The Mini Paceman is the result of someone at BMW looking at the tall-looking Mini Countryman and decided to turn it into a two-door coupé.
If you fancy one don't hang around as Mini has no intention of replacing it, as it is being phased out gradually.
We have driven the front-wheel-drive 1.6-litre petrol and range-topping John Cooper Works guises, but our test subject on this occasion is the most powerful all-wheel-drive diesel version of Mini’s new coupé, which we’ve previously experienced in front-wheel-drive 1.6-litre petrol and range-topping John Cooper Works guises.
The concept of a three-door version of the Mini Countryman seems to contradict the big Mini's practical traits of extra space and family friendly versatility. However, with the Countryman accounting for one in every three Minis sold here, the BMW-owned brand is keen to capitalise on the growing market segment and turn the heads of prospective buyers of Nissan Jukes and Range Rover Evoques with a sleeker, more sporting take on its largest offering.
Mini says it is even targeting buyers of the three-door Volkswagen Golf or the Volkswagen Scirocco. The typical Paceman buyer, it reckons, will be looking for a sporty, distinctive car with more space than the regular Mini Hatch.
Billed as a 'Sports Activity Coupé' by its creator, the Paceman is based on the same four-metre-long platform as the Countryman – giving it dimensions that make it 'Mini' in name only – but features Evoque-like tapered rear styling.