MINI has officially revealed its first ever five-door hatchback with four model variants demonstrating superior driving fun, efficiency, ride comfort, safety and connectivity; new generation of engines.

We spotted some MINI test mules earlier in February 2014, and we spotted a five-door variant amongst them. We mistakingly identified it as the next generation MINI Clubman, when in actual fact, it was this.

Increased space

The new MINI 5 door is the second member to join the third-generation MINI line-up. Compared to the regular Cooper model, the five-door has a 72 mm extended wheelbase (at 2 567 mm) which further helps create space for the three seats in the rear.

Headroom has increased by 1 5mm and there’s 61 mm more interior width at elbow height. Luggage compartment space has been boosted to 278 litres – 67 litres more than in the three-door model. When you fold down the 60:40 split rear backrest, total cargo volume jumps to 941 litres.

Engine line-up

At market launch the MINI 5 Door will be available with four model variants: two standard petrol and two diesel engines. South Africans customers will only get the petrol variants.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers 141 kW and 280 Nm at 1 250 rpm (300 Nm on overboost), this allows the Cooper S to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 sec and to reach a top speed of 232km/h when combined with the manual gearbox. Claimed combined cycle consumption is rated at 5.9l/100km on the European test cycle.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine comes with 100 kW and 220 Nm at 1 250 rpm (230 Nm on overboost) in the Cooper. It delivers 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.2sec and a top speed of 207km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.7l/100km in manual form.

The diesel variants include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder that provides the Cooper SD with 125kW and 360Nm of torque at 1500rpm, while the Cooper D is equipped with a compact 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 85kW and 270Nm at 1750rpm.

MINI is offering a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed Steptronic transmission.

Minor visual changes

Design wise, the car resembles looks of the original model, with its hexagonal radiator grille, headlights and tail lights with wide chrome surrounds. However, it could be a bit difficult to enter the back seats due to what appears to be a short length of the rear doors. We shall have to wait and see what they’re like when we get our hands on one.

The interior features a new central instrument with new display elements and coloured lighting configuration including LED ring for visual feedback in response to numerous functions, as well as a 4-line TFT display as standard or optional colour display up to 8.8 inches in size.

Deliveries of the 2015 MINI 5 door hatchback are scheduled to commence later in the year once production begins at the Oxford plant.