BMW released further details of the MINI Paceman, a car that combines the go-kart feel of a mini MINI with versatility of a crossover like the Countryman. As with other new MINIs, the styling of the Paceman is controversial, but it drives well, and comes with lots of nice features.

Basically a coupe version of the Countryman, the Paceman has two doors and a large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats. The front seats are quite sporty, which add to the go-kart feel that MINI emphasizes on so much. The car also has a load capacity of 330 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,080 litres with them folded down.

The Paceman benefits from a sophisticated chassis, utilizing MacPherson spring strut front axle and forged cross members in tandem with a multi-link rear axle. It also has a host of electronic systems to oversee the mechanical bits, including DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Electric Power Steering with standard Servotronic function. The sport lowered suspension might have compromised comfort a bit though.

Engine-wise, you have the choice of MINI Cooper D Paceman (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper Paceman (90 kW/122 hp) to the MINI Cooper SD Paceman (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Paceman (135 kW/184 hp). If you can wait for a year or so, there is also a John Cooper Works Paceman coming.

Now let’s take a look at the Paceman’s list of standard and equipment: air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Centre Rail and the radio MINI CD with AUX-IN socket, sports leather steering wheel (standard in the MINI Cooper S Paceman and MINI Cooper SD Paceman) with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, an electrically operated glass roof, Comfort Access, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and Park Distance Control. Added to which, MINI Paceman customers can also make use of innovative MINI Connected on-board functions such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter usage, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement, Mission Control and the MINIMALISM Analyser.

And safety features:  front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for both rows of seats, three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, and rear ISOFIX child seat attachments.