There was a time when “MINI” really stood for mini with three-doors and a tin top or a ragtop, but not anymore. Ever since the BMW Group got its hands on the British brand and churned out the first modern MINI in the beginning of the new millennium, the automaker’s range has been constantly expanding to new lengths.
We had heard rumors of MINI contemplating the addition of one more five-door model to its lineup after the Countryman crossover, and now we have the first photographic proof of it as our scoop hunters captured a prototype model out in the wild.
This is the five-door version of the third-generation MINI hatchback that should arrive together with the traditional three-door model in the second half of 2013.
Both the 3d and 5d hatchbacks ride on the BMW Group’s newly developed front- and all-wheel drive UKL1 modular platform that will also base the BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo compact MPV.
These first spy pictures suggest that the more practical 5d model will have a slightly longer wheelbase and smaller front doors than the 3d car.
The engine options will be shared between the two body styles and will include a new family of turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and diesel units, with the sportier Cooper S and JCW versions to get the firm’s updated four-cylinder engines.
A convertible model is also in the works and will follow about a year after the presentation of the hatchbacks.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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