Motoring: BMW reveal Mini Paceman concept at Canadian International Auto Show

After supersizing the Mini line with the Clubman and Countryman variants, it's good to see BMW go back to the Mini's roots with a two-door sporty subcompact. The Mini Paceman, featured at teh Canadian International Auto Show is based on the Countryman and is powered by a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo four-pot with 211HP.

It features a six-speed manual gearbox and permanent ALL4 MIni is all-wheel-drive system. Mini said that the MINI Paceman Concept can also use the front-wheel drive layout. The Mini Paceman is slated for a 2013 release.

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Motoring: Mini Countryman supersizes the Mini line

Living large: The Mini Countryman is the largest Mini and the first with four doors

We're finding the 2011 Mini Countryman strangely appealing. It is Mini's crossover and it comes with 4 doors, a larger interior and a 4-wheel drive variant. This can be the Mini that's both practical and fun with a variety of engine and accessory choices.

Mini head designer Gert Hilldebrand explained the idea of a larger Mini was something the automaker struggled with.

“But Mini customers — those with children or extra stuff to carry around or who can only afford one car — demanded we build this car,” Hilldebrand stated.

The 2011 Mini Countryman is available in Canada starting at $27,850.