New for 2015

The 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman is back, sporting a number of minor cosmetic changes to the exterior and a new base-level wheel design.

Bite-Sized Bark

Ostensibly, MINI is in the business of making. But what MINI really seems to be excelling at these days is building cars that make people smile. In fact, we dare you to comb over MINI’s growing model lineup and not grin from ear to ear at some point. Perhaps, it’s the race-inspired checkered rooftops, the colorful array of mirror caps, or the proud Union Jack emblazoned on the side scuttles. Whatever the case may be, it’s hard to deny that MINI does things a little different.

Enter the 2015 Paceman, a relative newcomer to the MINI family. It does away with the Countryman’s four-door frame in favor of a two-door design with the same sporty character of the MINI Cooper Coupe, only much roomier and more versatile. In short, it delivers bite-sized bark with a generous pinch of practicality. 

Power and Performance

Choices, choices, and more choices. The MINI brand is full of them. Naturally, these choices translate to engine options where potential buyers can choose between three different variations. The base model ($23,550*) gets a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder that serves up 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Power is shuffled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission; however drivers wanting hand over a little more control to the car can opt for a six-speed automatic. 

The Paceman S ($26,900*) is outfitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that dishes out 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Once again front-wheel-drive is standard, however, S models get an optional all-wheel-drive system. Transmission options remain the same as the standard model.

Perched atop the Paceman’s lineup is the high-performance John Cooper Works model ($35,600*), which boasts an even more powerful version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter that is capable of churning out a monstrous 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. According to MINI, the JCW version, which comes with all-wheel-drive standard, can shuffle from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. 

Of course power is only one part of the performance equation: the Paceman is also incredibly efficient. In fact, despite the different powertrains, fuel economy numbers remain steady. The base model (when equipped with the manual transmission) has an EPA-rated 28 city/35 highway mpg,** while the Paceman S earns 26 city/32 highway mpg.** Not to be outdone, the all-wheel drive JCW model gets an impressive 23 city/30 highway mpg.**

Features and Trims

With so many customization options, it’s safe to say that no two MINIs are exactly alike. But more than that, with three trim levels to choose from, including base, S, and John Cooper Works, prospective buyers can rest easy knowing there is a 2015 MINI Paceman model that is bound to fit their needs.

The 2015 MINI Pacemen offers up a generous list of standard equipment, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, and premium vinyl upholstery. Front sports seats are also standard, providing a more race-like experience, while a welcome mix of cruise control, full power accessories, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with CD player , and USB/iPod inputs round out the list of standard equipment. 

Naturally, the sportier Paceman S and high-performance John Cooper Works models are kitted out with even more features. Pacemen S models get the aforementioned turbocharged engine, along with foglights and a dynamic traction mode, while the JCW model gets a sportier exhaust system, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique exterior and interior styling touches. 

But as we mentioned, it just wouldn’t be a MINI without a MEGA choice of options, and the 2015 Paceman is happy to oblige. Options and add-ons include 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, chrome brightwork on the exterior, keyless entry/ignition, a 10-speaker harmon/kardon® sound system, navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and satellite HD radio, to name few.

And as If that wasn’t enough, the Paceman can be further decked out with a gaggle of graphics and special appearance items like Union Jack and Checkered Flag mirror caps. 

Exterior/Interior

With a sharply penned exterior that is perfectly in-step with MINI’s welcoming and warm style, the 2015 Paceman is one good looking piece of molded sheet metal. It’s slightly larger than the MINI Cooper but smaller than the four-door Countryman. The roofline is low and sporty with just the right mix of curves front to back, foretelling what amounts to be a very agile drive character. For 2015, the Paceman benefits from the addition of new LED running lights and LED foglights.

The interior is equally charming, too. Large, racecar-like dials and speedometers take center stage, with a wide array of small switches and buttons placed about the dash for what amounts to a very distinct cabin design. Speaking of the cabin, it’s very roomy given the car’s dimensions, with abundant head, leg, and shoulder room for passengers. Potential owners will also appreciate the Paceman’s ample 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bucket seats folded down. 

Safety

Everything about the 2015 MINI Paceman screams fun, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take safety seriously. Whether you’re making use of the Paceman’s available all-wheel-drive on the slopes or shuffling through traffic during your daily grind, the Pacemen – along with its litany of standard safety features – is designed to leap into action when called upon. Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, and seven dual-stage Smart Airbags that monitor driver and front passenger position.

Bottom Line

At its core, the 2015 MINI Paceman is all about fun. From its go-kart-like handing to its charming interior, there is very little about this car that won’t make you smile. Toss in a robust choice of engines and a million different ways to customize your ride and what you’re left with is a car that captivates and pleases faster than it can sprint from 0-60 mph. 

For more information, or to test drive the 2015 MINI Paceman, be sure to call or contact us at 3Birds Template today.

*MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional.

**All MPG values are based on preliminary EPA estimates for model year 2015. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle operation.

Image: MINI (European model shown)