The 2014 New York International Auto Show set the scene for MINI to unveil its new range of vehicles including a redesigned MINI, MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman, as well as a newly developed Connected XL Journey Mate in-car navigation system. The MINI Paceman in particular interests us, as it's an entirely new vehicle from the BMW Group.

The MINI Paceman is described as a Sports Activity Coupé, merging the responsive performance of the MINI Cooper S and the rugged profile of the MINI Countryman into one hybrid vehicle. MINI has also incorporated an ALL4 all-wheel drive system option as well as increased engine output Cooper S Paceman version for drivers to choose from.

The top of the range model variant is the John Cooper Works Paceman, powered by a 4-cylinder petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, producing 160 kW and 280 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds and top speed of 229 km/h. The MINI Paceman is set for sale in July 2014, with the baseline model starting at $24 000 (R255 000) and top of the range Cooper Works valued at $37 000 (R393 000).

MINI has also turned its attention to the interior, with the newly designed Connected XL Journey Mate, in an effort to offer better driver information and control from the dashboard. This application is said to extend further than simple navigation, with clever system integration that "learns" a driver's tendencies and behaviours.

Some of the key features include the ability to learn the driver's preferred route, when the driver needs to refuel the vehicle, and messages about important meetings or calendar events, as well as real-time traffic information and assistance in locating parking spaces. All this information is displayed via an 8.8" display located in the centre panel of the dashboard.          

The Journey Mate system further boasts Apple iPhone integration, with the ability for travellers to plan routes on their smartphones, which will also take into account any calendar entries or scheduled appointments located along your drive. Unfortunately there is no indication on whether or not this smartphone integration will extend to non-iPhone users.

MINI's Connected XL Journey Mate is set to be fitted on new MINI vehicles from April 2014 onwards.