MINI Paceman John Cooper Works [Review]

I have to say. That MINI body used the Countryman for car WRC was not a success in terms of marketing. And in these days, it comes down to it, image and marketing. We have led the Paceman MINI John Cooper Works All4 by snow countryside around Frankfurt and this car has reconciled us with the seal John Cooper Works. And is that MINI used it in many cars that were beginning to dilute it in the end and lose credibility because of some successful products like the Countryman John Cooper Works.

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works is a bit faster than the Countryman, a little lighter, a little lower and more beautiful. The touches of red and customization with various accessories that equip the cars at no impression presentations. We can not say the same price. Impressive, but in a negative way: from 39,000 euros from 42,248 manual and with automatic. However the combination of AWD and the Pirelli Sottozero winter (in 205/55 R17 91H) soon made ​​us forget those contingencies material to enjoy driving the 218 hp, allowing us to increase the pace increasing despite the strong snow we had.

The Paceman is just 3 mm lower than the Countryman, but the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works drops another 10 mm with respect to the rest of the range Paceman. In the end, this is starting to show and positively shameless behavior of this John Cooper Works. While other MINI electroasisitida address not quite convincing, seems to fit much better this Paceman.

Were able to test the car with automatic and manual. While the automatic does not seem consistent with the philosophy John Cooper Works, allowed at least appreciate in perspective how well it will change 6 speed manual (Getrag source), which allows fast and accurate handling ideal for maneuvering heel tip.

Among the more direct response and sputtering exhaust gas every time we raise which WRC MINI has nailed it.

Of course, as in all sports MINI is the Sport button. In this case hardens the address, open the exhaust and engine throttle response is much more direct. Luckily, it acts on the suspension, as in other brands, it would spoil a balance and a tune and slick. Say it is primarily an emotional button and in that sense does not disappoint. Among the more direct response and sputtering exhaust gas every time we raise which WRC MINI has nailed it. No more is needed to drive this JCW with a smile from ear to ear.

Like the Countryman JCW, the Paceman equips the 4-cylinder direct-injection twin-turbo. With a 1.6-liter engine develops 218 hp (7 more than other brand John Cooper Works) and delivers 280 Nm. It also has the overboost function that allows for a few seconds to deliver 300 Nm between 2,100 rpm and 4,500 rpm. You could say it’s another car emotional function, in this case, allowed us to overtake everyone on snow unceremoniously.

Dynamically speaking the Paceman is one of the best John Cooper Works.

On board, MINI insists fill the interior of elements Red Chilli color and accessories of all kinds. It is fully functional and we appreciate that, finally, the power windows are in the doors, but elements like selector that lets you choose the color of the ambient light in the cockpit is going too far, is unabashedly kitsch (and I’m being soft). What we want is a MINI without much equipment or customization such a John Cooper Works a bit more authentic, but without going to the extremes of a GP Edition.

What we want is a MINI without much equipment or customization such a John Cooper Works a bit more authentic.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, we say that dynamically talking the Paceman is one of the best John Cooper Works. At the rate that we could bring on the snow and it was balanced should do wonders on dry asphalt.

On the Autobahn, which shook the snow itself, the Paceman also showed that he can be versatile in every day and not only be very good on sections of curves. Of course, limiting the free sections we had the pleasure to “verify” the 226 km/h top speed of the car, but also flexible and could see how it can be refined navigating around 130 km/h. It is also true that winter tires fitted to 17-inch instead of the run-flat 18-inch help improve ride comfort. That’s flanks gums being more flexible winter reduce noise and improve comfort, expected, but that we did not have a better directional stability. Having spent a day driving the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works, really surprised how much we have fun with your flyer. Now, if they had chosen the Paceman rather than the Countryman WRC MINI may have scored a little over the minds of fans despite its short and relatively unobtrusive role.