The all-new MINI Paceman has arrived. With all the driving excitement of a sports activity coupe and the hallmark MINI go-kart fun driving experience, the seventh addition to the MINI family is set to turn heads when it goes on sale in Saudi Arabia this month (May).

Unveiled at the MINI showroom in Jeddah, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), the exclusive BMW Group importer in Saudi Arabia, also gave customers the chance to interact with the brand’s newest addition via an activation program at Red Sea Mall.

MINI went unmistakably underground and engaged shoppers via a host of fun, creative, eye-catching stunts, including pop art and interactive drawing screens, while offering the chance to visit the MINI showroom to test drive the new model. Entitled "Design with Bite," the activation formed part of a region-wide road show, which includes visits to six countries across the Middle East.

Stavros Paraskevaide, MD, MYNM, said: "MINI is one of Saudi Arabia’s best-loved British exports and as such, continues to grow in popularity among local audiences. Last year, we recorded a 33 percent increase in MINI sales over the same period in 2011 – an impressive feat when operating in a market that predominantly favours large, luxury cars.

Unique, yet typically MINI, the MINI Paceman is set to open up a new chapter for the brand, targeting people who have been looking for a MINI, which combines the sportiness and space of an SUV with the sleek design of a coupe.

On offer are four powerful engine variants, including the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S ALL4 and from June, the John Cooper Works will also then be available.

The seventh model in the MINI family has a character all of its own, while displaying clear ties to the "inimitable" style of the British brand. On the outside, the MINI Paceman offers a combination of sporty and extrovert design with two elongated doors, large new horizontal taillights and sloping roofline. It is also highly customizable, and available in eight body finishes and a choice of seven light alloy wheels in four colors.

The MINI Paceman takes the lead when it comes to in-car technology and entertainment. When on board, the advanced interface technology allows the extensive integration of smart phones and music players into the car. And the newest member of the MINI family can even be ordered with a range of MINI Connected features, which include features such as the Web Radio, plus specially developed apps which open the door to a constantly expanding variety of functions such as Facebook and Twitter usage.

Under the bonnet, the well-known MINI 1.6 liter powertrains will be available from launch, each with four cylinders and a zesty power delivery and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions. The high-powered engine boasts lowered sports suspension as standard, which accentuates the trademark MINI go-kart feeling. All engine variants, which include the MINI Cooper and Cooper S, come with a six-speed automatic gearbox, with an output spread from 122 hp to 184 hp respectively.

Every MINI Paceman is equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Hill Assist. In addition, safety is of paramount importance in the new MINI.