It's pretty obvious that automakers' definition of the word 'coupe' these days is a far cry from the traditional meaning. (We do live in the world of the "four-door coupe," after all.) That said, Car and Driver reports that Mini will call the company's two-door Paceman Concept the Countryman Coupe once it hits production.

While it's true that both the Paceman Concept and most coupes have two doors, the vehicle is more of a CUV/hatchback/crossover, at least to our eyes. Even so, the fact that the vehicle will reportedly share the Countryman moniker is no shock. Both vehicles wear the same nose front fascia, grille, headlights, fenders and hood. Even so, based on the automaker's current naming convention, that means we'll have to get used to saying something like "Mini Cooper S Countryman Coupe." Because that won't get confusing or anything.

Last we heard, the three-door Countryman will go on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model, and rumor has it that the production model will debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year. A few patent drawings have already made their way to the web, indicating the final version will be remarkably similar to the concept we've already seen.

Original blog post, photo gallery and commentary at Autoblog...

 

I've looked at all the photos and drawings I can find and I have to say this concept is not very compelling, especially linked with the Countryman as a starting point. It looks like all the fun extrapolations (e.g., doors opening, overhead rear hatch mechanism) may disappear, leaving the peculiar rear seat concepts and as little access as in the present hardtop.

 

I want this. Hope I don't have to wait another year for it!