Mini Paceman John Cooper Works (2013): first pictures

Here we have the answer to the question: 'what would a high-riding Mini coupe-cum-SUV four-seater hot hatch look like?' Granted, it's not a question many have asked, but that hasn't stopped Mini bringing us the Paceman John Cooper Works: all 215bhp of it.

As you'd expect, the JCW Paceman sits atop the range, thanks to its 215bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. That's 34bhp up on a Cooper S model, and torque has swelled from 192lb ft to 207lb ft. Mini claims a 140mph top speed and 0-62mph in 6.9sec, with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Four-wheel drive is standard and can send up to 100% of power to the rear wheels in order to regain traction.

Mini says the Paceman JCW will return a maximum of 38.2mpg, and coughs out 172g/km in manual guise. Pressing the Sport button weights up the steering, increases the exhaust noise and sharpens the throttle response.

Factory-fitted 18-inch rims and sports suspension with a 10mm ride drop set the JCW apart. The bodykit is predictable Mini fare, sharing much with the JCW Countryman, but the Paceman gets bespoke full-length (fake) side skirt air intakes.

Inside the piano-black-trimmed four-seater cabin, the JCW gets a sporty steering wheel, red stitching, dark-coloured dials and a sackful of JCW badging. Cloth sports seats are standard, and leather will be an option.

Base-spec, non-accessorised cars will start from £29,535, and go on sale in spring 2013.

More sensible than those squashed Mini Countryman looks suggest. With individual seats front and rear, Mini promises space for four grown-ups and claims up to 1080 litres of luggage space with the rear pews folded.

By Ollie Kew