Mini Cooper S Paceman ALL4: Crossover Coupe with Attitude
Mini’s three-door Paceman S ALL4 brings all-wheel drive and a coupe profile to the compact crossover segment, blending familiar Mini character with added practicality and road presence.
Mini expanded its crossover line-up with the Paceman S ALL4, a three-door, coupe-styled version of the Countryman, fitted with a 184hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive. The Paceman arrived as a more rakish alternative to the five-door Countryman, aiming to combine Mini’s trademark agility with added practicality and visual presence.
The Paceman sits just 9cm shorter than a Volkswagen Golf, putting it firmly in the compact crossover territory. Compared to the Countryman, the Paceman features a sloping roofline, horizontal rear lights and a two-door layout, giving it a distinctive profile. The ALL4 system, shared with the Countryman, distributes power to all four wheels and is intended to provide extra confidence in poor weather or on loose surfaces, though the Paceman’s ground clearance is lower than a typical SUV.
Performance and handling
The Cooper S variant’s 1.6-litre turbo engine produces 184hp and 240Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual or optional automatic gearbox. With a kerb weight of 1,380kg, the Paceman S ALL4 is not especially light, but the engine provides enough punch for brisk progress, especially above 3,000rpm when the turbocharger comes into its own. Mini claims a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds for the S ALL4.
On the road, the Paceman S ALL4 delivers familiar Mini responses: quick steering, firm suspension and a sense of agility, despite its higher ride height compared to the regular hatch. The body is stiffer than the Countryman thanks to the two-door shell, and body roll is better controlled. The sports suspension is standard, but the ride is firmer than many rivals, and rough surfaces can unsettle the car at speed. The Sport button increases steering weight and sharpens throttle response, though feedback from the throttle remains similar in both modes.
Interior and practicality
Inside, the Paceman carries over the familiar Mini dashboard, dominated by the large central speedometer and toggle switches. The three-door layout means longer doors for easier access to the rear, though the front seats do not automatically return to their original position after being tilted. Rear space is generous for two adults, and the rear bench is replaced by two individual seats, creating a lounge-like atmosphere. The central rail system allows customisation with cupholders and other accessories.
Boot space is competitive for the segment, and the rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity. The Paceman’s interior quality and style are in line with other Minis, though some controls, such as the seat adjusters, are awkwardly placed. The navigation system is shared with BMW’s range, offering clear graphics and intuitive operation.
Safety and equipment
Standard safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). The Paceman had not been tested by Euro NCAP at launch, but the related Countryman achieved five stars in 2010. In the event of a crash, the Paceman automatically cuts the fuel pump to reduce fire risk.
Running costs and rivals
Mini quoted fuel consumption figures of around 6.0 litres/100km (39mpg) at 90km/h and 7.5 litres/100km (31mpg) at motorway speeds for the S ALL4, with urban driving pushing that figure above 9.0 litres/100km. The automatic gearbox adds to the price and slightly increases fuel consumption. The Paceman’s main rivals include the Nissan Juke, Range Rover Evoque three-door and Fiat 500X, though few offer the same combination of all-wheel drive and coupe styling.
- Three-door coupe styling distinguishes Paceman from the five-door Countryman.
- ALL4 all-wheel drive adds traction but not true SUV ability.
- Interior offers individual rear seats and customisable rails.
