MINI Paceman safety levels should be good considering that it is based on its sibling, the Countryman, achieved five stars from Euro NCAP when tested.

Standard safety equipment includes front and side airbags while the side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are also on every Paceman.

There is also a heap of active safety kit including stability control and traction control, as well as the option of four-wheel drive on the ALL4 models for those wanting more grip.

On a practical level the MINI Paceman is quite good. While it is a four seater and space up front is very good for adults, the rear seats should be used for the children – legroom for adults is at a premium even if they are sitting behind a driver and front seat passenger of average height.

The MINI Paceman has a maximum carrying capacity of 330 litres. The two rear seat backrests can be folded down individually, increasing the load space to a useful 1,080 litres.