Pricey Mini Paceman doesn't merit badge of honour

On the move, the Paceman progresses along at a swift rate if pressed, but, despite its respectable performance figures on paper (0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds), it fails to engage the driver in a way a John Cooper Works model should. Granted, our test car was on winter tyres, which did compromise the car’s handling along our twisty mountainous route, where feedback through the steering wheel was rather vague. The all-wheel-drive system does provide impressive levels of traction on acceleration out of bends, and would be a reassurance for wintry driving conditions.

The standard six-speed manual transmission is effortless to use, with a six-speed automatic transmission also available. Best of all has to be the sounds emitted from the exhaust pipes. In Sport mode there’s a distinct popping and burbling noise on lift-off; this has been electronically generated through the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU).

Same engine as GP2

The JCW Paceman shares the same engine as the hardcore GP2 variant of the hatch, but its acceleration and handling is far from the precision of its faster, lighter sibling. It’s surprisingly more expensive than the performance-orientated GP2, and as there’s already a JCW hatch which can seat four to five adults, it’s therefore somewhat difficult to see why Mini has created a JCW version of the Paceman. Surely, if you want a performance model, wouldn’t the obvious choice be the hatch or the two-seater coupé?

In terms of competition, at this price level (€50,540) the JCW Paceman is similar money to a chic Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover’s saviour of late. The JCW Paceman is a competent car, although I’m at a quandary to see where it fits within the range and why it has been created. The John Cooper Works badge has traditionally been reserved for high-performance Minis with precise handling attributes.

The JCW Paceman does boast strong figures on paper – unfortunately, these don’t translate to the road. Having a JCW variant of the Paceman seems to run counter to the original values of the name. Ultimately, it’s far too expensive, relatively impractical and will struggle to justify its existence.

The lowdown Mini JCW Paceman

ENGINE

1,598cc four-cylinder turbocharged petrol putting out 218hp at 6,000rpm and 300Nm at 2,100-4,500rpm with a six-speed manual transmission

PERFORMANCE

0-100km/h 6.9 seconds, max speed 226 km/h

EMISSIONS

(Motor Tax) 172g/km (€750)

ECONOMY

Urban 9.4l/100km (30.1mpg) extra-urban 6.2l/100km (45.5mpg) combined 7.4l/100km (38.2mpg)

SPECIFICATIONS

Standard features include 18in alloy wheels, sports suspension, All4 permanent all-wheel-drive, sports seats, air conditioning, aerodynamic kit, Chilli Red shade.

RIVALS

Nissan Juke Nismo 1.6 Petrol 200hp €33,375 (motor tax €570)

Range Rover Evoque SD4 2.2 Pure Tech Diesel 190hp €52,200 (motor tax €390)

PRICE €50,540