Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Cooper SD Paceman

We loved the petrol Cooper S, so now we try hot diesel version of the chunky MINI Paceman

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your MINI Paceman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Paceman recaptures some of the style and fun lost by the Countryman. It feels more like the original hatch to drive, but with a better ride. The strict four-seater interior and price hold it back, but if the Paceman is for you, we’d recommend the Cooper SD for its balance of performance and economy. You can probably do without the four-wheel drive, though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's fair to say that the MINI Countryman’s bulbous styling isn’t to everyone’s taste, and its driving dynamics don’t have the usual MINI magic, either. But the two-door Paceman – based on the Countryman – seems to solve both issues. It impressed in hot Cooper S guise, so will the Cooper SD diesel perform just as well?

Our car was fitted with MINI’s ALL4 four-wheel-drive system, which provides useful all-weather ability and a slight improvement in handling and off-road ability. It does cost an additional £1,255, though, so buyers will have to think hard about whether or not they need it – after all, how many Paceman drivers are likely to head off the beaten track?

The 141bhp diesel engine could well be the pick of the range, taking the car from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and returning 57.6mpg fuel economy. Admittedly, you’ll never get the frantic rush of acceleration you experience in the Cooper SD hatchback, but it helps the Paceman feel punchy.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Clio

2019 Renault

Clio

26,116 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,900
View Clio
Kuga

2020 Ford

Kuga

21,052 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £23,500
View Kuga
Captur

2020 Renault

Captur

44,299 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,300
View Captur
Aygo X

2024 Toyota

Aygo X

16,020 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,607
View Aygo X

There’s a bit of diesel clatter on start-up and a rough engine note throughout the rev range, but it’s by no means unpleasant. In fact, in the mid-range it even begins to sound a bit sporty.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The S and SD models come with stiffened, lowered sports suspension as standard, but our test car had standard springs instead – a no-cost option. The result is a car that has regained some of the hatch’s panache, but also rides quite comfortably. The sports suspension can be a bit jittery, and in our experience it doesn’t necessarily bring enough of a benefit to the handling.

As it stands, the Paceman feels like a great balance between the Countryman’s ride and the hatch’s pin-sharp handling.

As well as being better to drive than the Countryman, the Paceman is better looking. The lower roof sweeps downwards towards the subtle rear spoiler and redesigned back end. The lights are mounted horizontally, there’s a large Paceman badge across the tailgate and twin exhausts set this hot car apart.

The more stylish shape does affect practicality, with access to the back seats a little restricted. Once you’re in them, there’s plenty of room for adults, but the only arrangement in the back is for two rear seats, rather than a bench for three people. Still, the Paceman comes as standard with the centre rail running between the seats, to which you can attach things like a sunglasses case or mobile phone holder.

The sloping roofline means boot space trails the Countryman. With the rear seats in place, the Paceman offers 330 litres; when they’re folded there’s 1,080 litres – the Countryman has 1,190 litres.

And you get less practicality for a higher price, as the £24,160 Cooper SD Paceman is £700 more than an equivalent Countryman. Still, if fun and style are a priority, that could be a price worth paying.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £12,877
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £14,910
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,776 off RRP*Used from £13,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025