The new MINI Paceman has landed in Australia, offering MINI’s trademark go-kart thrills in an entirely new Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) body. Built on the compact SUV platform originally created for the MINI Countryman, the Paceman is the seventh model in the MINI family, and presents a fresh and individual character which is instantly evident from any angle.
The imediate standout feature of the MINI Paceman is the coupé silhouette incorporating a strong, clearly emphasised wedge shape formed by the downward-sloping roof line and the steadily rising shoulderline.
This engaging character is continued in the interior. Squarely designed as a four-seater, the inside incorporates new design elements and functional components to create a lounge-like atmosphere.
This new addition to the MINI family will be available in two variants: the MINI Cooper Paceman and the MINI Cooper S Paceman, and both will be available immediately from launch.
Both vehicles are powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine featuring fully variable valve management which, in standard guise, is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
In the MINI Cooper Paceman, the engine is tuned to develop 90kW of power and 160 Nm of torque to propel this charismatic MINI from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in a time of 10.4 second. Combined fuel consumption in the entry level Paceman is recorded at 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions are rated at 152 grams per kilometre.
The MINI Cooper S Paceman – the performance variant of the line-up – adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection to generate a maximum output of 135 kW and peak torque of 240 Nm, on tap from as low as 1,600 rpm. An overboost function is at the driver’s disposal to provide particularly powerful bursts of acceleration, increasing torque to as much as 260 Nm for a short time between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.
These performance enhancements enable the MINI Cooper S Paceman to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds – all on the way to a top speed of 217 km/h.
Despite this smile-inducing acceleration, average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at an impressive 6.6litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions are just 154 grams per kilometre.
The 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 for all models. For both of these new models, the automatic gearbox also comes standard with shift paddles attached to the steering wheel.
The construction of the MINI Paceman’s chassis – consisting of a MacPherson spring strut front axle and forged cross members in tandem with a multi-link rear axle – underpins its hallmark MINI agility. A feature particular to the MINI Paceman is the sporty set-up of the lowered suspension, although the car can also be ordered with regular suspension and ride height as a no-cost option.
Specifications levels for the MINI Paceman are high. Standard equipment on the entry level model includes Dynamic Stability Control, 16 inch 5-Star single spoke alloys, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights with rain sensing wipers, interior lights package, sports leather multi-function steering wheel, Chrome Line interior and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with USB interface.
Above and beyond this, the MINI Cooper S Paceman also receives Dynamic Traction Control, Sport Button, 17inch 5-Hole black star alloy wheels, clear indicator lenses and stainless steel trim for the pedals and footrest.
Additionally, standard kit for both models includes Sports seats and Sports suspension which further enhances the dynamic nature of the new MINI variants.
The colour palette includes eight colours ranging from the vibrant Blazing Red to Brilliant Copper metallic or the new Starlight Blue metallic. In most cases, vehicles can be optioned with roof and mirror caps in black or white for contrast.
MINI Paceman Australian MRLP*
MINI Cooper Paceman $35,900
MINI Cooper S Paceman $44,100
*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT – if applicable) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries
