Mini's off-road coupe on sale soon

Production model said to closely resemble the Paceman concept, pictured here.

Production model said to closely resemble the Paceman concept, pictured here.

Published Jun 25, 2012

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Never have the audacity to ask “what's next” for the ever-evolving and not-so-mini-anymore modern Mini range.

In addition to the hatch, the range has a crossover SUV, convertible, two-seat roadster and coupe, asymmetrical Clubman wagon and panel van. As the Paceman concept hinted at last year, the company is also thinking about an off-road coupe - and now that's an imminent reality.

Car and Driver magazine reports that a production version of the Paceman, called the Countryman Coupe, is set to start its trek to showrooms around the world from early next year.

According to the publication, the version Mini will sell is likely to look almost identical to the Paceman concept that you see in the accompanying pictures, complete with the 'helmet' roof, and it will also offer a choice between front- and all-wheel drive and a wide range of engines that includes the 155kW/280Nm JCW motor.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Paceman still has enough cabin space for four occupants, although probably only just.

Given the success of Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque at the upper end of the crossover market, we expect this off-road coupe to sell in droves.

As the production version hasn't been officially announced as yet, we can't tell you whether it'll come to South Africa, but we should find out when the production version makes its debut later this year, likely at the Paris Motor Show in late September.

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