2013 Mini Cooper Paceman Test Drive

On-Sale Date: March 16

Price: $23,900-$36,200

Competitors: Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Nissan Juke, Range Rover Evoque, Volkswagen GTI

Powertrains: 1.6-liter I-4, 121 hp, 118 lb-ft; 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, 181 hp, 192 lb-ft; 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, 208 hp, 221 lb-ft; 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 25-27/30-35 (Cooper); 25-26/32 (Cooper S); 23-25/30-31 (John Cooper Works)

What's New: New is an elastic term at Mini, where two versions of one basic architecture and three versions of one engine have now morphed into seven different models, with more in the pipeline. Paceman is the latest. It's a Volkswagen Golf-size not-so-mini that's essentially a three-door variation on the five-door Countryman. Like the Countryman, it offers enough rear-seat space to accommodate two adults, albeit with reduced accessibility to the second row. The two Minis are otherwise similar inside. But the Paceman's roof is 1.6 inches lower, sloping toward the rear like the three-door Mini Hardtop. The rear styling also differs from the Countryman, set off by large taillights with chrome surrounds.

Tech Tidbit: The Paceman is the second Mini to offer all-wheel drive (the Countryman was the first). The All4 system employs an electronically controlled center differential to automatically apportion front/rear torque distribution, up to 100 percent. Governed by the stability control system, All4 can respond to low-traction conditions in milliseconds, according to Mini.

Driving Character: Like the rest of the expanding Mini clan, the Paceman has a solid chassis, exceptional roll stiffness, quick and accurate steering, and eager responses. It adds up to a rewarding experience for anyone who likes to drive. Engine performance with the turbocharged S version of the engine and six-speed automatic transmission is reasonably brisk. Turbo spool-up is prompt, and Mini claims 0-to-60 mph in 6.9 seconds (or 7.2 with the All4 AWD option). Braking power, with big discs at both ends, augmented by Pirelli P-Zero run-flat tires, is consistent with the car's sporty persona.

Favorite Detail: Minis never let occupants forget they're in a car that defies convention. This doesn't always enhance function. The pizza-size center dash speedo, for example, can take some getting used to, though it's distinctive and its vast diameter makes it a good home for the optional nav system. Still, interior materials are high-grade, and the Paceman's relocation of the power window switches from the center stack to the door is a welcome retreat from retro.

Driver's Grievance: High springs rates, hard bushings, firm damping, limited suspension travel, and low-profile run-flat tires conspire to give the Paceman exceptional transient response, but there's a downside. Ride quality is pleasant enough on smooth pavement but can quickly becoming punishing on gnarly surfaces. No surface irregularities are too small for the suspension to ignore, and all communicate themselves to the occupants. This also applies to interior sound levels?coarse pavement translates as road noise.

Bottom Line: Mini has become the automotive version of a cookbook whose recipes all use the same basic ingredients. But, as in any good cookbook, the recipes produce different flavors. Based on its specifications, the Paceman might seem to be just a Countryman minus one set of doors. But the three-door design looks more athletic, and even though it's nearly 16 inches longer than the basic Mini Cooper (now called the Hardtop), the Paceman's proportions preserve the impudent appeal of that original and most popular member of the Mini clan. The expanded dimensions, plus the option of all-wheel drive, give the Paceman more utility than its smaller cousin. A penalty of higher curb weights (around 500 pounds depending on the model) diminishes performance slightly, but that disparity is offset by increased practicality.

A key appeal of any Mini is its eager persona and cheeky styling. Like the 1959 originals, modern Minis are about fun and the Paceman is wholly consistent with that ethos. And, like everything else in the Mini lineup, the Paceman has no true direct competitors.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/drives/2013-mini-cooper-paceman-test-drive?src=rss

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