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Love it... but why does the MINI Paceman exist? Motorists, after all, can already have
a Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé, or Roadster - and the Clubvan is
on its way too. On this basis, the Paceman must have a unique selling point to justify its
presence. So, let us consider its features. It has three doors, for starters, like the traditional
Hatch. It has a spacious 330-litre boot too, but that is smaller than the Countryman on
which it is based. Cargo capacity with the rear seats folded flat is slightly less too. That
brings us to styling. The Paceman, MINI says, is “styled as a coupé interpretation of the
Countryman”. But at a glance it looks like the Hatch and much less coupé-like than - say - a
MINI Coupe. This suggests that its established siblings have the upper-hand in these areas.
The MINI Paceman is powered by four engines, two petrol and two diesel.
These produce
between 112bhp and 184bhp, and are all available in other MINIs. Furthermore, the
quickest model reaches 62mph in 7.5 seconds (slower than some siblings) and the most
fuel efficient averages 64.2mpg. That makes it less efficient than other family members
too. Not that these figures are bad, of course. The MINI Paceman also has four-wheel-
drive and lowered suspension for superb handling, but – once again – these characteristics
feature on other MINIs. But perhaps we are missing the point. The MINI Paceman might
be made from the same ingredients as its siblings but it is mixed-up and cooked differently.
It therefore has a unique flavour that distinguishes it. And so what if it cannot trump the
best in certain areas. This car has an undefinable x-factor which is a feeling rather than
something to point at. Sounds illogical... but some things just are. Prices start from £18,970.
By Stephen Turvil
Wed, 26 Sep 2012
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