On pace or a mini too far?

People have asked me: "what's the point of certain cars"? and I have often found it difficult to answer because, with cars, it's really a case of different strokes for different folks.

When a recent invitation from Mini South Africa landed in my inbox I found myself grappling with the same question I have been asked by folk before: "what is the point of this car"?

So, out of curiosity more than anything else, I accepted the invitation and braved the chill of a dark autumn morning to fly to Cape Town for the launch of the new Mini Paceman.

I could not really make sense of the new addition to the Mini family - but I did not necessarily dislike it.

What is it?

The new Mini Paceman is a two-door coupé version of the Mini Countryman - that is the only way I can describe this car.

Company spin doctor Edward Makwana says this car was created in line with the company's vision of a Mini for everyone.

The intention was to keep Mini customers loyal to the brand, Makwana said at the launch. He said individuality is a key to the Mini brand, hence the Mini concept that has evolved in recent times.

It seems the alien-looking Mini has already captured a few hearts because Makwana is confident this car won't be a lost cause.

How does it look?

Apart from the front, which has the look of the Countryman, the Paceman looks like nothing you have ever seen; it's a bit weird.

But, while the exterior styling looks strange, the interior is where the iconic British brand has outdone itself.

It has a soft and classy appeal, with high quality materials completing the premium feel.

I am glad the Paceman's window buttons have been moved to the door - it just feels right. The styling of the Paceman is the kind that says: either hate me, or love me as I am. But I don't have feelings either way but one thing loved by Mini fans is that the car can be customised to suit their personality.

What's it like to drive?

I have driven many cars to date and Minis have always proved to be designed to thrill. The Paceman is no different.

Driving over 450km on Western Cape roads proved to me that the Paceman rubber stamps the quality of these Minis. The drive was long and became fast as the realisation dawned that we were running behind schedule.

As my co-driver Minesh Bhagaloo put it, the Mini people wanted us to drive the car until we liked it.

Through the beautiful, winding passes the handling was spot on. On the Franschhoek pass, the Mini felt at home on every sharp corner. This, alone, could turn you into a Miniac.

Any special features?

Let's just say that with this brand, you are spoiled for choice - but that choice can often be pricey.

But if it is any consolation there are a number of standard features such as airconditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the radio MINI CD with AUX-IN socket, underlining the car's premium character.

The range of options includes a sports leather steering wheel (standard in the Mini Cooper S Paceman) with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, an electrically operated glass roof, xenon headlights, adaptive headlights and park distance control.

Should you buy one?

This is the perfect weird car for weird people - or, as Makwana calls them, "those who want to stand out".

Well, then, for those who want to stand out, I don't see why you should not buy one.

Even though it is a Mini, the fact that it is a full four-seater makes sense. You can be a young family man/woman and still drive the car you love without being restricted by space.

Pricing is also not at all bad - the fact that you can get one of these Minis for under R300000 is commendable.

The Specs:

PACEMAN six-speed manual

Engine: 1598cc

Power: 90kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 160Nm at 4250rpm

0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 192km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 6.6l/100km (claimed)

C0²: 152g/km

Price: R296500

COOPER S PACEMAN six-speed automatic with Steptronic

Engine: 1598 cc

Power: 135kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 240Nm at 5000rpm (overboost torque 260Nm)

0-100km/h: 7.8 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 212km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km (claimed)

C0²: 175g/km

Price: R373600; expect to pay R405500 for Cooper S ALL4