The article was originally produced on March 25, 2015, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Mini Cooper SD

With two extra doors, the new Mini Cooper 5D should make everyday life a little more comfortable. The art of having a round ball and transforming it into other guises but at the same time keeping the shape is something Mini has succeeded in. It was not an easy task that BMW took on when they bought the long-standing and cult-declared Mini brand from England. Enough because the car model has a cult stamp, but succeeding in developing it and selling more models was not self-evident. 

The original dog house was manufactured by English BMC. Then it was British Leyland, which was bought up by the Rover Group, which went bankrupt in 1994. Then BMW took over and the "old hut" was manufactured until the year 2000. A year later, the Germans presented the "New Mini". Similar in appearance to the old one but a completely new construction. Also bigger.

We've already seen a number of new interpretations of the little car nicknamed the doghouse. Among these we find Paceman, Clubman, Countryman and more. Less than a year ago, version two of the new Mini was presented. More mature and practical for people who wanted to use it everyday. The slightly mischievous nerves had now calmed down a couple of levels. To the disappointment of some enthusiasts but probably to the delight of the crowd. 

The regular Mini has only had three doors until now, you count the tailgate as one door as well. But now the five-door version is here and will simplify life for those who want to drive the small car but have more space and avoid the cramped entrances and exits in the back. The luggage on the previous one was not much to hang on the tree for those who want to have a little packing on a longer trip. But thanks to the wheelbase being increased by 72 millimeters and a slightly larger overhang at the back, the spaces have increased significantly both in the luggage and in the back seat. The total length has increased by 161 millimeters. Nowadays, you sit really well in the rear seats, even though the car can still be considered a relatively small car. The luggage has grown by 67 liters and now holds 278 liters. With the rear seats folded down, it grows to a whopping 941 litres. 

As usual, there is a relatively large range of engine options both on the petrol and diesel front. The test car, which has the model designation SD, has a two-liter diesel engine with 170 horses. You can choose between a six-speed manual box or an automatic. On the automatic side, there is a sport option called Steptronic Sport.

Despite the increase in size, the Mini Cooper SD 5D has retained its fun character, the go-kart feel is always there and city driving is a joy around every street corner. The steering is very precise and you feel most of what the tires roll over without being overdone. At the same time, there is a nice comfort and with the automatic transmission you get through most of the queues without a headache or a cramp in the clutch pedal. Sure, it's fun to shift manually when the driving becomes a bit sportier, but the new gearboxes with paddles on the steering wheel are so fast and fun that it's hard to justify not preferring them.

The interior received a major refresh with the new second-generation Mini. Both the feeling of quality and the technology have been updated. The large round board remains in the center console, but now houses the infotainment system instead of the speedometer. It's all nicely framed with light panels that can change color at will. The well-tailored seats provide good comfort with good support in the sides when it rolls in the curves. 

Johan Silverplatz, who is sales manager at Mini says: "This is a Mini with a completely new driving feeling but still the same fun driving. It is also a car for the family even though it is a classic Mini. Sales are already exceeding expectations and this only since the launch in October. A bestseller from the start.” 

The combination with its small exterior dimensions but spacious interior dimensions makes the new Mini with five doors a perfect city car. Thanks to good comfort, it is also excellent for longer journeys. Once again, BMW has succeeded in developing the little classic icon from the British Isles.