The strength of the UK’s supermini hatchback market comes from their practicality – however, MINI have been late to join the practicality bandwagon, favouring style over substance. That is, until now. The genius BMW design team behind the MINI brand have finally released the long awaited 5-door version of the MINI – due to popular demand.

The number of doors is a generally polarising topic for many car buyers, but unless you’re a solo driver, 5-door cars win hands down. Rear doors are a godsend for those with children, those regularly carrying more than one extra passenger or when you’re parking in tight spaces – all of which are made more difficult by the prohibitive lack of rear doors.

This will be the first pedigree MINI to receive the back door treatment. MINI have previously created a 5-door version of their Countryman crossover, however, the much larger Countryman is essential a different car altogether – detracting from the pure MINI’s design roots.

For the most part, the styling of the MINI remains true to its 3-door counterpart, except it looks a little… stretched. The new 5-door MINI is slightly longer than the original – 161mm longer to be exact – featuring a slightly higher roofline, in order to give adults in the rear adequate headroom. In fact, the 5-door version is considerably roomier all-round, with 67 extra litres of boot space, further enhancing its practicality for drivers with young families or lots of luggage!

The 5-door MINI will be available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, both borrowed from the 3-door version, offering different levels of performance and fuel economy. The base engine on the Cooper model comprises of a more than capable 1.5 L 136 bhp petrol engine, boasting impressive acceleration figures – reaching 62 mph in just 8.2 seconds. This petrol workhorse is fuel efficient too, returning a combined fuel economy of 58 mpg!

The 5-door MINI will go on sale in Autumn, with prices starting at £15,900 for the entry level MINI Cooper model. It’s clear MINI are offering competitive pricing for this premium and generously specified hatch – you can expect a long waiting list, so get your orders in now!

If you fancy getting your hands of the MINI, check out our dedicated MINI financing page. Perhaps you’ve already got a set of wheels in mind? No problem, try our quick and easy online car loan calculator for an instant quote.