Is A 5-Door MINI Still A MINI?

Valid question don’t you think? The MINI as its name suggests was built to be a nimble, quick run-around vehicle that drove on rails. It was the quintessential driver’s car, a legend that harks all the way back to the 1950s. 

But now that they’ve lengthened the wheelbase, added two doors making it five, does it still handle and drive like a go-kart? Is it still as fun? Does it still leave you with a silly grin on your face? Like the MINI’s of yore? 

The answer we’re glad to report is a resounding YES and here’s why...

We’ll focus on the MINI Cooper S 5-Door and the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid for this one. 

1. The MINI Cooper S 5-Door comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine developing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque and boy does she pull off the line! 0-100 is reached in a rapid eye-blinking time of 6.8 seconds. 

2. With the two extra doors, you can now very easily carry your family of four in comfort. I know because I had my son in his car seat in the back with no complaints. 

3. With a boot space of 278 litres, the MINI 5-Door will also carry all your groceries from Village Grocer with no complaints. 

4. The MINI 5-Door also comes replete with the John Cooper Works signature embellishments with the aerodynamic kit, wheels, racing seats and steering wheel - a nice racy touch!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, this is the time of electrification and if you’re keen on getting your hands on a PHEV yet still want that signature MINI heritage and fun in your porch then the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is for you! 

5. Power for the Hybrid comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 134 hp and 220 Nm of torque. In addition, a rear-mounted electric motor (87 hp and 165 Nm) bumps up output to 221 hp and 385 Nm. 

6. 0-100 is achieved in 6.8 seconds and drive can also be channeled to all four wheels via the All4 electric all-wheel-drive system. Speed, torque and traction - MINI enough for you?

7. The battery on the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid has a full EV range of 42 kilometres with a top speed of 125 km/h. Perfect for your commute to work and back. Heck, if you live within a 20km radius to your office, you only need the batteries. Imagine the savings! 

8. The battery on the Hybrid now also comes with 8 years or 160,000km warranty from MINI Malaysia. Oklah kan? 8 years warranty, siapa mau bagi?

And because MINI likes us and we like you, here are some unbeatable, once-in-a-year promos for you to capitalize on this year-end. 

If you want the MINI Cooper S 5-Door on your driveway in time for Christmas, you can now get savings of up to RM11,000 with monthly installments that start from RM2,759 with Balloon Financing for a 5-year tenure. 

If on the other hand, the mean and green MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid has you piqued then you are entitled to savings of up to RM16,000 with interest rates from as low as 0%. Alternatively, you can opt for RM26,000 savings under a standard interest rate.

On top of all that, you will also be getting a 4+1 year additional MINI Service and Repair Exclusive (MSRI) for selected models

Now, how’s that for value? A daily driver and weekend warrior packaged into one. I know because I did both and I’m not looking forward to returning the cars but maybe it’s time I bit the bullet and got myself a piece of history for my porch. 

Catch of the year indeed!