A Sporty Crossover

MINI PacemanThe MINI Paceman, the seventh model in the MINI family, is a three-door version based on the MINI Crossover (known as MINI Countryman in its home market), the only five-door model in the MINI lineup. It's not just about having fewer doors; its coupe-like design, with a roofline that gently slopes towards the rear and a rising waistline, gives it a sporty exterior.



According to information released in Paris, the model lineup will include gasoline engines in the "Cooper" and "Cooper S" variants, and diesel engines in the "Cooper D" and "Cooper SD" variants, with the most sporty "John Cooper Works" model also planned.

An Unveiling at a Biennial Festival

The unveiling took place at "MINI CONNECTION 2012," a fan event held every two years. This event, which saw the Sodegaura Forest Raceway exclusively booked, was truly a celebration of MINI.



In addition to the standard models, the exhibition also featured special editions announced at the Paris Motor Show, including the most powerful MINI, theJohn Cooper Works GP, theRolls-Royceinterior-appointed, world-limited 1,000-unit "super-luxury specification" model,Inspired by Goodwood, andthe "Coupe" and "Roadster" models, a collaboration with Tomoyasu Hotei, all gathered. The Paceman was presented in a special booth, accessible only to those who expressed interest.



Furthermore, a full day of engaging attractions was held, including "Racing Taxi" where participants could ride along with a professional driver, "Sports Run" allowing attendees to drive their own MINI on the circuit, the "MINI Dog Contest" to find the most MINI-like canine, and "Car Wash" to clean visitors' MINIs on the spot, alongside motorsports activities.



Of course, most of the cars belonging to the attendees were also MINIs. Given the extensive customization options, no two cars were alike in design or specification, making a walk through the parking lot an exciting experience in itself.



The event was a resounding success as a celebration of MINI not just as a driving machine, but as a lifestyle partner, concluding with a parade.