New MINI Cooper 5-door: long-term test review - pictures

Our MINI has been put to the test whilst it's been with us, and we're sad to see it go. 

It's no van, but it's coped well with everything we've thrown at it - including re-landscaping a small front garden. 

With the rear seats folded, boot space stretches out to 719 litres. 

While it can't rival traditional family hatchbacks for outright space, versatility or comfort, the lure of an upmarket badge, cheeky looks, endless personalisaiton options and an extremely fun driving experience has made the car a huge

Much of the MINI's appeal comes from driving excitement behind the wheel. 

The MINI's trendy styling has also made it an excellent delivery vehicle for Darren's wife's millinery business. 

The MINI's trendy styling has also made it an excellent delivery vehicle for Darren's wife's millinery business. 

Removing the parcel shelf and popping, then dropping the rear seats frees up 719 litres of load space. 

The key looks as stylish as you'd expect, but the key fob does make it easy to pop the boot if you keep it in a tight jeans pocket while getting in and out. 

Sat-nav system is simple to use, with the option to select split screen for clearer directions. 

While the MINI's 17-inch alloys look great, they can give a bumpy ride. We'd recommend sticking with standard 15-inch wheels and adding optional adaptive dampers. 

Children love the MINI and are happy to compromise on space due to cool looks. 

Rear seats are comfortable with enough legroom for the tallest teenagers. 

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

<b>MINI family guess who...</b><span>&nbsp;</span> <span>As part of our MINI special, we use a five-door as a family runaround for a week. But one member of one our team’s families misses the shoot, and has to be added later. Who is

Here's how to fit that bulky buggy into a MINI's boot.

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

<span><b>Graham Hope, Deputy editor</b>&nbsp;</span> <span>“I ran the MINI for a week, and</span><span> initially was sceptical as to how it might cope with my young family’s need for space and carrying capacity. But I shouldn’t hav

<span><b>Henry Willis, Consumer writer </b></span> <span>“The long list of tech features packed into the MINI represents a host of unique extras not explored by rival brands. The infotainment system is BMW-based, but exclusive MINI

<span><b>James Batchelor, News editor&nbsp;</b></span> <span>“There’s no doubt the MINI has grown up. I own a 2007 MINI Cooper S, and the ride and handling of this new one is better. The three-cylinder engine </span><span style="fon

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper 5-door long-termer

MINI Cooper long-termer