Look who came out early this morning at NAIAS. The MINI Paceman showed it’s aggressive face a few hours before it’s officially unveiling this afternoon. Early thoughts? It’s a great shape and a smaller package than it looks in photos. The green was well received among us but the copper accents not so much.
We’ll have much more on the Paceman later today.
<p>I am just not getting the impression of a aggressive face on the Paceman, might come out better in person though.</p>
<p>In my opinion this is the most Vanilla Mini yet. The design elements seem to be pushing the brand towards a more universally accepted shape, the distinctiveness of the mini style is washed out. Headlights are becoming less round, taillights are become ambiguous, but the mini logo seems to be getting much larger (whatsupwitdat). The only elements that seem to remain are the belt line, doors and mirrors. The roof looks great. Is this the strategy for increased sales? it will probably work but what a shame.</p>
<p>In addition, it feels like a bland SUV is fighting to push out of it’s Mini restrictions.</p>
<p>I don’t get it. Is it a 2-door Countryman? If so, why would anyone want a 2-door Countryman?</p>
<p>Is it just a styling exercise? If so, why is it so similar to the Countryman (especially since the Countryman S’s face is far edgier than this concept)?</p>
<p>Yep…….still fugly. And agree with the previous comments.</p>
<p>It look’s like a Golf from behind.</p>
<p>What’s the point?</p>
<p>I couldn’t remember where I had seen that roof before, but alas my memory has not failed me. 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser.</p>
<p>I suspect this is for the MINI mom that doesn’t want the mini-van/suv image – clever marketing. I would like to own the All4 but don’t need the 4 doors and this would fit the bill.</p>
<p>Don’t forget this appears to be the base Cooper version of the car – maybe trying to get a more luxurious image across with the chrome grill? Hopefully the Cooper S version will be a bit more aggressive and striking in the design department,</p>
<p>I still have to agree with one of the previous commenters when this was announced. To me it doesn’t look that sporty, and the rear end says Buick to me definitely. It’s a shame that they would lose the signature rear tail lights mini has in its other products.</p>
<p>Also I’m not impressed with a 3000+lb car with a 200hp engine max. This could potentially be a pretty sweet car if it had 250 hp, and awd. I’m not really sure who the audience is for this car. Women in their 20s?</p>
<p>For me I’m all about the two seat coupster. Bring that on!!! I’m pretty disappointed that wasn’t scheduled for Detroit.</p>
<p>Methinks we have just gotten a sneak peak at the new “face” of MINI, considering the hardtop is due for a total makeover in 2013…hmmm</p>
<p>If you’re right Jdawg, I’m glad I picked up a 2011. This does nothing for me. Far too bland. Maybe in person and at a higher trim level it would work, but this one bores me.</p>
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<p>If you’re right Jdawg, I’m glad I picked up a 2011. This does nothing for me. Far too bland.</p>
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<p>You do realize that this concept car is going going to turn into a robot and destroy all other variants don’t you?</p>
<p>MINI needs to take a lesson from Porsche. When they came out with the 996 edition of the Carrera, complete with the Boxster headlights, it was considered the worst looking Porsche to date. Don’t mess with the headlights.</p>
<p>@ steve – true, except that the R56/R55 headlights are like fishbowls and give the car a wall-eyed look so the sooner we move away from that to the R60-like headlights the better.</p>
<p>One good thing about the Paceman I truly like is how chopped the roof is on this concept (and how it does not have 4 inches of wheelwell gap).</p>
<p>Thank you, but I’ll stick with my R53.</p>