Mini Paceman Concept
Matt: Hit and Miss. I love Minis. I would spring for a Cooper S JCW for weekend track events and get me a Countryman ALL4 for all other occasions. How perfect would that be? On the other hand, a Mini is a Mini and it's becoming clear that BMW wants to milk it for all it's worth. I can't blame them for spreading the Mini love but I'm afraid that they will dilute the brand and its historic value. The Paceman, if I was at the helm of the make, would be the last iteration of the Cooper. That being said, I'm sure it will be an amazing drive and that I will love it.
Lesley: Hit and Miss. OK, we all know that the Mini established a rather impressive legacy as a rally car – kicking the butts of much more potent rivals on the Monte Carlo rally circuit. And what rally car wouldn't benefit from the addition of all wheel drive? The Paceman (there's a mouthful) is concept-car weird, with none of the inherent cuteness that's endeared the Mini to fans for over 50 years.
Whatever happened to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Paceman, Clubman, Countryman… what's next, an elevated rock-crawler, trail-rated for the Rubicon? An AWD option would probably be welcomed by Cooper S fans, otherwise, don't mess with a good thing.
Mike: Hit. I think it looks way better than the four-door Countryman. Turbo and AWD only add to the joy. I think it’s obvious issues — high price and overextending the Mini formula — will fade as soon as you see one. You immediately want to get behind the wheel and take your friends for a spin. All Mini variants have staying power, by virtue of their distinctive looks and fun-to-own and fun-to-drive virtues, and the Paceman will be no different.
Nissan Ellure Concept
Matt: Hit. It's odd that Nissan has few interesting cars in its showrooms meanwhile most of its latest concepts are phenomenal. Remember the Essence? Stunning! Now, the Ellure concept. This is a gorgeous saloon that clues us in to what the next Altima may look like. I, for one, think that Ellure could be the next chapter in the evolution of the family sedan. It's cabin is stylish, capacious and roomy. And, as a dynamically styled hybrid which will most likely be quick and clean, the Ellure could be many things to many potential buyers. I say stop fooling and bring it!
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| Mini Paceman Concept (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Matt: Hit and Miss. I love Minis. I would spring for a Cooper S JCW for weekend track events and get me a Countryman ALL4 for all other occasions. How perfect would that be? On the other hand, a Mini is a Mini and it's becoming clear that BMW wants to milk it for all it's worth. I can't blame them for spreading the Mini love but I'm afraid that they will dilute the brand and its historic value. The Paceman, if I was at the helm of the make, would be the last iteration of the Cooper. That being said, I'm sure it will be an amazing drive and that I will love it.
Lesley: Hit and Miss. OK, we all know that the Mini established a rather impressive legacy as a rally car – kicking the butts of much more potent rivals on the Monte Carlo rally circuit. And what rally car wouldn't benefit from the addition of all wheel drive? The Paceman (there's a mouthful) is concept-car weird, with none of the inherent cuteness that's endeared the Mini to fans for over 50 years.
Whatever happened to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Paceman, Clubman, Countryman… what's next, an elevated rock-crawler, trail-rated for the Rubicon? An AWD option would probably be welcomed by Cooper S fans, otherwise, don't mess with a good thing.
Mike: Hit. I think it looks way better than the four-door Countryman. Turbo and AWD only add to the joy. I think it’s obvious issues — high price and overextending the Mini formula — will fade as soon as you see one. You immediately want to get behind the wheel and take your friends for a spin. All Mini variants have staying power, by virtue of their distinctive looks and fun-to-own and fun-to-drive virtues, and the Paceman will be no different.
Nissan Ellure Concept
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| Nissan Ellure Concept (Photo: Nissan) |
Matt: Hit. It's odd that Nissan has few interesting cars in its showrooms meanwhile most of its latest concepts are phenomenal. Remember the Essence? Stunning! Now, the Ellure concept. This is a gorgeous saloon that clues us in to what the next Altima may look like. I, for one, think that Ellure could be the next chapter in the evolution of the family sedan. It's cabin is stylish, capacious and roomy. And, as a dynamically styled hybrid which will most likely be quick and clean, the Ellure could be many things to many potential buyers. I say stop fooling and bring it!