MINI JCW Paceman is a Hopped-Up Hot Hatch

The MINI Paceman debuted at last year’s L.A. Auto Show and now the brand has given it the hot-hatch treatment introducing the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Paceman here at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

When MINI introduced the crossover, they dubbed it a “sports activity coupe,” though up until now the “sports” part was no where to be found. Pumped up about 25 hp compared to the regular model, the JCW Paceman is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, though an overboost function pushed it to 220 lb-ft when between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm.

That power is sent through a standard six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is available and then it travels to MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive setup, which also comes standard on the car.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Along with the power boost, an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch wheels and lowered sport-tuned suspension are all added, letting the JCW Paceman sprint to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Exterior colors will include a choice of nine finishes, including Chili Red which is offered exclusively on the Paceman John Cooper Works model. Inside, a sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and JCW logo is fitted, along with dark-colored dials for the 160 mph speedometer and tach.

Seats come covered in cloth and red stitching in the standard Paceman JCW, but customers can opt for leather sport seats, also finished with contrasting red stitching.

Fuel economy remains rather good, as EPA estimate peg the car at 25-mpg city, 31-mpg highway for the manual transmission and 23-mpg city, 30-mpg highway for the automatic.

As of right now, the Paceman JCW has no direct competition, making it a pioneer in the small-sports crossover segment.