Sub-$28K opener for Mini Cooper 5 Door

UPDATED: 17/10/14AUSTRALIAN Mini customers will have access to the more spacious and practical 5 Door hatch several months earlier than expected when it arrives in showrooms on November 1, priced from $27,750 plus on-road costs.

Originally destined to arrive in February next year, the 5 Door was fast-tracked to Australia due to high levels of interest in the three-door and subsequent stock shortages.

Three specification levels reflecting those of the three-door – apart from the $24,500 range-opening One introduced in July – comprise the entry-level Cooper, diesel-powered Cooper D and sporty Cooper S.

Each attracts a $1100 premium over the equivalent third-generation three-door Mini hatch launched here in April but Mini Australia points out this is still $3900 less than the previous generation three-door.

Entry-level One and hot-shot JCW variants are yet to be confirmed, but their popularity on three-door Minis past and present almost guarantees their appearance on the 5 Door at some point in future.

In addition to the extra pair of doors, customers get a 161mm longer, 11mm taller car riding on a 72mm longer wheelbase delivering the same increase to rear legroom while headroom is boosted by 15mm and Mini claims elbow room is up by 61mm.

Luggage capacity is up 67 litres to 278L, the rear seat-back can be locked in a 90-degree position to liberate a little extra boot space and 941L is available with the split/fold rear seat stowed away. Mini also offers an optional two-part lockable compartment for the boot floor.

Mini Australia corporate communications general manager Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto the company is expecting Mini hatch sales to go 60/40 in favour of the 5 Door in light of the extra practicality on offer this country’s preference for five-door hatches in the wider market.

Ms Fletcher added that while the 5 Door may pinch some sales from larger models like the Clubman wagon and Countryman/Paceman SUVs, the new variant is also expected to bring new people to the Mini brand.

Standard equipment in the Cooper includes air-conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, multiple audio system inputs including Bluetooth, LED ambient lighting, electric windows and mirrors, rear fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The Cooper D ups the spec to dual-zone climate control, upgraded audio with 6.5-inch screen, Bluetooth streaming and BMW iDrive style controller, front fog lights, a front armrest and 16-inch alloys.

Flagship Cooper S buyers are treated to part leather upholstery, front sports seats, satellite navigation and 17-inch alloys.

Also standard on the Cooper S is a three-way driving mode selector controlling throttle, steering and (where fitted) automatic transmission response. It also adjusts the electronic dynamic dampers for comfortable or sporty driving depending on the setting.

The engine line-up comprises a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol for the Cooper, producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, with an official combined fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Cooper D also has a 1.5-litre three-pot but as the name suggests, it burns diesel to generate 85kW and 270Nm while using a low 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.

The hot Cooper S gains an extra cylinder and 500CC for its turbo-petrol powerplant, its 141kW and 280Nm capable of delivering 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox or an even swifter 6.8s when paired with the optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Combined fuel use on the Cooper S is 6.0L/100km and all engines feature fuel-saving idle-stop and regenerative braking technologies.

Mini Cooper 5 door pricing*

Cooper	$27,750
Cooper D	$32,900
Cooper S	$38,050

*Excludes on-road costs.