MINI have launched the world’s first SAC! This apparently is not a joke, but rather an acronym for “Sport Activity Coupe”.

There is one thing in life that is certain, change. Music is downloaded, video clips are uploaded, kids don’t read books but scan tablets, and everyone is chatting on Whatsapp. Imagine I made this statement ten years ago, you would think I was crazy. In order to lead you need to innovate, leaving the herd in search of the way forward versus the way known.

Cars are no different. For decades we have had hatchbacks, sporty coupes and SUVs. More recently we have what is termed a ‘cross-over’ vehicle (which is a hybrid of a station wagon and a 4x4).

It looks like a mini Range Rover Evoque (two-door), but is a similar size and scale to a Nissan Juke. So it’s not a hatch like the Cooper, and isn’t a SUV like a Countryman. So what is it?  MINI has essentially carved a niche within a niche. With that said, this MINI isn’t so mini. In fact, the Paceman is a fairly big coupe and it’s built off the same base/platform as the Countryman, but rides one bit lower. It has a solid and imposing face which is again borrowed from its four-door brother, the Countryman.  It has a super sexy sloping profile and a bold rear with a vertical lighting layout. The end result is a great looking car.

The interior is contemporary yet retro. The operation of the switch gear is upmarket but some of the tactile elements of the plastic materials are cheap looking. You can comfortably seat four adults with each person given their own individual seat. The interior mood lighting is kitsch but very cool. With the mixture of the amazing optional Karmon Haron sound system, which played music off my iPhone via the MINI’s Bluetooth system and with the purple mood lighting, I felt like I was in night club.

The drive of the car is true to the MINI brand. It is fun, responsive and has fantastic traction with the optional All4 all-wheel drive system. The 1.6 Turbo charged engine offers loads of punch which is well mated to the automatic 6-speed gear box. Hustling from traffic light to traffic light is impressive along with its cornering capabilities, despite its weight gain over the Cooper. Engage the toggle Sport switch on the dashboard and you get an additional boost of torque from the engine and adds some muscle to the steering. The exhaust note is well insulated from cabin but open up the optional large double front and rear sunroof to hear the crackle and pop from the double tail pipes. It’s fabulous!

On the down side, the striking 19-inch rims and firm sporty suspension does a good job of mimicking the preparation of James Bonds favourite Martini, ‘shaken but not stirred’ but this is only on rougher road surfaces.

The Facts

Pros

• Good looking
• Fun to drive
• First of its kind
• Responsive
• Powerful
• Refined

Cons

• It is expensive
• It comes with less gadgets than you would expect at this price premium
• There is a long list of optional extras- some of which add up if selected
• It only has limited off road capabilities
• Some of the plastics and ergonomics could be better

The figures 

The extra stuff

As is the case across MINI’s entire product range, all the PACEMAN variants come standard with a 3-year/75 000km service plan.

The verdict

The Paceman doesn’t have a direct rival, so putting together a comparative table caused some head scratching. The Nissan Juke has proved to be a great success. It is has a unique look which sets it apart from its rivals, which you’ll either love or hate. It’s a zesty performer with four doors and pretty decent price too. The Audi Q3 also has four doors and Teutonic build quality. It is a practical SUV with a tried and tested 2.0 Turbo. Audi makes very well made cars but the Q3 is hardly unique.

If you are single or part of a yuppie couple, who enjoys fun adventurous weekends out in nature at upmarket resorts -you will love this car. While you are relaxing on a massage table, you will look out the window of your Eco Spa hotel and smile at your Sport Activity Coupe Paceman.

Website to the PACEMAN