2017 Mini Countryman could spawn new Paceman, with a twist – report

The Mini Paceman could make a return using the recently-revealed Countryman as a base, according to a new report out of the UK.

According to Auto Express, the BMW Group’s design boss, Adrian van Hooydonk, said the company is considering a five-door coupe-styled SUV companion for the new Mini Countryman – differing from the three-door layout of the previous Paceman.

“We have looked into a lot of things, but all of our [BMW] SUV coupes are five-door vehicles,” he said.

“As much as people probably drive the cars with only one or two people, they like the comfort of an extra set of doors. They want to carry extra stuff – throw a bag in the rear or take someone.”

Above: 2017 Mini Countryman

Like the Countryman, the coupe would ride on the same UKL1 platform that also underpins the BMW X1 and upcoming X2 coupe, though the report suggests it will ride lower to the ground and have a steeply raked roofline.

Expect an engine line-up that mirrors the Countryman range, which would mean a range of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains.

Auto Express says the new Paceman (name still to be confirmed) will launch around 2018 if it makes it to production, around the same time BMW is set to release the new X2.

Above: BMW X2 concept

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more updates over the next year.

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