I don't have an interest in arguing over taste here. I did state some opinions about the brand's direction. I also realize this is a thread for people to post pictures of a model they are interested in. It's not my intention to rain on anyone's parade.
However my responses lately have been in response to comments addressing me directly, otherwise I'm not on this thread.
As I've written twice before, you are welcome to buy what you want, and MINI can make what they want. We can agree on that.
In your previous post you appear to make the case that unlike Japanese manufacturers, who went from small to sedan sizes, MINI has kept things relatively small. My response was that this is not so; models have gotten larger and mpg has gotten smaller. Forgive me if I misunderstood your original intent.
If I were to resort to "spouting vitriol" I would likely employ sarcastic comments or refer to other members as "malcontents".

 

OK, folks. If you want to argue/fight with each other, please take it to a PM forum.

On a MINI note, FWIW, there is no such thing as a "Base" model (other than one that has no options). MINIS (hardtop, coupe, roadster, cabrio, Clubman, Countryman, and Paceman) are either S or Non-S (sometimes affectionately called "Justas"). Just a technicality. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

Not my favorite color, but this is what I test drove today. Loved the ride, much closer to the R56 experience!

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@paipuky

Can I ask your impressions on the back seat? I sat in it briefly but the PM I sat in was sold so it was a quick one. Personally I find the headroom not terrible, but I guess I want to know from someone who recently experienced it.

 

This car is a love it or hate it concept... I love the design, but can definitely find somebody getting claustrophobic sitting there for a long period of time, but again, that would be like the hardtop experience.
I would describe seating experience more as something between the Countryman and the Hardtop. Legroom seems a little bit less than the countryman and headroom seems decent for a 6' person, keep in mind that opposite to the hardtop, this one offers you real trunk space. Seating angle is very good and comfortable, pretty sure it is good enough for long trips.
Another thing to consider is the long vs short center rails. I love how the long ones look, but it might also restrict leg movement in the rear; on the other hand though, it allows more space for cup holders and a rear armrest.

In conclusion, I think that being a coupe, rear seat experience is decent, pair it with a sunroof and the rear opening would free up any enclosing feeling.

 

Um ... wwwwhat? !!! I've been doing 6 - 7 hr drives in my JCW hatch a few times the past few months and I for one am too busy looking outside the windows in front, to the side, and behind via the mirrors, to get a feeling of clastrophibia. And that's with my sunroof covered by a Thule coffin on my roof rack to give me a much needed +13 cu.ft. of storage.

I sat in the Paceman JCW @ the NYC auto show and I can assure everyone the Paceman has more room everywhere for the driver than I'd imagined and what I was comparing it to, the BMW X1 and BMW F31 wagon; most importantly on the left, for the shoulder, and left arm, as well as ability to open the legs especially the right leg (for us left hand drivers).

 

My review was for the seating experience in the rear seat....



The front seat experience is great, same feeling as the hardtop, but with a little more room.

 

Please pardon my outburst. <covers face in shame>

 

I have had mine for three weeks and love it.

 

Nice!!

 

LOL It's all cool.


That blue is always full of personality. Nice looking one!

 

This mock-up is my Blazing Red Paceman S, ALL4. It's enroute as we speak.


Question: the dark or lighter carbon fiber in the A pillar? I guess the choice should include how well the black plastic color in the wheel wells, bottom of the doors and rear bumper holds its color. After a few months those areas began to fade despite however I tried to restore the black.


Does the darker carbon fiber break up the or accent it? Or, does the lighter fiber create an easier color flow?

Please be liberal with your thoughts, as I'm not thin-skinned at all.


Thanks

 

Lighter one matches better the lower diagonal plastic pillar which color is more of a charcoal than black.

 

MINI USA JCW Paceman Configurator is now online

 

Is it just me, or pricing for the JCW is just ridiculous?... It does not even have ALL4 drive, yet is more expensive than Countryman... $9k extra over Paceman S for this package is just ridiculous. Love the looks, but common... This is BMW / Audi territory already

 

It is up there. All4 is standard. This one is nearly $46K:

 

It seems like the customization page it is still under construction, or some details have been forgotten. This is an official image from JCW page, no ALL4 specified anywhere yet.




Beautiful, but ridiculously expensive...

 

Thanks,I debated between the starlight blue and the blazing red. Really glad I went with the blue.

 

Actually it is all wheel drive. Though I do agree it's a bit pricey.

 

...Actually I'm glad you, and others, have gone with the Starlight Blue.
Mostly because I went with Blazing Red and would like to feel like I can stand out in a crowd...lol!!

Seriosuly though, the Starlight Blue is a really, really appealing color. Congrats!!

 

Very clean! Love it!

 

From a recent test drive. Stopped home to check garage fitment.

Starlight blue All4 with optional 19" wheels. This is the dealer launch car, and is still available. Very nicely optioned inside too.

 

From another thread, adding here...

 

Beautiful lines!
Blazing red is a nice color, yet I like the brighter Chili Red better (not available on the R61).

 

That's a car I could see owning.