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MINI Paceman gets green light

Stylish two-door Countryman-based SUV confirmed for production, while design chief hints at mini MINI for Geneva.

MINI Paceman front

By Tom Phillips/Jack Rix

January 2011

It’s official! MINI’s Detroit Motor Show Paceman concept will make it into production. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of MINI’s return to the US market, BMW board member Ian Robertson confirmed that the Paceman will join the MINI line-up.

He said “I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this [Paceman] concept!”

The Paceman is essentially a two-door version of the Countryman, and is likely to be built alongside its four-door sibling at the Magna factory in Graz, Austria. 

As the platform and engine ranges are carried over, the Paceman shouldn’t take too long to engineer, so expect it to arrive in production form in around 12 months time, looking very similar to the concept car. The Paceman will arrive hot on the heels of the MINI hatchback-based Coupe, but just before the convertible Roadster model debuts in 2012.

And that's not all the thriving BMW sub-brand has in store for us over the coming months. Speaking exclusively with Auto Express, BMW's Director of design Adrian van Hooydonk hinted that the mini MINI, first revealed in Auto Express, is being readied for a Geneva debut in March.

He said: "MINI's don't only have to get bigger, they can get smaller too. A MINI should be a car that can take you anywhere - including deep into the city." He added: "Geneva will be another exciting show for MINI for sure."

When asked about the all-new MINI hatchback, currently being worked on by MINI's recently-appointed new design chief Anders Warming, van Hooydonk revealed: "With the fourth-generation MINI perhaps its time to try something a little more experimental."

 

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2 Comments

should be made in the UK

I won't be buying one unless made in the UK The X3 was made by Magna and was not very well built now they make them themselves in the USA you must be wasting at least 10% by involving a sub contractor. Wonder is Skoda could make us a cheap Bentley

By coolkid on 11 January, 2011, 1:25pm

Innovative

Wow! A two door Mini - how innovative.

Next up...a Mini with four wheels...

By IronChicken on 13 January, 2011, 8:39am

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Pictures

MINI Paceman front
MINI Paceman rear

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