Could the seventh model in the MINI range prove to be an unlikely rival to the more expensive Range Rover Evoque?

MINI Paceman at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Just when you thought the MINI brand couldn't be stretched any further, the MINI Paceman is announced here at Paris. Essentially a coupe version of the high-riding MINI Countryman, it becomes the seventh model in the range and could prove to be an unlikely rival to the more expensive Range Rover Evoque.

Paris Motor Show 2012 - LIVE COVERAGE

What is it?

The oily bits are shared with its Countryman sibling, with bodywork revisions the major change. The rear doors are gone and the roof and windscreen re-profiled to give a sportier stance. New rear light clusters complete the makeover. Whether you 'get' it or not, watch it walk out of showrooms.

What's hot?

To give the Paceman a more sporting feel the suspension has been firmed up. Hopefully this will mean the car will engage keen drivers more than the understeer heavy Countryman. The inevitable Cooper S Works model will provide hot hatch rivalling pace, and is currently under development.

What's not?

With the rear doors gone, MINI has largely gotten rid of the practicality that justified the Countryman's existence. With an undignified scramble awaiting anyone trying to get in the back, we'd recommend the standard MINI hatch if you only use the rear seats occasionally.

How much and when?

The Paceman is expected to hit UK showrooms on 16 March 2013, with prices starting at £18,970. Petrol and diesel engines are on offer, with the former comprising the 122hp Cooper and 184hp Cooper S, the latter the 112hp Cooper D and the 143hp Cooper SD.

Anything else I should know?

Customers will also be able to choose from front-wheel or four-wheel drive chassis configurations, depending on engine, as well as six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Thanks to all the usual Minimalism fuel saving measures, CO2 emissions are as low as 115g/km with 64.2mpg (Cooper D). Performance, meanwhile, is as great as 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds (Cooper S).

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