Mini unveils new 2015 Cooper 5 Door
BMW has officially unveiled the latest addition to the redesigned Mini Cooper lineup, now complete with two extra doors.
The 2015 Mini Cooper 5 Door not only represents the second official variant of the third-generation Mini Cooper, but also the first crack at the four-door hatchback market — remember, the Countryman doesn’t count since it’s a crossover.
Mechanically, the 5 Door model is identical to the base Cooper. Mini’s new turbocharged three-cylinder engine will be standard, rated at 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while a 192-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four is standard on the Cooper S 5 Door. Both engines can be paired to either a manual or an automatic transmission, both with six gears.
Outside North America, diesel powertrains will be offered, but it’s unlikely we’ll see those here any time soon.
The Cooper 5 Door is also visually identical to the standard Cooper, with the exception of the added dimensions. The Cooper 5 Door is approximately 72 millimetres longer, leading to more legroom in the rear as well as room for three proper seats. Headroom is also increased by 61 millimetres, and the Cooper 5 Door can swallow 67 additional litres of luggage.
The 2015 Mini Cooper 5 Door will be available next January. Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but Mini’s U.S. arm says it will start at $1,000 more than the three-door variant, which carries a $20,745 price tag.