An in-depth look at the new MINI 5 Door

As you already know, the MINI 5 Door is the second body variant of the MINI. Like a missing piece in MINI's jigsaw puzzle, the new MINI 5 Door aims to fit right into the needs of people who require more space and cargo capacity but still want the fun MINI characteristic.

Being the second member of the MINI family to be built on the new UKL platform, the new MINI 5 Door is an exciting addition to the family of MINIs and opens up a whole new market segment.

This innovative approach to design increases the flexibility of the manufacturing process, allowing more models of greater variation to be produced more efficiently, an essential element of the MINI's build-to-order appeal.

But how is all that possible?

That is why we had to speak to Carola Metz (CM), Material & Colour Design, MINI, as well as Daniel Schmidt (DS), Product Manager, MINI, to find out what the new car is really all about.

SGCM: Can you please tell us more about the idea of the design of the MINI 5 Door?

CM: MINI is a very iconic brand and always gives a lot of room for design ideas. This allows us, as designers, to have a lot of freedom. So what we actually had in mind when we came up with the MINI 5 Door was easy and kind of like the next logical thing to do.

SGCM: What is the most difficult aspect in the design of the MINI 5 Door?

CM: I think for us designers, the most difficult aspect was the challenge to have the perfect form language, which is a MINI characteristic. So what we really wanted to do with the MINI 5 Door was to have a homogeneous design with the MINI but with two extra doors, and I think we have been really successful in this aspect.

SGCM: Do the MINI and the MINI 5 Door share any exterior panels and are there any cabin differences?

CM: The MINI and the MINI 5 Door are exactly the same from the front all the way to the A-pillar. By the technical data, we also know that the MINI has grown up to give more room for the rear passengers as well as a bigger boot and I would say these are the only differences in the cabin.
SGCM: Daniel, I've got a few questions for you too. Now, considering this car to be a first for MINI, what do you think is the main focus for the MINI 5 Door and what kind of audience do you think the car is suited for?

DS: We know from market research that there is a need in the small car segment to have a car that does not compromise on driving dynamics, the MINI go-kart feeling and the typical MINI design for practicality.

So the MINI 5 Door was made especially for people who love the MINI brand, the iconic MINI hatch design but with the request for more functionality and more room.

Besides these people, specific target groups that we are aiming for the first time are for example, corporate sales, rental and fleet companies because there has been a limitation or restriction for cars with only three doors.

SGCM: MINI is fast expanding its model lineup and since there are other five-door models such as the Countryman and the upcoming Clubman, do you think there is any internal rivalry between these cars and the MINI 5 Door?

DS: To a certain extent, substitution is inevitable when there is an increase in portfolio, but that is not a bad thing as the MINI 5 Door will definitely help us to increase overall volume and to attract new customer groups.

For the Countryman, there is different positioning altogether. This is because people want the size, the semi-command and higher driving position, as well as light off-road capabilities of a compact SUV, which you get in the Countryman. So we do believe that there is strong differentiation between the Countryman and the MINI 5 Door.

As for the upcoming Clubman, if you have seen the concept, you may have noticed the size of the car, which will enter a new and bigger segment.

Having said that, I can tell you that the potential substitution between the Clubman and the MINI 5 Door will also be very small because of different target groups.