MINI USA has announced official pricing for the car a large number of MINI fans, myself included, are chomping at the bit to know more about. Drum roll please…

Base U.S. Pricing for the MINI Cooper Paceman: $23,900

As we’d previously speculated both here and on WhiteRoofRadio, buyers will pay a premium over the Countryman for the Paceman’s flowing lines and sorted suspension. A $1,200 premium to be exact. As you climb the power ladder, the prices rise accordingly.

Cooper Paceman: $23,900
Cooper S Paceman: $27,500
Cooper S Paceman All4: $29,200

No pricing yet on a JCW version of the Paceman, as that hasn’t been officially announced yet. What do you think? This pricing aligns with our expectations, but what about yours? Who out there is willing to part with $30k for a no-options Paceman All4. Sound off in the comments.

Full press release after the break, and be sure to check out Gabe’s driving impressions of the Paceman.

[Official Release] The MINI brand is once again combining the expansion of its model range with a foray into a new vehicle class. The MINI Paceman will go on sale beginning March 16, 2013. It features powerful, dynamically stretched coupe lines and the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, that teams up with the exclusive ambience of its versatile interior to make the latest addition to the MINI family a pioneer in the urban environment.

Sporting prowess and versatility also define the driving characteristics of the MINI Paceman. Three powerful engine variants will be available from launch, and the standard specification for every MINI Paceman will also include lowered sports suspension. This will be the second MINI model (after the MINI Countryman), to offer the option of ALL4 all-wheel drive.

The seventh model in the MINI family has a unique character all of its own, while displaying clear ties to the inimitable style of the British premium brand. While many MINI Paceman buyers will view their new car as a sporty 2+2 seater, the interior has been designed as a genuine four-seater with ample space for rear-seat passengers. Its innovative vehicle concept takes its cues from the needs of modern target groups, who will appreciate its confident appearance as much as the infectious driving fun it guarantees.

With its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the 162.2-inches long MINI Paceman complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior. The slightly raised seating position in the front of the car provides the driver and front passenger with an excellent view, while the rear passengers enjoy generous levels of space, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort in a lounge-style ambience. MINI Paceman has the same 102.2-inch wheelbase as the MINI Countryman.

In the U.S., the MINI Paceman will be available in three versions at launch – MINI Cooper Paceman with a base price of $23,900; the turbocharged MINI Cooper S Paceman at $27,500, Cooper S Paceman with ALL4 $29,200 – all of which will be available from March 2013 – including $700 D&H charge.

The engines available at launch for Cooper and Cooper S versions of the MINI Paceman, deliver 121 hp and 181 hp respectively. All the powerplants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. The MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is offered for the MINI Cooper S Paceman (as an option).

Design: powerful stature, sporty and elegant coupe lines

The innovative concept of a compact coupe crossover is expressed in a body design that combines dynamically stretched proportions with a muscular stance. This authentic embodiment of the MINI Paceman’s driving properties is achieved within the established parameters of MINI design language. Its inspirational sporting credentials are immediately clear.

Traditional MINI design cues, such as the black bordering on the lower edge of the body, the side indicator surround on the diagonal link between the A-pillar and front wheel arch, and the clear three-level split of body, passenger compartment and roof, point – in a distinctive Paceman way – to their MINI family ties. The front end, for example, exudes power and presence thanks to its large, distinctively shaped headlights, strikingly sculptured hood and upright hexagonal radiator grille, which is framed on the MINI Paceman by a particularly broad chrome surround.

The fresh and individual character of the MINI Paceman comes across most prominently when the car is viewed from the side. Dynamically sweeping lines and powerfully curved surfaces imbue the car’s appearance with sporting elegance. The coupe-style roof, swooping downwards towards the rear, sits seamlessly atop the passenger compartment. Its distinctive ‘helmet’ contours fit neatly into the coupé mould, the roofline flowing into the standard rear spoiler. The steadily rising shoulderline and gently downward-sloping roofline create unique side window surfaces that taper towards the rear, emphasizing the wedge shape of the silhouette.

The long doors each have a high character line, which connects the front and rear wheel arches and gives the body a lower-slung appearance. The extremely muscular rear wheel arches underline the MINI Paceman’s broad range of use with the addition of ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive.

The most eye-catching new feature of the rear are the lights which, in a first for MINI, display a horizontal design. As with the slim and sloping coupe-style rear window, the chrome strip below it and the horizontal creases on the tailgate and rear apron, the form of the lights further accentuates the car’s width. The concentric segmentation of the light sources in the rear lights is very much in keeping with brand tradition – as is the overall design of the rear, which reinforces the car’s powerful stance.

The MINI Paceman is the first member of the brand’s line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate. Eight exterior paint shades are available for the MINI Paceman, including the new Brilliant Copper, Blazing Red and – exclusively for the MINI Paceman – Starlight Blue variants. The roof and exterior mirror caps can be painted in body color, white or black.

Interior: exclusive ambience, impressive versatility

A model-specific interpretation of traditional MINI design principles shapes the look of the MINI Paceman’s interior. Extensive use of horizontal elements champions the cause of sporting elegance. For example, the distinctive door ellipses have an extremely shallow and prominently three-dimensional form and extend back beyond the B-pillars into the rear compartment. The ellipses border the armrests and their integrated door pull recesses. For the first time in a MINI, the side window controls are integrated into the door trim. If the optional lighting package is specified, the door ellipses are bathed in an atmospheric light.

Matte-finished, ring-shaped borders in Carbon Black emphasize the form of the Center Speedo and the two air vents positioned alongside. Decorative inner rings in high-gloss black, or optional chrome, are integrated into the surrounds for the air vents and Center Speedo. Positioned below the Center Speedo, the CD/DVD and air-conditioning control panel and toggle switches are bordered in a contrasting color. Here, the matte black surfaces contrast appealingly with the chromed controls.

MINI Paceman is a genuine four-seater. The slightly raised seating position in the front of the car provides the driver and front passenger with excellent visibility. This effect is enhanced by the slightly forward-leaning arrangement of the familiar Center Speedo.

The pair of individual seats in the rear offer impressive shoulder room and headroom, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort, while cut-outs in the front seat backrests optimize legroom. The lounge character of the rear compartment is further enhanced by the armrests in the side panels. These are integrated into a circular rear trim element, which matches the color and material of the seats. The individual seat layout is highlighted by two mouldings in the load compartment cover which extend out from immediately behind the head restraints into the rear.

The standard-fitted Center Rail storage and attachment system runs from just aft of the gear selector to a point between the front seats. The second section of the Center Rail is fitted between the rear seats and extends back to the partition between the rear compartment and trunk. This makes it easier to climb over from one of the two rear seats to the other. A single-section Center Rail extending between both rows of seats can be ordered as an option, offering even greater flexibility when it comes to the positioning of standard and optional function elements. The optional lighting package includes illumination of both the Center Rail and door panels.

Front sports seats are also part of the standard specification for the MINI Paceman. As an alternative to the standard Diagonal Track cloth upholstery, customers can specify the Hot Cross cloth/leather combination, Gravity leather trim or exclusive Lounge leather variant. A bespoke selection of upholstery colors, interior surfaces, Color Lines and other design features offers a wide range of individualization options for the interior.

The high-opening tailgate of the MINI Paceman and its low trunk sill allow the luggage area to be accessed in comfort. Standard load capacity is 11.6 cu-ft, increasing to 38.1 cu-ft when the rear seat backrests are folded down. The options list for the MINI Paceman includes a storage package (containing features such as additional function elements for the Center Rail), a rear carrier preparation and a trailer coupling.

Engine range: extremely powerful, remarkably efficient

The well-known MINI 1.6-liter powertrain variants will be available from launch, each with four cylinders and a zesty power delivery accompanied by remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions thanks to fully variable valve management, based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, a system which optimizes both the engine’s responses and efficiency.

The MINI Cooper Paceman produces maximum outputs of 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph dash is all over in 9.7 seconds (automatic: 10.8 seconds) and top speed stands at 117 mph (automatic: 114 mph).

Under the hood of the MINI Cooper S Paceman, a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection enable this engine to generate maximum output of 181 hp at 5,500 rpm, while peak torque of 177 lb-ft is produced between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. An overboost function is at the driver’s disposal to increase torque to 192 lb-ft (for a short time) for particularly powerful bursts of acceleration. The MINI Cooper S Paceman sprints to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds (automatic: 7.3 seconds), while both manual and automatic versions achieve a top speed of 127 mph.

The MINI Cooper S with ALL4 delivers a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds (automatic: 7.6 seconds).

Drivetrains: six-speed automatic and ALL4 all-wheel drive options

The MINI Paceman is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic – complete with the Steptronic function enabling manual gearshifts – is available as an option for all models.

In the MINI Cooper S, the automatic gearbox also comes with shift paddles attached to the steering wheel; these can be ordered as an option for other automatic models. Extra helpings of driving fun can be summoned with a touch of the optional Sport Button, which tweaks the engine’s responses and the power assistance provided to the steering. In automatic transmission models, the Sport Button can be used to activate a specially tuned sport program which makes various adjustments, including extra zip for the gear changes.

The Cooper S Paceman can be equipped with optional ALL4
The ALL4 system uses an electromagnetic center differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles. The control electronics of the MINI ALL4 system are integrated directly into the DSC management unit, enabling drive to be distributed between the front and rear axle as and when required – and in a matter of milliseconds. This set-up optimizes fuel economy and ensures the car displays maximum agility in the face of changing conditions, while delivering surefooted, and thus typically MINI, handling characteristics.

Chassis: technology provides a new take on go-kart feeling

The construction of the MINI Paceman’s chassis – consisting of a MacPherson spring strut front axle and forged cross members in tandem with a multi-link rear axle – underpins its hallmark MINI agility which is enhanced by the standard fitment of a sporty set-up and lowered suspension. If customers prefer, MINI Paceman can also be ordered with a regular suspension and regular ride height as a no-cost option.

The precise and efficient Servotronic electric power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and enhances the ever-present go-kart feeling on board the MINI Paceman.

Every MINI Paceman is equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Hill Assist.

MINI Paceman models with ALL4 also come with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), which allows controlled slip through the driven wheels to ease moving off on loose sand or deep snow. When the stability system is deactivated (in DSC Off mode) an electronic locking function for the front differential comes into play. In tight corners it brakes a spinning wheel as required, to enhance handling. Known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), this system enhances the car’s traction without adversely affecting its steering properties. Both DTC and EDLC are available for front-drive MINI Paceman models as an option.

Standard specification also includes light-alloy wheels on all models. MINI Cooper Paceman comes with 16-inch wheels, MINI Cooper S Paceman has 17-inch wheels and 205/50 R17 runflat tires as standard. Available optionally for all models are 18-inch alloy wheels as a factory-fit, and 19-inch alloy wheels can be ordered as a dealer-installed accessory.

Safety: comprehensive engineering protects occupants

The high torsional rigidity of the MINI Paceman’s bodyshell plays an important role in both its agile handling and its impressive passive safety. In the event of a crash, robust load-path structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely strong passenger compartment are engineered to keep impact energy away from the car’s occupants and ensure maximum protection for all those on board.

Like the MINI Countryman, the MINI Paceman’s standard-fitted safety arsenal includes front, side and full length curtain airbags. All seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts. Front seat occupants also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters, while in the rear seat, ISOFIX child seat attachments are fitted.

Comfort: high-quality journey-enhancing features

The high-quality standard equipment of the MINI Paceman also fits the brand’s premium character as far as comfort and functionality are concerned. Air-conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Center Rail, model-specific door sill lettering and the radio MINI CD audio system with AUX-IN socket are included as standard on all variants.

The options list, meanwhile, contains items such as a sports leather steering wheel (standard on all but Cooper Paceman) with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, an armrest between the front seats, heated seats, automatic climate control and an electrically operated glass roof. Also on the options list are Comfort Access, Xenon Adaptive Headlights (with black headlight housing), automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, front foglamps and a rain sensor.

Customers can take on-board entertainment and navigation capability to new levels with the radio MINI Boost CD, radio MINI Visual Boost, harman/kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system and MINI navigation system with a 6.5-inch color display. A voice control system, a hands-free system/mobile phone preparation and a DAB tuner for receiving digital radio programmes, can also be specified.

Cars fitted with the radio MINI Visual Boost or MINI navigation system can also be ordered with the MINI Connected option, which allows full Apple iPhone integration and therefore the use of innovative infotainment, communications and driving experience functions. Specially developed apps open the door to a unique and constantly expanding variety of functions such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter usage, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement, Mission Control and the MINIMALISM Analyser.

Source: MINI