"It won’t be taking the place of the iconic two door hardtop, but it will be offered for those who want a small MINI with just a bit more practicality. A little practicality wouldn’t hurt the hardtop for many. Have you ever tried to get a child seat in the back of the hatch or perhaps a dog in and out? Then you’ll know why the four-door F55 may go along way in helping Americans overcome their fears of impracticality. For the rest, the original hatchback form factor of the two door MINI will remain as well."
More:
MotoringFile Archive Exclusive: MINI to Introduce Next Generation Five Door Hatch (http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/05/24/the-f55-minis-secret-weapon-for-increased-sales/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Motoringfile+%28MotoringFile+ |+MINI+News%2C+Reviews+and+Podcast%29)

the four-door F55 may go along way in helping Americans overcome their fears of impracticality.

The only fear they have is not being able to get back out again because they are too fat belly Jones, is my only thinking!

If the new F56 shares a platform with the new BMW 1 Series then I suppose that similar body variants might make some sense. We can only hope that the 1 Series retains its crown as the ugly sister of the two. We also have to hope that entry and exit through the rear doors will be (unlike today's 1 Series) possible by people over primary school age.