MINI Increases Its Cadence with New Paceman

PEABODY, MASS. (07/31/2012)(readMedia)-- British automaker MINI is certainly on the move, growing from a single-car lineup a little more than 10 years ago to a stable of six unique vehicles. That rapid expansion will continue with the addition of the MINI Paceman, a crossover coupe based on the MINI Countryman. The seventh member of the MINI family was officially named at the start of MINI Takes the States, a coast-to-coast enthusiast rally from Los Angeles to New York that took place in the first half of July.

Arriving early next year, the new Paceman is said by MINI to be the world's first sports activity coupe in the premium compact class. Featuring two doors and a rear hatch for cargo, the new MINI has also been reported by Motor Trend magazine to offer the automaker's sophisticated ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, an option that is sure to play well with drivers in the Snow Belt.

"Like every other MINI, the Paceman will feature unmatched responsiveness, and with its extended cargo area, it should be pretty versatile too," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of MINI of Peabody, a Greater Boston MINI dealer. "Many Massachusetts drivers like smaller cars that are good on gas and easy to drive in the city, but they also desire the added traction of all-wheel drive, and the Paceman fits that bill perfectly."

That recipe has already proven popular in the Paceman's four-door sibling, the Countryman, which was MINI's first foray into the world of crossovers. Though some brand purists questioned the move initially, the Countryman has gained an ample following, quickly becoming MINI's second-most-popular vehicle behind the MINI Cooper Hardtop. Through the first half of 2012, 9,260 Countryman models have been sold in the United States, a 14-percent increase compared to the same time period in 2011.

Part of the MINI Countryman's appeal comes from its capable drivetrains, which include both front- and all-wheel-drive systems. The Countryman will also soon be available with three different engines, including its standard 121-horsepower engine, the 181-horsepower unit in the Cooper S trim and the 208-horsepower powerplant coming in the new John Cooper Works Countryman this fall. Of course, being a MINI, the crossover's responsive ride doesn't come with much thirst either, as it can return up to 35 mpg on the highway.

With the popularity of its current models on the rise and new models on the horizon, MINI recently announced its plan to invest an additional $390 million into its U.K. facilities, including its main production plant in Oxford, England. The move will help MINI keep up with demand and is part of the automaker's growth strategy, which also includes expanding the lineup to feature up to 10 models.

"More and more drivers are discovering the charms of driving a MINI, and new models will help broaden that fan base even further," added Cabot. "With so many different types of vehicles, there's a MINI for every lifestyle, whether you're looking for the open-air excitement of the new Roadster or the all-weather capability of the Countryman."

About MINI of Peabody:

Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their MINI inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call (877) 212-9727, like them on at www.facebook.com/miniofpeabody or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, Massachusetts.