Not so mini anymore: new, already elongated MINI Cooper to get longer with 4-door variant

By Peter Braun December 14, 2013

It feels like MINI has become a bit of a misnomer; the cars keep getting bigger and bigger. In fact, the newest MINI Cooper hardtop is going to have a four-door variant.

MINI hasn’t confirmed it, but it seems likely that the new four-door model will debut to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014.

Regardless of whether you get a two- or a four-door model of the newest MINI Cooper, you will be starting off with a 1.5 liter three-cylinder BMW engine. Three cylinders might sound a bit dire considering the sporting image the MINI brand has tried to build, but take heart. Yes, the engine might be small but it still puts out 134 horsepower and can manage up to 170 pound-feet of torque via the nifty overboost facility of the turbo. That should be plenty, in what promises to be a light car.

But if you really want to drive your MINI like a go-kart, you will probably want to opt for the new four-cylinder that delivers 189 diminutive horses and more than 200 torques. The European market will indeed get a diesel, but my advice to you U.S.-based diesel devotees would be not to get your hopes up. Though we are getting more Euro diesels in the states, we still miss out on most of them.

The option of a four-door makes sense, as the MINI Cooper now shares its platform and engines with the BMW 1 Series. Just like so many Euro diesels, the new 1 Series will also not be coming Stateside. This makes building a four-door model with a longer wheelbase comparatively simple; it doesn’t even require spending money on a stretched platform.

Would you get a four-door variant of the all-new MINI Cooper instead of the coupe? Tell us in the comments.

Topics

Photo Galleries

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.