X

Mini Cooper Paceman makes pre-Paris Motor Show debut (pictures)

Mini continues to stretch and squeeze the Cooper with the debut of the Paceman, the coupe variant of the enlarged Countryman.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
mini_paceman_02.jpg
1 of 16 Mini/BMW

Little Big Mini

Mini continues to stretch and squeeze the Cooper with the debut of the Mini Cooper Paceman, the coupe variant of the enlarged Countryman.
mini_paceman_01.jpg
2 of 16 Mini/BMW

Paceman

With the debut of the Cooper Paceman, Mini's lineup will grow to a total of seven models.
mini_paceman_03.jpg
3 of 16 Mini/BMW

All-wheel drive

The Paceman is based on the enlarged Countryman and retains its ALL-4 all-wheel drive system.
mini_paceman_04.jpg
4 of 16 Mini/BMW

Backwards cap

The "backward baseball cap" roofline of the Mini Coupe has been stretched to fit the larger vehicle.
mini_paceman_17.jpg
5 of 16 Mini/BMW

Two doors

The Mini Cooper Paceman is a coupe of sorts, stepping down to two doors versus the Countryman's four.
mini_paceman_10.jpg
6 of 16 Mini/BMW

Dimensions

Dimensions haven't been released just yet, so we're not sure if the Cooper Paceman is shorter in length than the Countryman. The crossover does appear to sit lower on its suspension than the four-door.
mini_paceman_14.jpg
7 of 16 Mini/BMW

Full frontal

The full-frontal view isn't the Paceman's best angle. Something about the bug eyes and frowning upper grill reminds me of a startled Muppet.
mini_paceman_16.jpg
8 of 16 Mini/BMW

Horizontal tail lamps

To help create the illusion of a low and wide coupe, Mini has moved to a horizontal tail lamps orientation -- a first for the brand.
mini_paceman_20.jpg
9 of 16 Mini/BMW

Muscular shoulders

Mini has also sculpted the rear end to accentuated the rear fender flairs, giving the Paceman a more muscular appearance than the doughy Countryman.
mini_paceman_06.jpg
10 of 16 Mini/BMW

Center rail

Inside, the Paceman retains the four-seater configuration for the Countryman, complete with that annoying center rail gimmick. Hopefully, a bench seat option will be made available.
mini_paceman_07.jpg
11 of 16 Mini/BMW
The larger Paceman gains the advantage of increased storage space over the standard Mini Cooper models.
mini_paceman_08.jpg
12 of 16 Mini/BMW

Engine options

Under the hood, the Mini Paceman will be powered by the same engine options as the Countryman. This means either a 121-horsepower 1.6-liter engine or a 181-horsepower turbocharged mill for the "Cooper S" variant. European markets will also have the choice of two diesel power plants.
mini_paceman_13.jpg
13 of 16 Mini/BMW

John Cooper Works in the works

Mini has stated in its release that a John Cooper Works variant of the Cooper Paceman is in development.
mini_paceman_11.jpg
14 of 16 Mini/BMW

City crossover

It would appear that the Paceman is aimed at affluent city dwellers who want a blend of crossover cargo space, small-car park-ability, and a sporty appearance.
mini_paceman_15.jpg
15 of 16 Mini/BMW

Competition

When the Paceman debuts, it will likely be cross-shopped with the Range Rover Evoque. Unfortunately, I think the angular Evoque has this one beat in the looks department.
mini_paceman_12.jpg
16 of 16

2012 Paris Motor Show

We expect to get more details and photos when the Mini Cooper Paceman debuts at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos