Not Too Odd, Not Too Maxi. Is This Mini Just Right?



VITAL STATS
Engine: 1.6L Turbo I4
Power: 181 HP / 177 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
MSRP: $28,000 (base, est.)

We recently got our first time behind the wheel of the latest iteration of the Mini Countryman, the 215-horsepower John Cooper Works model, and were left less than enthused despite the inherent fun factor that a JCW badge brings. Our time with the crossover suggests the Countryman is just too weighty and soft to properly wear the badge.

We have also spent loads of time in various Mini Clubman trims and, despite the oddity of its configuration, this model may be our overall favorite in the current Mini lineup. But it is decidedly not a volume seller, which Mini needs.

Enter Paceman. At just over 162 inches, it's actually a smidge longer than a Countryman, though the wheelbase and track widths of both are identical. Overall height is down some 1.6 inches, 0.4 of that accounted for by the standard Sport suspension setup. The body, however, changes entirely.

Bunches to read, bunches of photos and bunches of commentary -- bunches! At Autoblog...