MINI has launched the two-door, all-wheel-drive (AWD) Paceman model – a ‘Sports Activity Coupe’. The newcomer joins the Countryman wagon variant in being MINI models driving all four wheels.
The seventh MINI variant, the Paceman caters to urban adventurists and comes with two-doors, two individual rear seats, a higher seating position for those up-front, a clever tailgate design and impressive 1080-litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded flat.
Power comes from a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines with outputs ranging from 82kW to 135kW. Drive is via six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
At launch, MINI is offering the Paceman in three model grades – Cooper S, Cooper SD and Cooper D with a John Cooper Works version to follow.
Styling cues differentiating the MINI Pacemen from other models are highlighted by a new front-end grille shape with extra chrome, unique headlights and black protector strips around the wheelarches and lower body. However the side view is the most distinctive with sweeping lines, the coupe roof, elongated doors and muscly character line.
At the rear, the Paceman debuts a MINI first horizontal rear lights.
Changes too inside with a forward lean for the hallmark centre speedo and Carbon Black trim highlights. The rear seats are lounge types with arm rests built into the side panels.
MINI Australia will launch the Paceman early next year.
