MINI'S high performance John Cooper Works stable has been swelled to seven with the arrival of the new JCW Paceman version.

Billed as the brand's first Sports Activity Coupe, the Paceman comes only as a four-seater model and has a stretched side profile with long doors, muscular flared wheel arches, integrated rear spoiler, horizontally arranged rear lights and a downward-sloping roofline.

The JCW version is powered by a 218bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre engine complete with ALL4 all-wheel drive, an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension.

Performance is 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds in both six-speed manual and or optional automatic transmission with a top speed of 140mph (139 auto), plus MINI says average fuel economy will be 38.2mpg.

And a Sport Button on the centre console allows the driver to tweak the engine's responses and soundtrack, along with the power assistance provided by the steering.

As well as white and black, the exclusive Chili Red paint finish can also be specified as an option for the contrast-colour roof and exterior mirror caps.

Customers can also lend an extra edge to the typical John Cooper Works sports car feeling inside the car with bespoke accents such as Chili Red interior trim strips.

John Cooper Works logos on the radiator grille, tailgate and door sill strips as well as next to the side indicators provide additional confirmation of the car's identity.

A sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and JCW logo, dark-coloured dials for the speedo and rev counter, anthracite-coloured roof liner, gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats with red stitching are all part of the standard kit.

Exclusive Chili Red trim - consisting of red elements for the cockpit and doors and a red stripe for the black trim strips on the centre console - can be ordered as an option.

The car will make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month and go on sale during March. Prices will be announced later.