By Mike Torpey on 2013-03-21 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
Cool coupe races
into spring
MINI is taking a fast stride into springtime with a model billed as the world's first car of its type to hit the premium small and compact vehicle scene.
The new Paceman is the brand's first Sports Activity Coupe and the seventh different model to be launched by MINI.
Based on the Countryman, it comes only as a four-seater and features a choice of four petrol and diesel engine, with prices from £18,970.
With a stretched side profile and long doors, muscular flared wheel arches, integrated rear spoiler, horizontally arranged rear lights and a downward-sloping roofline, the new MINI is a real eye-catcher and 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 and centres round rear seating which has been styled on a lounge concept.
There are two individual chairs with armrests integrated into the rear trim while a two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system - first seen in the Countryman - comes as standard.
The instrument panel features freshly designed surrounds for the air vents, a trademark large circular centre speedo with new black surround and window buttons in the door panel trim.
MINI says that powerful engines and standard lowered sports suspension will accentuate the model's go-kart feeling while regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option.
Two 1.6-litre petrol and a pair of 1.6 diesel engines are available from launch ranging from the MINI Cooper D Paceman boasting 112bhp and MINI Cooper Paceman with 122bhp to the Cooper SD version with 143bhp and the 184bhp Cooper S Paceman which can travel from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
The plan is to add a fiery MINI John Cooper Works variant to the range in due course and the Paceman is the second model after the MINI Countryman which customers can order with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as an option.
All variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic and extensive MINIMALISM technology is fitted as standard with a Sport Button available as an extra.
Standard kit includes air-con, sports seats for driver and front passenger, centre rail and radio MINI CD and there are added cost extras like xenon headlights, Park Distance Control, electric glass roof, trailer coupling, bonnet stripes, Harman Kardon hi-fi and infotainment functions available via MINI Connected.
Driver aids include Dynamic Stability Control as standard across the range, with Dynamic Traction Control including Electronic Differential Lock Control on the Cooper S, Cooper SD 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.
Eight exterior paint shades are available including the new Brilliant Copper, Blazing Red and Starlight Blue. Prices are from £18,970 for the entry level 1.6-litre petrol model to £24,290 for an SD with all-wheel drive.
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