Recently, we got to know that two of MINI's latest offerings - the Roadster and the Coupe - are reaching the end of their production cycle.
You could say it is because their appeal was limited to a rather niche group of target audience, and they didn't look as pretty as the iconic three-door hatchback or is as practical as its five-door counterpart (the Countryman).
But it seems MINI has found the perfect solution - by giving the Cooper added usability with two more doors, yet without altering much of its design.Exterior
The MINI 5 Door, essentially, is a stretched version of the three-door hatchback with an additional pair of doors. Arguably, measuring more than four metres now, the new car is hardly 'MINI'. It also stands taller at 1,425mm, while its width of 1,727mm stays identical to the three-door hatchback.
You could say it is because their appeal was limited to a rather niche group of target audience, and they didn't look as pretty as the iconic three-door hatchback or is as practical as its five-door counterpart (the Countryman).
But it seems MINI has found the perfect solution - by giving the Cooper added usability with two more doors, yet without altering much of its design.Exterior
The MINI 5 Door, essentially, is a stretched version of the three-door hatchback with an additional pair of doors. Arguably, measuring more than four metres now, the new car is hardly 'MINI'. It also stands taller at 1,425mm, while its width of 1,727mm stays identical to the three-door hatchback.
Admittedly, the extra length doesn't make it the sportiest-looking, nor the most stylish. But with the elongated body less in sight (such as viewing it from the front or rear three-quarts), MINI's latest 'expansion plan' feels cohesive, easy on the eye and, to us, rather likeable.
Interior
Fans of the brand will be glad that the 5 Door receives an almost identical cabin - characterful, with charming LED decoration from the central round display, as it is with the three-door Cooper.
The flip switch-styled engine start/stop still carries a sense of novelty, while the climate control knobs with in-laid display are as easy to use as they are to read.
The most noteworthy change, naturally, is the 5 Door's added practicality. School runs can now be performed in better, quicker fashion. Your friends would probably like you better for the extra doors too, as they no longer need to awkwardly climb through the front seats.
Fans of the brand will be glad that the 5 Door receives an almost identical cabin - characterful, with charming LED decoration from the central round display, as it is with the three-door Cooper.
The flip switch-styled engine start/stop still carries a sense of novelty, while the climate control knobs with in-laid display are as easy to use as they are to read.
The most noteworthy change, naturally, is the 5 Door's added practicality. School runs can now be performed in better, quicker fashion. Your friends would probably like you better for the extra doors too, as they no longer need to awkwardly climb through the front seats.
The slight qualm, however, is that ingress and egress isn't as easy as a conventional five-door hatchback as the rear doors are slightly smaller.
But once you get past the small 'hurdle', you'll, almost instantly, come to appreciate the additional room at the rear. Thanks to the 72mm increase in wheelbase, there's now proper leg space - although it is still a squeeze to fit three adults abreast on the rear bench.
The boot has also increased too - from 211 litres in the three-door to a more functional 278 litres.
But once you get past the small 'hurdle', you'll, almost instantly, come to appreciate the additional room at the rear. Thanks to the 72mm increase in wheelbase, there's now proper leg space - although it is still a squeeze to fit three adults abreast on the rear bench.
The boot has also increased too - from 211 litres in the three-door to a more functional 278 litres.
The Drive
The Cooper S 5 Door is longer, taller and heavier than its three-door counterpart, all of which are detrimental to a car's dynamic 'well-being'.
But while we fear for the loss of the iconic 'MINI personality', we are glad to report that the Cooper S is still very much an able performer.
Like its three-door counterpart, the five-door Cooper S gets the same capable 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, which pumps out 192 strong horses and despatched via a bright and sprightly six-speed automatic gearbox.
Even in a more 'grown up' 5 Door trim, it feels like the Cooper S is still keen to have fun. The car is also fitted with the driving mode selector, which makes even more sense for this practicality-inclined variant.
For instance, the driver can toggle between the more sedated and comfortable Eco and Mid modes when he doesn't want to rouse the brows of his occupants, and a 'maximum attack' Sport mode if he wants to enjoy the 'go kart-like' driving when he's alone.
The latter mode probably isn't the best to be in when going over humps. But it is the best mode to enjoy the car in, especially when it is handling a string of bends, where the Cooper S will deliver an involving experience that few others are able to match up to.
Conclusion
There's little doubt that the Cooper 5 Door is a more compelling case if you're regularly required to ferry more than your other half.
But what's more notable is that the growth in dimensions did little to harm its behaviour on the road. And if you're able to look past its less polished physical appeal, it wouldn't be hard to fall for its other charms, such as the ability to hand out fun at the wheel.
Conclusion
There's little doubt that the Cooper 5 Door is a more compelling case if you're regularly required to ferry more than your other half.
But what's more notable is that the growth in dimensions did little to harm its behaviour on the road. And if you're able to look past its less polished physical appeal, it wouldn't be hard to fall for its other charms, such as the ability to hand out fun at the wheel.
