On The Pace(man)
We’re picking up a certain sense of confusion when it comes to the plethora of Mini derivatives out there – and this is not limited to the actual models themselves. Even the name of the latest Mini is causing some blonde moments – a restaurant owner noted that we were behind the wheel of the Pac-Man. Um no. That would be the electronic game involving a character eating its way through a maze – kind of like Liz Gilbert in Italy in Eat Pray Love. The Mini, on the other hand, is meant to be speedy – hence the inclusion of that all-transforming “e”.
But, name aside, what is the Paceman … really? The powers that be at Mini will tell you that it is “the first sports activity coupé in the premium small and compact segment“. Which probably doesn’t mean much. Rather think about the Countryman, toss two doors and add coupé styling. Practically, this means we are talking about quite a big car, one that that smirks at the Mini badge (because it’s anything but small, it’s over four metres long). It’s a tiny little bit like a Range Rover Evoque – but cheaper. It even has that oh-so-desirable sloping roofline that we adore on the Evoque …
So what does it offer – other than that gorgeous bod? A surprisingly spacious interior – although, of course, it’s a tad challenging to access the back seats (because the Paceman only has two doors). Good handling – although, if you’re a girl racer, the regular Mini hatch is a better option. A useful boot – loading capacity stands at 330 litres, increasing to 1 080 litres when the rear seat backrests are folded down.
The name of the Paceman depends on the engine under its hood: if it comes with a 90 kW motor, you call it the Mini Cooper Paceman. Pop a 135 kW powerplant under its hood and it’s called the Mini Cooper S Paceman. And the range-topping model, with its 160 kW engine, goes by the name of the Mini John Cooper Works Paceman.
Just please don’t call it the Pac-Man…
Price: From R307 283 (as at September 2013)
Text: Charleen Clarke