2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman ALL4 - Why Be Normal?

The two-door version of the biggest Mini uses all the same mechanical bits under a sharper, more angular skin that looks a bit more Doberman than traditional English bulldog. To reinforce its rapid intentions, Mini made the Country-man's optional sport suspension standard fare. The A114 is available only in the Cooper S trim, meaning the punching-above-its-weight 181-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 is the only engine choice. The little engine that does can be had with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Mini only had the automatic available for our drive, but the transmission is surprisingly adept for cruising along or snapping from gear to gear. The small engine feels soft at the very bottom of the rev range, but really gets the Mini dancing once the turbo is blowing.

The two-door version of the biggest Mini uses all the same mechanical bits under a sharper, more angular skin that looks a bit more Doberman than traditional English bulldog.

Like all Minis, turn-in is aggressive and instantaneous. With virtually no free play on-center, the smallest steering input turns into an immediate response. The higher mass and higher center of gravity obviously dull the responses when compared with a standard Cooper S. The higher stance gives Mini plenty of suspension travel, so while the ride is stiff, it’s never unpleasant. It even gives the Paceman a bit of ability in soft-roading and all-weather performance.

Like all Minis, turn-in is aggressive and instantaneous.

While not always recognized for ergonomics, Minis’ interiors are upscale for a small car, maybe even plush. The Paceman and 2013 Countryman are meant to be slightly more mainstream cars, so the window switches have been moved to the doors. The switches are still anything but normal a big chrome drum rolls up and down to control the windows. The Paceman features model-specific sport seats with larger bolstering for the two front and two rear bucket seats. Even at 6-Foot-2, I am able to sit in the back with the front seat adjusted to where I would normally sit The only tight dimension in the back seat is headroom.

The Paceman and 2013 Countryman are meant to be slightly more mainstream cars, so the window switches have been moved to the doors.

Like all Minis, the Paceman is not going to be for everyone. While Mini is still holding onto its traditional values, it’s turning a bit more mainstream, but not quite.

While Mini is still holding onto its traditional values, it’s turning a bit more mainstream, but not quite.