The Paceman is a three-door coupe based on a five-door crossover which was in turn based on a hatchback, and is therefore the MINI furthest removed from the core model in the range. It does though remain very similar mechanically.

It's also the most compromised, being neither as practical as its closest relative, the Countryman, nor anything like as engaging to drive as the two-seater MINI Coupe.

The line-up is basically familiar, with the exception that all versions are Coopers of one sort or another. There are no One trim models in the range, and power outputs start at 111bhp rather than in double figures, as is the case with other MINIs. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available, and as with the Countryman there's a choice of front-wheel drive or the ALL4 four-wheel drive system, the latter being standard on the 215bhp John Cooper Works (JCW).

Performance

Thanks to MINI's engine policy in this range, there is no really slow Paceman. The most leisurely car in the range is the Cooper D ALL4 automatic, which accelerates from 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 111mph. Cooper Ds with front-wheel drive and/or manual transmission are slightly quicker.

Ultimate performance comes from the John Cooper Works. Its 0-62mph time is 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is 140mph for the automatic or 142mph for the manual. The next quickest cars are the 187bhp Cooper S and the 141bhp Cooper SD diesel.

Ride and Handling

The less powerful versions may not be as exciting, but they're more manageable and therefore enjoyable to drive.

Although it's considerably lighter and slightly lower than the Countryman, the Paceman is still a tall, heavy car by MINI standards. A longer wheelbase than that of the hatchback makes it less eager to leap into corners, which is a good thing because the more powerful models can feel quite unbalanced if you're pushing hard. The JCW version in particular may be quick, but it's no fun at all through the bends because it makes such a meal of them. It requires careful control to make sure the dynamic disadvantages don't become overwhelming. The less powerful versions may not be as exciting, but they're more manageable and therefore enjoyable to drive.

Interior and Equipment

Like the Countryman, the Paceman is not built in Britain, but in Austria.

In the Paceman there isn't much legroom for tall rear passengers, though headroom at the back is generous. The luggage capacity is 330 litres with the rear seats up and 1,080 litres to roof level when they're folded down. This isn't much, and it's beaten by the Countryman, but it's quite a lot compared with other MINIs. All versions from the entry-level Cooper upwards have air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and the MINI Centre Rail mounted between the front seats. Optional extras include adaptive turning bi-xenon headlights, a glass sunroof, satellite navigation, cruise control and a removable tow bar. The MINI Connected system allows you to go online with your smartphone, and there is a large and increasing number of apps for it.

Cost

The 110bhp Cooper D diesel, as well as being the slowest version, is the most economical, with a combined figure of 67.3mpg and official CO2 emissions of 111g/km.

The lack of any One models in the range means that pricing starts quite high, at just over £19,000 for the Cooper manual. All other models cost over £20,000, the most expensive being the John Cooper Works automatic at around £31k. The 110bhp Cooper D diesel, as well as being the slowest version, is the most economical, with a combined figure of 67.3mpg and official CO2 emissions of 111g/km. The 141bhp Cooper SD is rated at 119g/km and is therefore in the same Vehicle Excise Duty bracket, with annual payments of £30, but it's less economical by 4.5mpg on the EU test and almost certainly more than that in real life. The Cooper and Cooper S petrol models both have combined economy figures of around 48mpg, while the JCW lags well behind on 39.8mpg.

Our Verdict

Since MINI has persevered with the Paceman while abandoning the Coupe and Roadster, it seems fair to assume that it's more popular than either of them. This is not our favourite of the brand's products, though. Assuming you insist on having a MINI of some sort, you can get more space with the Countryman and a better driving experience with the hatchback. The Paceman is a compromise between the two, and in our view not an ideal one.