AutoBeast

Random cars we like

Category Archives: MINI


by Leave a comment

MINI Paceman SD – PaceBeast Has Arrived

DSCF7727

We collected our MINI Paceman SD from the dealer on Friday after a longish wait, whilst it was built. Both of us are really pleased with him, as he gives a different dimension to our cars. The Opel GT and the MINI Coupé are fast sports cars. The MINI Clubman S that this replaces was a fairly fast car but  in truth a poor relation to the Coupé. Similar in many ways but just not as quick. The Paceman is not tryng to be quick like the Coupé, but does what it does very well. It is a very comfortable 4 wheel drive 4 seater with an excellent semi command driving position and fantastic handling and performance for a car of this type. The above picture  shows the realistic offroading it will do, but it is great at this, while the rear wheel Opel soon skids away like a good un on the same terrain. Plus it is so low slung that we just don’t entertain it really.

It’s odd, but not only have we instantly fallen in love with this car, but it makes driving the other two even better somehow. Ok so the Paceman is a diesel and yes the engine can sound a bit harsh here and there, but it sounds kind of tough. Strong and reliable and as such it suits the bulk of this MINI. So there you have it PaceBeast, we love him.

DSCF7723

DSCF7725


by Leave a comment

Car Of The Week – BorrowedBeast, A Gen. 1 MINI Cooper S Convertible

DSCF6550 (1)

A pal of mine from work Andy, recently bought this generation one MINI Cooper S Convertible and before he did he rang me to ask what I thought. Well clearly then he was smitten by the car so  he rang the one person he knew would just say, “Yep great car just go for it!” Soon after he bought it I gave his daughter a lift home and was greeted by Andy, keys in hand chomping at the bit to give me a test drive of his new MINI. I grabbed the keys, adjusted the driver’s seat, noted the GPS where the central speedo usually sits and that I had both a speedo and rev counter sat atop the steering wheel. I fired her up and  instantly remembered that this was a first generation MINI, one with a supercharger. These are exciting cars to drive. Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

MINI Paceman Updated ala the Recent Countryman Facelift

Facelifted Paceman

So hot on the tails of us here at Beastie Folly ordering a new MINI Paceman SD, MINI announce a slight facelift for the model. It would have been nice to have the facelifted model but life is a fast train and we can’t let the grass grow under our feet. If we waited we would not have a Paceman for our Le Mans trip!

It was inevitable really that after announcing a mid life cycle facelift for the  updated Countryman in New York, the facelifted MINI Paceman has been revealed in Beijing.

Updates are minor, with MINI’s main object being to improve efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Exterior changes consist of  a black surround on the headlights and rear lamp cluster, but it is sti;ll possible to choose a chrome finish as a no-cost option if preferred. Two new exterior colours and light alloy wheels are also now available. Inside, the only changes are new anthracite-coloured dials ala Paceman works and redesigned interior chrome rings.

Engine wise, all petrol and diesel Paceman models now meet EU VI exhaust emission standards. The Paceman S is now beefier, hitting 190bhp up from 184bhp in the outgoing model. Contrasting with the power increase, CO2 emissions are actually down from 143g/km to 139g/km. Emissions across the range have been cut to 137, 111 and 119g/km for the Cooper, Cooper D and SD respectively.

Finally to boost efficiency further, MINI has tweaked the underside of the car to improve the air flow and has complemented this by adding low-rolling resistance tyres across the range.

Facelifted Paceman


by 1 Comment

Car OF The Week – MINI Paceman

On Friday I got to see the new MINI Paceman JCW in person for the first time, when my boss at work – Anne – collected her brand new, very sexy black and red version and fetched it into work to show to her team. I have liked the Paceman from the very first time I saw the Concept revealed back in December 2010, which I blogged on here. Next, I watched all the videos and press releases about it on line and was still impressed and now, having seen it for real it has not disappointed. I love it – simples! Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

Car Of The Week – MINI GP

When I first set eyes on the new MINI GP above, I wasn’t really smitten. It was a soft launch with little information and an interior that you could not see and to be honest I was more taken with the original. Now though the car has started to filter onto the streets and I saw it again this weekend at RAF Cosford and this time round I was much more impressed. It has a presence there is no denying that and the rear diffuser definitely looks the business. Continue reading →