In reviewing the new MINI Paceman JCW, Autocar‘s Steve Sutcliffe came across a fact that seriously questions the wisdom of marketing people at BMW. BMW as you know owns MINI, and they decided to launch this car – probably the ugliest car of the year – with the same 29 grand price tag as the brilliant BMW M135i. What were they thinking of?

Granted, the BMW is not that much better looking than the MINI, but it is much more powerful, faster, and cooler, and it is just as well-equipped (in basic trim) and practical as that sad dog. MINI is probably counting on the brand’s quirky image to drive customers to the Paceman, but anybody who wants to spend 29 grand on a hot hatch and buy the MINI instead of the BMW must be checked for mental health.