Paris 2014: 2015 MINI Hardtop 5-Door Arrives
For those who wanted a MINI, but only if it had two extra doors — and wasn’t a Countryman — then this MINI Hardtop 5-Door’s for you.
With its overall length increase of 6.3 inches and boosted wheelbase of 2.9 inches, the five-door hatch is not exactly “mini”; it’s also longer than the Toyota Yaris or Mazda2. That said, it can hold five passengers, offers a half-inch more headroom than the three-door model, and can carry more with its 13.1 cubic-foot trunk.
Up front, either a 1.5-liter three-pot (134 horsepower/162 lb-ft torque) or a 2-liter turbo-four (S model; 189 horses/207 lb-ft, 221 lb-ft overboosted) can deliver power to the front wheels via either six-speed manual or auto transmissions. Nil to 60 is 7.6 seconds, 6.6 for the S Hardtop.
Both models come with two modes of travel: Sport and Green. Adjustments to both throttle and transmission deliver either better efficiency or performance, with auto-equipped models shifting into neutral when coasting for more fuel savings in Green mode. Camera-based adaptive cruise control, LED headlamps, start/stop button et al are available, as well.
Price of admission is $22,550 for the standard model, $25,950 for the S variant. Both Hardtops will be due at the dealership soon.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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OK so I think the look will take a bit of getting used to. It's like a stretched new original... I think the added convenience of rear doors and extra space will really benefit the brand in terms of sales. 3 doors look cool but in reality and everyday living they are a pain. 5 doors is perfect. 4 doors for passengers and the big old door at the back for all the cra... stuff you just bought at Costco ;-)
It's unfortunate that here in the States, there aren't enough varieties of "four-door hatchbacks that are fun to drive" to make a category on a TV gameshow. Even if we expand that to include "crossovers," it's still not enough choices. I refuse to pass judgement until I see it in the flesh, but my initial thought is that PetSmart called and they want the fishbowls back that MINI used for taillights.