Revealed: the new Mini Paceman

"At last", you triumphantly cry, "my wish has come true! There is now a Sports Activity Coupe in the Premium Small and Compact car segment! I can sleep!"

A small drum roll please, if you would permit, Internet. This is the brand new Mini Paceman; the seventh model in the ever-expanding Mini line-up. Seventh. 

Previewed a year ago at the Detroit Motor Show of 2011, the Paceman is essentially a three-door, coupe-ish version of the Countryman, apparently "with a character all of its own". When BMW picked up the Mini ball, boy did they run with it. And run.

It mirrors the Countryman's road presence (length and width), but is of course, a little bit lower, because lower is cooler, right? Mini seems to think so, because as standard, the Paceman comes with lowered suspension as standard. In fact, you actually have to tell Mini if you want regular suspension and a normal ride height (it's a no-cost option, mind). 

Either way it's a MacPherson strut front axle and multi-link rear, together with electric power steering and a myriad of electronic assistance to keep your manicured behind from exiting stage left. At the car's launch, you'll be able to choose from four engine variants: a Cooper Paceman (1.6-litre petrol, 122bhp, 0-62mph in 10.4 secs), a Cooper S Paceman (1.6-litre turbo petrol, 184bhp, 0-62mph in 7.5 secs), a Cooper D Paceman (1.6-litre diesel, 112bhp, 0-62mph in 10.8 secs), and a Cooper SD Paceman (2.0-litre diesel, 143bhp, 0-62mph in 9.2 secs). 

Later, there will be a John Cooper Works edition too, no doubt featuring the little firecracker that is Mini's 1.6-litre turbo'd four producing 211bhp. The Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD are all front wheel drive as standard, but can be specced with Mini's ‘ALL4' four-wheel-drive system, and all come standard with a six-speed ‘box (you can opt for a six-speed auto if you wish).

As expected, you'll be able to option the interior to cosmically expensive levels your wallet never thought possible; stuff like adaptive headlights, park distance control, an electrically operated glass roof, paint finishes, upholstery variants, sat nav, hi-fi... the list goes on.

Speaking of which, prices start at £18,970 for the Cooper Paceman, and rise to £24,290 for the Cooper SD ALL4 Paceman; about a grand more than the Countryman equivalent. Have a click through the pictures above and let Mini know what model it should build next...