In the South African used car market today, the 2014 Mini Countryman and Paceman stand out as notable choices from the past. Here’s a reflective analysis of their features and performance from back then:

Pros:

• The allure of a Mini was its unmistakable style, lively character, and exhilarating driving dynamics.
• Those requiring additional room found the 4-door SUV Countryman and the sporty 2-door Paceman as compelling choices.
• Both these models gained a loyal base among Mini aficionados.

Cons:

• If you were prioritising space, comfort, versatility, and cost-effectiveness back then, other vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, or Toyota RAV4 might have been more suitable.

2014 Updates:

• The 2014 Mini Countryman and Paceman saw the centre rail being replaced with double cup holders equipped with 12V outlets.
• Padded armrests graced the rear doors of the Countryman, and a bench seating arrangement became the exclusive rear-seat layout.
• The Paceman standardly featured the Comfort Suspension, but the Sport Suspension was available without additional charges.
• John Cooper Works interior and exterior packages were introduced for both models.

The Larger Minis:

• Back in 2014, those wanting a more spacious Mini turned to the Cooper Countryman and Paceman.
• The Countryman, boasting 4 doors, comfortably seated five passengers and presented the adaptability expected of a compact SUV.
• The Paceman, on the other hand, blended sporty aesthetics with enhanced cabin space.
• Both were available with all-wheel drive (AWD) and different performance variants.

Driving Dynamics:

• Minis were renowned for their agile handling, providing a distinctive and pleasurable drive.
• These models, despite being more spacious, retained their agility and precision.
• Turbocharged Cooper S and John Cooper Works models added a performance punch, with the latter offering more than 200 horsepower.

Interior Ambiance:

• The Countryman and Paceman’s interiors clearly showcased Mini’s iconic design elements.
• Power-window switches were relocated from the central console to the doors in these models.
• The only rear-seat arrangement in the 2014 Countryman was the bench, and the centre rail was swapped out for cup holders equipped with a 12V socket.

Exterior Design:

• Adapting to their larger profiles, the Countryman and Paceman maintained Mini’s signature design elements.
• Mini also provided an extensive accessory catalogue, allowing owners to add personal touches, including options from the John Cooper Works line.

Highlighted Features:

• Driving Experience: Minis offered an unparalleled driving experience at their price point.
• MINI CONNECTED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: The system integrated a driver’s smartphone for enhanced connectivity, offering web-based audio, social media access, and Google’s Send to Car.

Standard Offerings:

• Three trims were available: Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works.
• Standard equipment covered a 6-speed manual gearbox, Leatherette seating, an AM/FM/CD/HD 6-speaker audio system, climate-controlled glove compartment, remote entry, and a range of convenience and safety features.

Factory Customizations:

• Mini’s customization possibilities were vast.
• The Mini Connected package introduced an infotainment system with a color display and smartphone connectivity.
• Other options included a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a harman/kardon sound setup, parking sensors, leather seats, and John Cooper Works add-ons.

Engine & Drivetrain:

• The engine line-up for the 2014 Mini Countryman and Paceman mirrored that of the smaller Mini models.
• Base configurations featured a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine pushing out 121 horsepower.
• Turbocharged Cooper S models churned out 181 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works variants exceeded 200 horsepower.
• Available transmissions were a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
• For optimal output, these Minis recommended using 91-octane fuel.

To conclude, for those exploring the South African used car scene today, the 2014 Mini Countryman and Paceman served as stellar examples of combining Mini’s distinctive flair and dynamic driving experience with a demand for more space. Although they might not have matched some competitors in terms of cargo space, their unique charisma and driving joy are still evident.

Source: Kelley Blue Book