The birth of the MINI 5-door Hatch marks the first time the British icon has ever featured rear passenger doors. Yesterday, the first completed car (Cooper S) rolled off the production line at MINI’s newly-upgraded Oxford plant.
The new MINI 5-door Hatch is the second car from the BMW-owned company to be built on an all-new platform, giving MINI design flexibility for future models.
BMW Group UK business secretary, Vince Cable, said:
“The launch of the all-new 5-door MINI is a further boost for the UK’s manufacturing sector, and will help to secure jobs in Oxford and Swindon as part of BMW’s £750 million (AU$1,355,000) investment program in the UK. BMW’s continued commitment and investment in the UK underlines the continuing success story that is UK automotive manufacturing.
“Through the UK Government’s industrial strategy we are backing the auto sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs.”
The MINI 5-door Hatch sits 161mm longer than the three-door, has 15mm more headroom, 61mm more interior width, and features 278-litres of boot space. The rear seat can fit three passengers.
Four models will be available in the new multi-door layout; Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper SD, and Cooper S.
Pricing and specifications for each model are yet to be announced for Australian buyers, with customers expected to take deliveries late 2014 or early 2015.
