Road Test: Mini Paceman 1.6 Cooper S 3dr

For all of history, the world has managed without a car like this. But now that it’s here, the Paceman is a simple thing to grasp: a coupe version of the Countryman, Mini’s road-biased small crossover with an optional four-wheel-drive system. Simples.

From the front, it’s the same pugnacious high-foreheadshape as the Countryman, but then it tapers away to a strikingly shallow rear, with muscles over the wheels, and horizontal ovoid tail-lamps to emphasise the width. Inside it’s a four-seat layout (the Countryman is now a five-seater) with comfy individual chairs in the back, separated by an aluminium rail that carries clip-in holders for cups or mobiles, etc. Looks good, especially at night under the glow of its LED striplights, but it’s a waste of space as you really want an armrest. And to be honest, the quality of the interior plastics falls some way short of the premium claim.

I’m in the Cooper S, with front-drive. It gets along well enough, with largely lag-free pick-up from the usual 1.6 turbo Valvetronic engine. But it’s definitely not a hot hatch, because the cornering is, especially in wide, fast bends, a bit odd. You turn the wheel and it reacts nimbly, but then things happen slightly out of sync. The arrival of body roll and the turning of the rear of the car don’t exactly answer the lock you’ve applied, so there’s a bit of a lurch. Turn some more and everything settles down, but that disquieting moment has sapped your enthusiasm.

Actually, in tight bends, you can feel the tyres working nicely, but there’s a lot of roll and general sogginess caused by the high centre of gravity. Traction out of tight corners isn’t that special either. Maybe best go for the ALL4 option. I haven’t had the chance to try it on the Paceman, but on the Countryman the ALL4 version has largely the same general handling traits, but it does have traction in tight bends, as well as providing the confidence to go up hills in slippery going.

So think of the Paceman as a car for wafting about, parading your style. The primary ride isn’t unsupple, though there is a bit of grittiness and road noise overlaying it. And the steering column shakes a bit, again undermining the impression of premium quality.