Mini to add Hardtop 4-Door

You can't tell the Minis without a program! Unless you're a devoted Miniphile, chances are a Mini is just a Mini, but in fact, there are now multiple Mini models in eight different body configurations.

The latest to be revealed is the Hardtop 4-Door, which is scheduled to arrive here around the end of this year. As the name implies, it's a four-door variant of the basic Mini 2-door hatchback, now called the Mini Hardtop in some markets, which was all new for 2014.

It's the first time in the history of the brand that the hatchback has been offered with four doors. In addition to the added utility of two more doors, the 4-Door is slightly bigger and roomier than the 2-door.

Nominally, there are now three rear seats, rear headroom has been increased by 15 mm, shoulder room by 161 mm and legroom by 72 mm, compared to the 2-door.

These gains in roominess result from a 74-mm stretch in wheelbase and 160 mm of additional length, as well as a 10-mm greater overall height, which also enable a 14-litre increase in cargo room, to 260 litres.

Power will come from a 134-horsepower, 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the Cooper trim level or a 189-horsepower four-cylinder in the Cooper S. Both engines are turbocharged and both can be coupled to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

According to the company, Mini's typical go-kart feeling is still part of the package.