I’ve always wondered what Mini’s next trick would be. I mean, how many small hatch cars can you re-design before you start running out of ideas?

Apparently their next trick involves locking a Mini Countryman in a room with a Range Rover Evoque, giving them a bottle of tequila and an Owl City album, and waiting for automative nature to take its course.

The Paceman is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact vehicle segment and also Mini’s 7th model.

There are two doors, a large, in fact very large tailgate, lounge concept interior and two bonus, full-sized seats in the back.

The obvious feature which sets it apart is the downward-sloping roofline and tapering towards the rear.

Other than that, not much has changed. There’s the familiar two petrol and diesel engines as before, 82 kw and 135 kw with a JCW in the works for the future. All-wheel drive is an option.

Petrolhead numbers: 0 – 100 in 7.5 seconds and top speed of 217km/h.

Coming next year.