three-door Mini
looked a little dumpy... So here it is, the more practical Mini that has been expected for so long. Indeed, isn't it rather odd that a three-door SUV and a two open Minis have made production before a five-door hatch?
Still like this from the front unfortunately
Anyway, we have it now and it will no doubt prove exceptionally popular. The changes over a three-door Mini are significant, more than simply adding in a couple of doors to an identical shape as in some instances. The wheelbase is 72mm longer (2,567mm) with overall length up to 3,982mm (Cooper S and SD 4,005mm). Width is the same at 1,727mm and the five-door is fractionally taller than the three by 11mm at 1,425mm. Make your own mind up about the styling and proportions; we'll say it makes the original
new Mini
The larger external dimensions free up more space inside with five seats and a boot that could now pass as usable (278 litres with the seats up, 941 with them down). There's even an (optional) luggage pack to to make full use of it.
Bigger boot obligates luggage area pic
As with the three-door Mini, the five-door will be offered as a Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D. The introduction of the five-door also brings the Cooper SD back to the Mini range. Now at 170hp and 265lb ft, the 2.0-litre diesel is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and 68.9mpg.
Does that light blue colour look familiar? It should as it's the Electric Blue that was so popular on the original R53 Cooper S, returning to the colour chart as one of 11 paint choices.
Each five-door Mini will cost £600 more than the three-door hatch, with prices starting at £15,900 for the Cooper. The Cooper SD is £20,050 and the first cars will be with customers in the autumn. Now what's the next niche to fill?