MINI Paceman, Coupe and Roadster set to be axed

MINI are set to reduce the range of models they offer to just five ‘Super Hero’ cars as the new MINI range rolls out, with the Paceman, Coupe and Roadster the casualties.

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Whatever you think of the proliferation of MINI models since BMW took the helm at MINI in 2001, it’s been an overwhelming success.

But not everything new MINI has done has bowled over buyers, and now it looks like the MINI Paceman, Coupe and Roadster are likely to be binned as MINI rolls out its new range in the next few years.

MINI’s Brand Chief, Peter Schwarzenbauer, said the decision has been made to ensure each new MINI has its own personality and capability, with each a ‘Super Hero’ MINI.

The five models are likely to be the new 3-door and 5-door MINI hatch, the new MINI Clubman (due in 2015), the next MINI Countryman (due in 2016) and one other.

That ‘one other’ will almost certainly be a production take on the Superleggera Vision Concept we saw at Villa d’Este in the Spring and is likely to be the only MINI Convertible.

It’s all part of plans to bring MINI in to line with the wants of customers, and that will include access to MINI dealers on a 24/7 basis as BMW responds to the on-line 24 hour way the world is going.

But whatever MINI is doing with its core range, we’re sure there will still be endless ‘Special Edition MINIs’ to coax buyers in to parting with their hard-earned cash.