MINI has revealed its coupé version of the Countryman, the Paceman, ahead of its world début in Paris later this month.
Visually, the Sports Activity Coupé features a hexagonal radiator grille with chrome surround, downward-sloping roofline, elongated doors, muscular wheel arches, integrated roof spoiler and large, horizontal rear lights. Inside, there’s the usual MINI fare, including that familiar centrally-mounted speedometer along with newly-designed air vents and revised switchgear. A strict four-seater, the rear items can be folded down to increase load-carrying capacity from 330 to 1,080 litres.
Two petrol and two diesel engine options will be available at launch with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic gearbox, beginning with the Cooper D, which features a 82 kW (112 hp) 1.6-litre allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 10.8 seconds and a 187 km/h (116 mph) top speed. Moving on, the Cooper SD uses a 2.0-litre unit, developing 105 kW (143 hp) and 305 Nm, which is good for a 9.2 s 0-100 km/h time and 200 km/h (124 mph).
The petrol-engined Cooper produces 90 kW (122 hp) 160 Nm from its 1.6-litres, meaning 100 km/h arrives in 10.4s and top speed is 192 km/h (119 mph). Until the John Cooper Works arrives, the turbocharged Cooper S Paceman is the top of the tree. Churning out 135 kW (184 hp) and 240 Nm (260 Nm on overboost), the S cracks 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds before running out of steam at 217 km/h (135 mph). With the exception of the Cooper, the Paceman can be specified with the ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive option.
Due to go on sale mid-March 2013, MINI GB has set the on the road pricing from £18,970 (€23,690).
[Source: MINI]