Introduction
The 2014 Mini Paceman is a 3-door hatchback based on the Mini Countryman 5-door crossover SUV. The new Paceman is designed to seat 4 passengers, and is available with
Mini's ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. When it arrives in the United States in September of 2013, the 2014 Paceman will be offered in Cooper and Cooper S trim levels. Mini says that a performance-tuned John Cooper Works variant is in development and scheduled to arrive after the model's initial debut.
Exterior Features
From the windshield forward, the new 2014 Mini Paceman closely resembles the Mini Countryman on which it is based. The Paceman, however, has its own roof and window design, with blacked-out roof pillars for a "floating roof" appearance. The roof can be painted black, white or body color.
Mini says the Paceman is nearly as long as the Countryman. The rear styling is unique to the Paceman, featuring horizontal taillights rather than the Countryman's vertical lighting. The Paceman is the only Mini model to get a rear nameplate in addition to its "Cooper" or "Cooper S" designation.
According to Mini, the Paceman will be equipped with standard aluminum wheels and power exterior mirrors.
Interior Features
The 2014 Mini Paceman is a 4-passenger vehicle. It offers rear "lounge" seating with individual chairs and armrests, divided by an optional full-length center console. Air conditioning, front sport seats, and power window buttons with switches that move off of the dashboard to the door panel are standard.
Optional Features
Without offering details, Mini says the 2014 Paceman will be available with several option packages, and the company plans to offer numerous ways to personalize the model inside and out. This strategy aligns with how current Mini models are sold in the United States.
Highlights from the 2014 Paceman's option list include a "Sport" button for the base Cooper model, a choice between 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, park-assist sensors, power sunroof, navigation system, and Mini Connected technology.
Under the Hood
Four Paceman variants will be sold in the United States. The Mini Paceman Cooper will have a 121-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The Paceman Cooper S will offer a turbocharged, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower to the front wheels. The Paceman Cooper S ALL4 adds all-wheel drive.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. All Mini Pacemans will have a lowered sport suspension as standard equipment, but Mini says customers can choose a taller and softer ride if they prefer.
In Europe, the 2014 Mini Paceman will include automatic start/stop technology as well as a brake energy regeneration system. The company did not confirm whether these features would be included on U.S. versions of the model.
Details for the Paceman John Cooper Works model have not been announced, but the Countryman John Cooper Works is equipped with a turbocharged, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 208 horsepower.
Safety
Six air bags, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, and stability control are standard on the 2014 Mini Paceman. Traction control is optional. No further details on safety features were available as this preview was written.
Technology
The 2014 Mini Paceman is available with Mini Connected, an information and entertainment system with a 6.5-inch color screen mounted in the center of the dashboard. Using Mini Connected, passengers can pair a smartphone to the system, make calls or stream music through Bluetooth technology, or control a portable media player using the USB connection. When paired with an iPhone, Mini Connected also allows access to Facebook, Twitter, RSS news feeds, Google local search, and more.
