MINI sets the Pace for 2011 To celebrate the launch of the MINI brand in the USA ten years ago, MINI designers have taken the recently launched Countryman and applied some more unconventional thinking to its package. The result: the MINI Paceman Concept, a sleek coupe-version of the Countryman.
First off, at 4110mm long, 1789mm wide and 1541mm tall, this MINI is larger than a VW Polo in every, but apart from that nitpick analysis, everything comes across all MINI and is instantly recognizable as such. Although based on the Countryman, the Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI and gives them a fresh twist with the help of some new technology and an innovative coupe body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door Countryman. The result is a MINI with visual “muscle car� design cues, which displays its sporting and performance oriented intent from pretty much every angle. It definitely looks far sleeker and aggressive, thanks to the sloping window lines and wraparound rear windows.
The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design MINI calls the first “Sports Activity Coupe” in the small car segment, aims to blend lifestyle elements with premium quality. Like pretty much all MINIs, it is targeted at younger, extrovert and affluent types fond of the hallmark MINI brand, who buy into the ethos, lifestyle ideal and statement of the brand. The fact is, when this market and buyer somehow emerges, you have a seller on your hands, almost regardless of features, pricing, looks, or other factors competitors may have to worry about. On the surface the Paceman SAC most noticeably sports two large doors and a gorgeous upwards-sloping shoulderline, creating a wraparound glass look at the rear as it extends through the blackened C-pillar, also accentuating the contrasting-coloured “helmet roof” look. The 19-inch exclusive alloy wheels sit nicely in the flared arches with MINI’s traditionally short overhangs, ensuring the “go-kart” feel should remain intact in the Paceman. Much of the front end is taken from the Countryman Cooper S, such as the newly reshaped headlights that extend into the front wings, contoured bonnet and front grille design. Additional intakes in the lower section of the front bumper and recessed fog lamps sharpen up its more aggressive stance. An interesting addition is a broad, coloured side scuttle design that leads from the A pillar, down the wing and over the side indicators onto the front wheels – a nice but necessary individual touch, as a brand which bases itself on just that.
Down the sides you will find darkened wheel arch borders, some nice colour-coded side skirts and the aforementioned sloping shoulderline between the wraparound greenhouse and the roof. It comes together to make the Paceman look sleek and almost stretched, further enhanced by the tail light clusters which are positioned at the outer edges of the rear and stretch parallel into the side flanks, underlining the dominance of horizontal lines. As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear apron of the Paceman has a diffuser design and twin exhaust pipes. The airflow is channeled between exhausts on the underbody section, optimizing the car’s aerodynamic properties and handling. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the air intake in the front bumper, forging a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car, with a large MINI emblem on the wide tailgate.
Inside the Paceman, the elements of the Countryman are visible too. MINI have never been shy on the quality of cockpit materials nor demure in their execution and layout, so the Paceman continues this theme with large dials and centre-mounted speedo, quirky switches and an overall fun but driver-focused appeal. Another interesting carryover from the Countryman is the “Centre Rail”, an innovative U-profile rail system which runs through the middle of the passenger compartment back as far as the rear seat backrests, onto which cup holders, MP3 or video players, or similar accessories can be mounted, swiveled and moved about to suit driver and passengers. The seating arrangement is 2+2, with individual bucket seats at the rear the preferred option, but a 3-seater bench option may also be available. Fortunately MINI have not rested on their good looks in this department. Under the bonnet we find the fantastic 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged John Cooper Works engine, delivering 155kW and 260Nm. Anyone who has driven a MINI with the JCW powerplant knows that it is indeed a great hooligan tool, so in the performance section, the Paceman should put a grin on your face every time. Also handy, thanks to its Countryman roots, is the Paceman’s optionally available “ALL4” permanent all-wheeldrive system. This features an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive, which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50% of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100%. The extra traction through the traditional MINI chassis and suspension layout should be a hoot, I just hope it doesn’t mute the driver feel by
taking away too much control and banishing the unmistakable “go-kart” handling characteristics so loved by MINI enthusiasts.
This is however highly unlikely, as the Paceman’s chassis technology has been tweaked to take advantage of the JCW engine, to deliver precise, sporty handling and agility with excellent ride comfort. The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms, while Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance plays a major role in delivering the agility customers expect of the brand. The multi-link rear axle was developed on the back of BMW Group chassis expertise and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car. We love the idea of the Paceman and are sure that it will be another tremendous hit for the brand, but we do sincerely hope that the creative geniuses at MINI gives it a proper name. “Paceman” just doesn’t sound right… - Kevin Willemse