[Shep]

I am not impressed by the huge, long, Detroit-style door. It doesn't really help rear entry much at all. It merely means one dings the next car in the parking lot, and sticks out dangerously into traffic. It's very heavy and won't easily stay at its first detent position. The touted fact that it opens to 90 degrees is essentially unusable because of its size.

One of our previous cars was a Volvo 245--with short, stubby doors that opened 90 degrees. You could actually open them that way as they were so short. Gettin in and out was comfortable.

To make a rear-seat door viable on the Mini, one would have to make the wheelbase just a couple of inches longer, so there would be more viable leg room back there.

[mia]

i can't even imagine it..how would it be a MINI with 4 doors. i don't dig that idea at all.

[ChrisCooper]

Suicide doors perhaps?

I also don't know how it would work. But I too would love to have a compromise between these really long doors. You just don't want to park at a grocery store with any kind of slope to it. That big heavy door will get away from you and meet your neighbors car!

[KenL]

Why not just make sure you hold onto the door to prevent damage to other cars, it can't be that difficult

People who open their doors onto other people's cars must surely be added to the Big List of B*stards

[mia]

Quote:

[i]Originally
People who open their doors onto other people's cars must surely be added to the Big List of B*stards [/b]

HERE HERE!!

[ChrisCooper]

Quote:

Originally posted by KenL
Why not just make sure you hold onto the door to prevent damage to other cars, it can't be that difficult

People who open their doors onto other people's cars must surely be added to the Big List of B*stards

Ummm, gee. Did I deserve that?

My comment is stemming from a recent decision to change grocery stores. The one I used to shop at had a steep graded parking lot with very small (close) spaces. I had horrible images of other people parking too close, dinging my doors. I couldn't imagine loading the back seat with groceries whilst holding the door off somebody elses car.

[Humourl3ss]

Coming from a long line of Japanese coupes, I honestly can't say the MCS's doors are not all that long. Adding two more would of course add weight, reduce rigidity and detract from the styling.

Ah well, to each his own.

-CW

[ChrisCooper]

Yeah, I can't really "see it" either,... it may not be practical, but heck, what's the fun of having a conversation on "Future Variants" if we always have to be practical?

I figured somebody would pick up on the suicide doors and make some great cracks,... I figured an 80% front door (hinged from the front) and a 20% back door (hinged from the back) would stir some immaginations.

[Darwins_Bulldog]

One possible solution is a 3rd door like the Saturn coupes use -- a small suicide door that can only be opened when the front door is open, no exterior door handle.

[Shep]

Quote:

Originally posted by mia
i can't even imagine it..how would it be a MINI with 4 doors. i don't dig that idea at all.

Aw, shucks, Mia! But you do bring up the interesting question of what defines a Mini as a Mini. Let's see:

• is a Mini made by BMW a Mini?
• would a Mini with 4WD be a Mini?
• is a Mini not designed by Issigonis a Mini?
• would a convertible Mini be a Mini?
• would a pickup van version be a Mini?
• is a diesel Mini a Mini?

Lots of variant designs are under discussion. I think a 4 door one is well within those parameters! But, as Humorl3ss says, each to his own!

[NEMINI]

4 door MINI isn;t for me but I'd almost bet money they will come out with one eventually

[MiniShuttle]

Quote:

Originally posted by Humourl3ss
I honestly can't say the MCS's doors are not all that long

Talking to the dealer when I picked up my car he noted that, "The width of the car with both doors wide open is more the the length of the car." How wild is that?

[cooper4us]

There has been some talk about a 5 Door MINI variant and perhaps there is one in MINI's future...may be 2 to 3 years?

At any rate I really dig the idea of either a MINI wagon or a 5 door MINI hatchback. In my head I envision a very tastefully done 5 door hatchback with either suicide style rear doors or an invisible "B" pillar with frameless windows that will evoke the classic "Open Hardtop" look from American (And some Mercedes Benz cars) from the 1960's, but with a very sporty and modern twist for the MINI.

The 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK coupe has no B pillar post so when all windows are rolled down, the car feels very airy and the look this effect yields is simply gorgeous.


Where I see much difficulty in terms of maintaining design consistency when conceiving the 5 door MINI, is to keep the Wrap around glass look effect in the rear C pillars which only the current 3 door hatchback can successfully emulate.

I am sure MINI, if eventually offering a 5 door variant, will come out with a stunning design that will not be a step down from the current hatchback.

For those of us who are thinking about starting a family or have children already, a 5 door MINI or a "Clubman" MINI wagon is a very palatable idea....the perfect compliment for our current day 3 door MC and MCS models. The minute MINI releases either a 5 door Cooper or a MINI wagon, I will put my 2001 Chevy Impala for sale and place an order. Our second car needs to be a 4 door and this is the reason why we have not signed up for 2 MINIs (But would love to)yet.


I think the MINI has the potential to be even more of a practical car (The interior in the current model is very roomy given the exterior dimensions) without sacrificing its unique looks and driving/perfomance dynamics.

Keep in mind that Ford will soon be releasing a 5 door version of its Ford Focus SVT model, so it is possible to marry practicallity and good performance in a tight package.

MINIUSA: Take note!.

[cooper4us]

Are somewhat dangerous in crashes because the latches and opening mechanisms can get crushed more easily making prying open a door a more difficult endeavor.

Note that some Full size American pickups are going away from the "Hidden" suicide style rear doors in the main cab. The Avalanche and the Ford F250 now use full 4 doors instead.

The 3rd door a la "Saturn SC" Coupe is a nifty idea, but it is also a suicide style hidden 3rd door and if not properly integrated into the current MINI design can potentially ruin the look.

2 door cars have compromises with long/heavy doors and difficult rear seat access. It is just the small price to pay for better looks but not necessarily the best in practicallity.

I am hoping that MINI will soon expand the MINI lineup to include some more "Family" oriented choices in the form of a 5 door hatchback or a MINI wagon. (NO MINIVANS OR SUVS PLEASE!!!!).

[Smurfn]

I think a 4 or 5 door MINI would be great.
I have a 1 year old and although it isn't too difficult getting him in and out of the back it would be much easier with back doors.
If Mazda can do 4 doors for the RX8, I can't see why there would be a big problem for BMW to do something similar.

[s1m0n]

We've got a baby one the way and if Mini had a 4/5 door available we'd get one in a snap. As it is, we've got to sell my wife's beloved Mazda MX5 (anyone want it, 1999 V 17,000 miles? ) and will be getting an Audi A2, so that we've at least got one practical(ish) car.

A while back I read that Mini were rumoured to be doing a 5 door amongst other variants because nowadays to be profitable you can't just have different engines in one platform, you also need different styles. However, they did say that they had no plans for a people carrier style or SUV since this would mean highering the ride height and ruining the 'point' of a mini - ie. near go-kart like handling.

My own gut feeling is that they will eventually lengthen the wheel base to allow 5 doors, but also potentially to aid high speed stability for a 4WD rally going version..... now that WOULD be nice!!!

Cheers,
Simon
In wet Manchester, who's ONE still creaks and groans, but I love it.