So, when we caught our first glimpse of the MINI Paceman Concept, we certainly didn't poo-poo the idea. In fact, we embraced the concept for its really cool little quirks.
The problem is that none of the cool little bits would ever make it to a production vehicle.
What we did know that it would be coming, eventually. And we also knew that folks would simply ask "Why?"
That's exactly what happened with the Cooper Coupe. It's a little thing called style, folks.
Anyhow, aside from the "why?" factor, it seems like it could be an interesting drive provided that MINI doesn't fit it with the god-awful run-flat tires. Read more about it and some important excerpts from EVO Magazine's special drive of a prototype below...
What is it?
A prototype version of the forthcoming Mini Paceman, hence the silly disguise in the pictures, and sampled here in Cooper S ‘All 4’ form. It’s basically a coupe version of the existing Mini Countryman, with three doors and a lower roofline. Or, in other words, a niche within a niche. It will be going on sale in the UK next March, and although prices and final specs have yet to be confirmed, you can reckon on it costing around £1200 more than the equivalent Countryman, although possibly with a bit more standard spec...
How does it drive?
You’re probably expecting to hear that the Paceman drives pretty much like the Countyman. But it doesn’t. The revised suspension settings have, on our first acquaintance, turned it into a considerably more dynamic machine, with less roll, more grip and a far less front-biased chassis balance, certainly on the dusty tarmac of our Spanish test route...
How does it compare?
None of which answers the big question of ‘why?’ of course. The Paceman is still less agile than the Mini hatchback, and far less practical than the five-door Countryman. That said, despite the substantial price supplement likely to be asked for it, the Paceman will still look like a bargain when compared with a Range Rover Evoque three-door, and in the grand scheme of things it's no more irrational a choice...
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