The press got a sneak peek of the new MINI Paceman on Sunday, reports the New York Times, and journalists are hyping up its debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

The Paceman is modeled after the five-door MINI Countryman, but with a three-door coupé design, according to the Telegraph.

BMW, MINI's parent company, called the vehicle, "the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small segment of the market."

It's been ten years since MINI launched in the US market, so Jochen Goller, MINI's director for the UK, believes there's an appropriate symmetry for the new sleek design.

The Paceman has what's called a "helmet roof," where the windows seem like they're wrapping around the car as one piece, with the roof "suspended on top," states the Telegraph.

Using MINI's most powerful engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged machine with 211 horsepower, drivers should be pleased with the mild torque increase, the New York Times reported.

Goller also mentioned that with this sleek new design scheme, MINI is already drafting plans for a "coupé sibling."