Following a leak last week, MINI has fully revealed the upcoming Paceman coupe ahead of its scheduled debut at the Paris Motor Show.
From the front bumper to the B-pillar the Paceman is nearly identical to the Countryman; past that, it features a sloping roofline and a specific rear end that is heavily inspired by the Paceman Concept that bowed in Detroit last year.
The Paceman is roughly 1.6 inches shorter and 0.4 inches lower than the Countryman that it is based on. Its smaller dimensions equate to a 44-pound lighter curb weight (with a six-speed stick) than the Countryman, which should help boost performance very slightly.
Unlike the Countryman, the Paceman was designed strictly as a four-seater. The rear passengers are treated to individual seats inspired by what MINI calls a lounge concept and are able to stow away items in a two-section version of the MINI Center Rail system that debuted on the Countryman.
When it debuts in Europe, the Paceman will be offered with a 1.6-liter gasoline mill that delivers either 122 or 184 horsepower depending on how it's tuned. For buyers who prefer diesel, MINI will offer a 1.6-liter mill that makes 112 horsepower and a 2.0-liter unit that is rated at 143 horsepower.
All Paceman models will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission regardless of what is bolted in the engine bay. Buyers with extra cash in their pocket can opt for a six-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox.
The Cooper D, SD and the Cooper S models of the Paceman will be offered with MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system; only the entry-level Paceman Cooper will be limited to front-wheel drive.
After debuting in Paris, the Paceman will go on sale in Europe on March 16th, 2013, and will carry a base price of £18,970 (about $30,700) in the United Kingdom. It will be offered with 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels and a choice of eight exterior colors, including new additions to the MINI catalog such as Brilliant Copper, Blazing Red and Starlight Blue.
MINI has promised that a range-topping John Cooper Works Paceman is already in the works but it has not mentioned when it is scheduled to make its debut.
