2nd Gen Paceman Most liked posts in thread: Paceman Test Drive

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    I opened this thread expecting you to pan the Paceman. That it is too big, too bloated and quite removed from what makes a MINI a MINI. You now have me really wanting a test drive!

    Hope the dealers at MOTD have one we can gently flog about.
     
  2. Gizmo

    Gizmo New Member

    May 22, 2012
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    I want to see someone get a JCW Paceman ALL4, lower it a bit, add some go-fast bits under the bonnet/tune , and put a rear-seat delete in the back..... :)
     
  3. JackMac

    JackMac Well-Known Member

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    #19 JackMac, Apr 9, 2013
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2013
    I've driven the Paceman a couple if times now. (Point of reference, R53 GP owner, previous modded R53 and R56 JCW).

    Agree with all of the comments in this review. The Paceman has a BMW-like solid feel to it. The only downside was that the motor and brakes were a slightly challenged by the weight. Sport mode helped. The test drives were in a All4 S with sunroof, so it was a heavy configuration. That said, a JCW Paceman is now on the short list for our next MINI.

    Just remember, this is not a MINI hardtop and is not meant to be. You won't be doing any track days in one. But it would work well as a daily driver for those who need a back seat.
    ScreenShot2013-03-29at44855PM_zpsda90c6ea.png ScreenShot2013-03-29at44946PM_zpsf53f40c3.png ScreenShot2013-03-29at45009PM_zpscd1c1960.png ScreenShot2013-03-29at50431PM_zpsde60a268.png
     
  4. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
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    Good open review, now I really want to go test drive a JCW Paceman.

    I did submit my Paceman ALL4 S config to my favorite salesman and asked him to config all my options into a JCW ALL4 Paceman, still waiting for the heart attack. $$$$. :)

    Don
     
  5. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

    May 16, 2009
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    I would have liked to test drive the all4...however they only had the one at the dealership at the time...from what ive read about the JCW All4 Paceman it sounds like an even more aggressive MINI...the 30 extra hp def compensates for the more weight of the All4 system...

    many people think that i just hate on 2nd gen's because im partial to the 1st Gen's...which isnt true i like what i have so it would have to be a special MINI model to come along to tear me away from her and honestly if the JCW Paceman lives up to the hype it could be the next one
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    All 4 6 sp dropped where does the FUN line start?
     
  7. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    i dont see why you wouldnt be able to track day the car...ive seen Duell AG track the countryman...if you wanted to track it...pull the rear seats out...proper set of track wheels and tires...good suspension setup also a proper set of brakes and you would track it...hell if people can track a 5000lb mustang i dont see why you couldnt track a 3000lb MINI
     
  8. figaro331

    figaro331 New Member

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    I understand your excitement about Paceman, only one thing I do not understand - why you do not mention the capacity of the gas tank for Mini Paceman, which is 12.2 gallons comparing to Mini Roadster or regular Mini Cooper or Mini Clubman - 13.2 gallons.
    I was under impression that Countryman and Paceman would have at least same capacity of the gas tank but I was wrong! I think BMW engineers should reconsider the capacity of gas tank for new Mini's and increase in actual size of these cars must have increased capacity of the gas tank - that's what make a perfect sense, not the other way around !
     
  9. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    I went in to the whole thing thinking the same but honestly i cant really think of any glaring reason to pan it. I really really tried to find something and even a day after the test i still cant, i belive that this should have been Countryman from the jump.
     
  10. Gizmo

    Gizmo New Member

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    Great review, I have only seen it in person but haven't driven it yet. I too like the styling more than the CM, it has a nice sleek look to it.
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Have you driven a countryguy? How does it compare to that? I'll try a pacerman & hope it is better than its cousin.
     
  12. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    I have test driven the countryman, i have some buddies who work at dealers where i can give a bit more of a spirited test...and honestly this is worlds apart from the countryman...it seems like they really stiffened up the body and suspension but not too stiff it makes it uncomfortable...you do get the same feeling like your riding a bit higher but thats mainly because of how high it does sit...but i think a proper set of springs could cure that
     
  13. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    Great review!
     
  14. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    So, why would you get one of these if you weren't getting the All4 version?

    When I sat in one at the dealer it really didn't feel that much bigger inside than a hatch, and it didn't feel any bigger inside than my Clubby. Although I did feel the height.....

    I really wanted to like this car, maybe I need to give it another look when I can drive one, but there's one more thing that's a bit off putting to me - the price! Time I get an All4 specc'd out with just the minimum stuff that I'd want, it's over $35K!
     
  15. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    id also like to see how one of these handle when you have the lighter 6MT in there instead of the 6AT
     
  16. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    some dealerships only have a handful...this was the 2nd one ive seen in the wild...i saw one at MINI of Reno in blue/blue...only problem is it was already sold...
     
  17. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    Gizmo I like the way you think!!
     
  18. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    funny you mention that because it pretty much how i would play it...i do know that i would leave the turbo well alone...probably would leave the JCW airbox alone as well...for me the more i think about it i think its getting to a point where i am doing more and more cross country trips and just have more stuff plus having the extra space would be nice...and having a MINI that handles and acts like this one does could be a good thing
     
  19. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    though i suppose the next question is....

    Light white
    my_MINI_desktop-1_zps7031c040.png

    Or Brilliant Copper
    my_MINI_desktop1_zps8a8f818c.png
     
  20. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    ok I had never considered this Paceman but after reading the reviews here and elsewhere I am definitely going to check it out the next time I am at the dealer!!