You can’t blame BMW for milking the MINI idea. It was such a good idea to reinvent the small car as an ultra-posh city vehicle that it sparked rivals into action, from Audi (A1) to Vauxhall (the soon-to-be-seen Adam).

The hatch was the first but it has been joined by a flurry of spin-offs eager to cash in. There are six of the family on sale now, the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster.

The latest is the MINI Paceman, due on sale in March from £18,970. It’s a coupe version of the Countryman SUV model and it boasts, among other things, an interesting interpretation of the cabin. It is designed to appeal to people who want the space of the Countryman rather than the hatchback, with a sportier ride than the Countryman. Four versions will be available including the MINI Cooper S Paceman which will have a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.

Unlike Countryman, Paceman is a three-door car. It looks like the Countryman except it has a coupe-style side profile features long doors, while the blacked-out pillars create a ‘floating’ roof.

Oddly, the Paceman is the only member of the brand's line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.

The interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative ‘lounge-style’ rear seat. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. The Paceman is a strict four-seater, though practicality has not been sacrificed. Folding down the rear seats expands the rear load-carrying capacity from 330 litres to a maximum of 1,080 litres. Access is via a large and high-opening tailgate, offering extra practicality.

MINI’s go-kart handling will be a key part of the Paceman's appeal, enhanced by the optional all-wheel drive transmission. Lowered sports suspension as standard will help provide customers with an outstanding driving experience, though regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option. Paceman customers will have the choice of four engines, two petrol and two diesel. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control. They include 1.6 and 2.0 litre units.

MINI’s ALL4 four-wheel-drive system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman models. And for those seeking the ultimate in MINI performance and desirability, a John Cooper Works Paceman version is in development.

Side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are on every Paceman.

Other standard kit includes air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats.

Popular options will include xenon headlights, electronic parking aids, an electric glass roof plus a navigation system.

Advanced ‘infotainment’ functions are available via MINI Connected.

As always with MINI, personalisation is expected to be very popular and there is an extensive choice of bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and colours.

It will go sale on March 16 with prices starting at £18,970.