Mini Paceman; A Lesson In Economies Of Scale

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Nowadays, the only way to make cars profitably is to take advantage of economies of scale; and nobody is better at maximizing the “one sausage, many lengths” method of automobile production than Mini. Forget talk of “brand values” and “heritage” – we’re in a different era now.

The Paceman, a two-door version of the Countryman crossover/four-door Mini, is intended to maximize volume for the brand, and capitalize on the two-door crossover niche currently monopolized by the Range Rover Evoque. Hopefully it drives better than the Countryman.



Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • INeon INeon on Sep 07, 2012

    I kind of like it. Right now, the PT Cruiser has too much people space and two too many portals for me. The PT's cargo space is ideal for a potter, and it is a little more car than something like a 500 or Fit. Maybe it needs to have panel coupe sides welded on instead. It is, apparently, wasteful to want a 2-door anything that isn't a supermegaultracoupe deluxe.

    • See 2 previous
    • GiddyHitch GiddyHitch on Sep 09, 2012

      @el scotto "Think of it as a shooting brake for dorks that are tired of damaging their bumpers on possum skulls, refuse and badly-maintained roads." Where the hell are you driving that those are concerns?

  • FJ60LandCruiser FJ60LandCruiser on Sep 10, 2012

    Clearly the target demographic picks up male prostitutes, according to the stock photos...

  • MaintenanceCosts Poorly packaged, oddly proportioned small CUV with an unrefined hybrid powertrain and a luxury-market price? Who wouldn't want it?
  • MaintenanceCosts Who knows whether it rides or handles acceptably or whether it chews up a set of tires in 5000 miles, but we definitely know it has a "mature stance."Sounds like JUST the kind of previous owner you'd want…
  • 28-Cars-Later Nissan will be very fortunate to not be in the Japanese equivalent of Chapter 11 reorganization over the next 36 months, "getting rolling" is a luxury (also, I see what you did there).
  • MaintenanceCosts RAM! RAM! RAM! ...... the child in the crosswalk that you can't see over the hood of this factory-lifted beast.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Yes all the Older Land Cruiser’s and samurai’s have gone up here as well. I’ve taken both vehicle ps on some pretty rough roads exploring old mine shafts etc. I bought mine right before I deployed back in 08 and got it for $4000 and also bought another that is non running for parts, got a complete engine, drive train. The mice love it unfortunately.
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