The all-new 2013 Cooper Paceman differs little from the expectations set by its MINI brand name, serving more as a preview of the anticipated all-new 2014 Cooper than the previously promised entirely new kind of car. Essentially a snazzier and more efficient MINI Countryman, the Paceman knocks off 2 doors and 2 cubic feet in max cargo capacity in favor of a sleeker design that improves rear legroom, zip-to-60 times, fuel economy and overall handling. The result of all these shifts could launch the Paceman into mainstream appeal—if it can withstand the real road test.
So far slated to launch in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper S All4 trims for 2013, the Paceman might wait to add its high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) version until the rest of the Cooper lineup takes on a redesign for 2014. Losing about a half-inch in headroom and some 2 inches in overall height compared to the Countryman, the Paceman's retuned electronic steering does best for the All4 and likewise all-wheel-drive JCW—otherwise it's prone to steering that jerks with the engine and responds when it chooses to, but some drivers don't mind. Especially not when it comes to fuel economy and fun. This could be MINI's big hit if the Paceman's steering feel doesn't take a big chunk out of driver expectations.
Although the wheelbase, standard features and options lists, transmissions and engines all carry over essentially unchanged, the Paceman's redesigned chassis and suspension switch up the specs and benchmark tests favorably, for the most part. Reining in cargo capacity to 38.1 cubic feet helps the base Paceman get to 60 mph 0.3 seconds faster than the very same 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (with 121 hp and 114 lb-ft/torque) powers the base Countryman Cooper to 60, in 8.9 seconds. It supposedly suffers by 4 mpg in the city, but this Cooper otherwise gets the best Paceman highway economy at 23 mpg city/37 highway.
The rest of the lineup is so far estimated at 30/35, which would be a distinctly marked improvement over the 26/32 for the Countryman S or 25/31 for the Countryman S All4. Translated into performance, Paceman S and S All4 trims gain a few pound-feet of torque for 181 hp and 192 lb-ft in this version of the turbocharged I4 engine, but the All4 reportedly slips down 0.2 seconds to a 7.5-second arrival at 60 mph. The S otherwise sticks to its 7 seconds, but even losing a bit of speed with all-wheel drive is impressive if the rumored 30/35 economy proves accurate—even with premium fuel.
Performance aside, the inside is where you might catch a glimpse at the 2014 Cooper redesign. Consoles and dashes are almost entirely redesigned in the Paceman, most notably moving the window switches from the cumbersome center stack to the door panels. Some of the restyled interior is surely reserved only for the Paceman, but ergonomics improvements like that usually carry over and, dare I say, usually show up first in a company's flagship car. Declaring one could be huge for MINI, but the Paceman would first need to deliver as a volume favorite—and that might take more than a predictable location for window switches and some power shuffles. That said, keeping its vast array of customizations and the choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission anywhere in the lineup certainly doesn't hurt.
My 2013 mini paceman doesn't have a temp gauge. Just warning light. Had I known before the 11th hour my car was so hot, I'd have stopped! Now, new radiator, headskets/engine! Big bucks. A temp gauge would be very helpful! Just saying!
THERE'S A CRACK IN MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT COVER CASING...I HAVE A 2016 COOPER PACEMAN. WHAT'S THE COST TO REPLACE?
OK .....is this safe to drive in a snowstorm to the Laurentians in Quebec in February from Burlington, Vermont ????
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.72
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.71
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.71
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent