Mini is set to add another bizarre string to its product bow with the imminent arrival of the Countryman Coupe next year.
This unusual model was first previewed in the form of the Paceman concept, which was one of the stars of the 2010 Detroit Motor Show. The Countryman Coupe (apparently, according to company insiders, the Paceman moniker was solely for the Detroit concept) is underpinned by the same platform as the five-door Countryman and was spied testing by snappers from British motoring publication Autocar.
Stylistically, the Countryman Coupe features ovoid taillamps similar to those of the concept, an overall height 20 mm lower than that of the five-door and an overall length of 4 110 mm, which is marginally longer than the five-door. According to company insiders, the longer dimensions will play a part in freeing up more legroom for rear passengers. Other styling features include a waistline that rises towards the rear of the car, the now-signature Mini capped roof and blacked-out B- and C-pillars to lend the impression of wraparound glazing.
Details regarding the powerplants have not yet been divulged, but given the Countryman Coupe’s billing as the most expensive model in the Mini line-up, it would be fair to assume that the twin-scroll turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol engine will be offered in two states of tune (135 kW/240 N.m in Cooper S guise or 155 kW/260 N.m should a JCW version emerge).
