options list.

Occupant protection is provided by an extensive range of safety equipment including front and side airbags. Side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are on every Paceman.

Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats. Popular options will include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, an electrically operated glass roof plus the MINI navigation system. Advanced infotainment functions are available via MINI Connected. A range of optional equipment packages will also be available providing customers excellent value and helping to promote strong residual values.

Eight exterior paint shades are available including the new Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red. Starlight Blue also previously unseen and unique to the Paceman. As always with MINI, personalisation is expected to be very popular and there is an extensive choice of bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and Colour Lines. It will go sale on 16 March 2013 with prices starting at £18,970 on the road.

December 2012

MINI launches the John Cooper Works Paceman

With a 218PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, standard four-wheel drive and lowered sports suspension.It has a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and comes with a six speed manual gearbox although a six-speed automatic is available as an option. Claimed fuel economy is 38.2mpg or 35.8mpg for the auto.

Standard specification includes an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, and door sills bearing the John Cooper Works logo. As well as white and black, the exclusive Chili Red paint finish can also be specified as an option for the contrast-colour roof and exterior mirror caps.

The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman's powerplant develops its maximum output of 218PS at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 280Nm is on tap between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm, and can be increased to 300Nm for short periods between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm using the overboost function.

The ALL4 four-wheel drive system diverts a maximum 50 per cent of the engine's power to the rear wheels, rising to as much as 100 per cent in extreme conditions.

The rear of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman features a pair of individual seats. There is also a sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching, dark-coloured dials for speedometer and rev counter, anthracite-coloured roof liner, gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats with red stitching.

February 2013

More about MINI Paceman John Cooper Works announced

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine powering the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. It develops output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft), which can be increased to 300 Newton metres (221 lb-ft) for short periods between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm courtesy of the overboost function. The sports exhaust system provides this power delivery with a suitably stirring soundtrack.

The engine sends its power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a six-speed automatic is also available as an option. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds – with either gearbox – on the way to a top speed of 226 km/h / 140 mph (manual) or 224 km/h / 139 mph (automatic). The engine’s inherent efficiency and extensive MINIMALISM technology ensure exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions for this output class. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman posts average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres / 38.2 mpg imp (automatic: 7.9 l/100 km / 35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 172 grams (automatic: 184 grams) per kilometre in the EU test cycle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman sends its extreme engine power to the road through all four wheels. Its ALL4 all-wheel-drive system uses an electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles – and, in so doing, optimises traction, driving stability and agility through dynamically taken corners.

Chassis modifications to the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman include firmly tuned springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars, a 10-millimetre lower ride height and a braking system with red callipers. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system comprises DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode, and the standard Sport Button allows the driver to tweak the engine’s responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by the steering.

The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman lays on four seats and 330 litres of boot capacity. The two rear seat backrests can be folded down individually, increasing the amount of load space to as much as 1,080 litres. These individual seats give the rear compartment a lounge-like ambience to go with the cockpit’s typically John Cooper Works sports car environment. Central features up front include bespoke sports seats, a sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Piano Black, an anthracite-coloured roof liner and dark-coloured dials for the speedometer and rev counter.

Standard specification also features air conditioning and the MINI Boost CD radio, while the optional extras available for the regular MINI Paceman, MINI Connected technology, model-specific options and John Cooper Works accessories provide an extra boost to comfort and individuality.

March 2013

Styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, five versions were available from launch, including the MINI Cooper S Paceman which has a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The seventh unique member of the family, it sells alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé and Roadster.

The three-door Paceman's unique exterior styling is built on the Countryman platform. 4,109 mm long (4,115mm for MINI Cooper S Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman).

The Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car.

The upright front grille, complete with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround, gives the Paceman genuine presence. Its coupé-style stretched side profile features long doors, while the blacked-out pillars create a ‘floating' roof concept, as already seen on the MINI Coupé. Available in either black, white or body colour, the roof gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler. The horizontal arrangement of the rear lights, which accentuates the car's width, is a first for MINI. The Paceman is the only member of the brand's line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.

The car's interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system - first seen in the Countryman - comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

The Paceman is a strict four-seater, though practicality has not been sacrificed. Folding down the rear seats expands the rear load-carrying capacity from 330 litres to a maximum of 1,080 litres. Access is via a large and high-opening tailgate, offering extra practicality for owners.

In the front, the raised seating position gives the driver and passenger an excellent view in every direction. The instrument panel includes many familiar components, including the large round central speedo. However, its black surround and decorative inner rings in high-gloss black or chrome are new, as are the redesigned air vent surrounds. Buttons for the windows, which have been toggle switches below the speedo on every MINI to date, have moved to the door trim panel.

MINI's trademark go-kart handling is a key part of the Paceman's appeal, enhanced by the optional all-wheel drive transmission. Lowered sports suspension as standard helps provide customers with an outstanding driving experience, though regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option.

Paceman customers have the choice of four powerful four-cylinder engines, two petrol and two diesel. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.

For petrol buyers, the MINI Cooper Paceman features a 1.6-litre 122bhp unit offering a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 140 g/km. The MINI Cooper S Paceman uses the same engine, tuned to deliver 184bhp. It will sprint to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy is 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.

For those who prefer diesel, the MINI Cooper D Paceman uses a 1.6-litre 112bhp turbocharged engine with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds. It provides owners with a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. The flagship diesel is the MINI Cooper SD Paceman, which gets a 2.0-litre 143bhp engine. Its 0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds. Fuel economy is 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km.

For buyers who want the reassuring grip that comes with four-wheel drive, MINI's ALL4 system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman, models. And for those seeking the ultimate in MINI performance and desirability, the 218bhp John Cooper Works Paceman accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.

Under the Paceman's body shell, sophisticated chassis technology includes MacPherson spring struts and forged cross members at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle and electric power steering with Servotronic function. These combine to provide a sure-footed yet dynamic driving experience. Extra fun can be summoned via the sport button, optional on Cooper and Cooper D, which tweaks the engine's responses and the power assistance provided by the steering.

Driver aids include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard across the range, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) on the MINI Cooper S Paceman, Cooper SD Paceman and Cooper D Paceman ALL4. Light alloy wheels in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes are standard, with 18-inch or 19-inch on the options list.

The state-of-the-art powertrain and suspension technology is married to MINI's acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental systems, which are fitted as standard. They include Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units, all of which help cut fuel use and reduce emissions.

Outstanding occupant protection is provided by an extensive range of safety equipment including front and side airbags. Side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are on every Paceman.

Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats. Popular options will include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, an electrically operated glass roof plus the MINI navigation system. Advanced infotainment functions are available via MINI Connected. A range of optional equipment packages will also be available providing customers excellent value and helping to promote strong residual values.

Eight exterior paint shades are available including the new Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red. Starlight Blue also previously unseen and unique to the Paceman. As always with MINI, personalisation is expected to be very popular and there is an extensive choice of bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.

The MINI Cooper Paceman starts at just £18,970 on the road.

June 2013

ALL4 available for the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper Paceman in Europe from July 2013. The new models are also fitted with 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

In the new models MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4, the all-wheel drive system distributes the power of a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with an output of 90 kW/122 bhp between the front and rear wheels. Spontaneous forward thrust is guaranteed by the engine's maximum torque of 160 Newton metres (190 Nm with automatic transmission), at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm.

As a result the MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4 takes 11.8 seconds (automatic: 11.6 seconds) to accelerate from standing to 100 km/h and attains a top speed of 185 (183) km/h. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels on the EU test cycle are the same as those of the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4.

With this extension of the model range there will be four versions of each of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman with optional ALL4 in future. The previously available portfolio comprises the models MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper S Paceman ALL4 (135 kW/184 bhp), the MINI Cooper SD Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Paceman ALL4 (105 kW/143 bhp), along with the MINI Cooper D Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper D Paceman ALL4 (82 kW/112 bhp). The top sports models MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman transmit their outstanding engine output of 160 kW/218 bhp to all wheels as standard.

April 2014

Facelift Paceman revealed

New engine range announced for revised MINI Paceman.

Model

Power

0-62 mph

Fuel Consumption

CO2

Cooper

122 hp

10.4 (-0.1)

47.9 mpg

137 g/km

Cooper D

111 hp

10.9

67.3 mpg

111 g/km

Cooper S

190 hp

7.5 (-0.1)

47.1 mpg

139 g/km

Cooper SD

143 hp

9.2 sec (-0.1 sec)

62.8 mpg

119 g/km

John Cooper Works

218 hp

6.9 sec (- 0.1 sec)

39.8 mpg

165 g/km

The MINI Paceman is the second model in the range to offer MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. MINI ALL4 distributes drive power at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle by means of an electromagnetic centre differential and is available for all model variants.

All MINI Paceman models can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard six-speed manual. The automatic transmission offers the possibility of manual gear selection with Steptronic – including shift paddles.

What to watch out for

21-12-2017:

Problems reported with September 2013 Mini Paceman Cooper SD ALL4 , purchased new from BMW/Mini. It has a two litre diesel engine, which has until recently, been solely maintained and serviced by Mini, as I had also purchased their 3 year warranty pack. The vehicle to date has done 23,000 miles. Over the three year service period owner mentioned to dealer, several times, that he thought the engine, in my speak, sounded like a ‘bag of old nails’ ie. a knocking noise.

11-07-2018:

Report of timing chain of 1.6 litre engine of 2013 MINI Cooper D Paceman snapping.

13-07-2021:

Report of clutch failure on four-wheel drive 2015 Paceman 27,000 miles on the clock.