We broke details of the five door F55 MINI early this year going into detail around the size and detailing of the car. And our BimmerFile correspondent in Germany has given us first hand reports on the test mules he’s seen. Now we finally have photo proof (courtesy of gmotors.co.uk – follow the link for the full photo gallery) that it not only exists but is coming just months after the F56 launch next fall. But what does a five door really give MINI and its customers?

The F55 five door will allow MINI to compete in the four door market without buyers giving up the typically MINI attributes. Despite it being a core brand attribute, many potential buyers can’t get past the size of the standard MINI hatch. It’s seen as unsafe, uncomfortable and most of all simply not practical. The first two can quickly be disproven by simply experiencing the car in person and reading about its impressive safety certifications. But getting someone who is used to four door sedans to believe that a MINI hatch can be practical for them is harder to do. So MINI is developing a secret weapon for the next generation hardtop aimed squarely at markets such as the US. The internal code-name is F55 and, if it is received as hoped, it could make a MINI seem practical for an entirely new group of potential owners.

More of the original article at MotoringFile...

Additional spy photos at Gmotors.co.uk

 

Looks horrendous.

 

I waaaant it.

 

Looks like a knock-off of a knock-off.

 

How is it different from the Countryman?

 

Reminds me of the old MINI's big brother, the Austin 1100.

 

Puked in my mouth. haha

 

I'll reserve judgement until we see some better photos. I didn't like the Countryman at first, but it has grown on me.

 

MINI just Jeeps getting further and further away from what makes them so unique and likeable.... being mini.

 

Aweful color! Kidding. I certainly hope the rear is not finalized. They need to rework that thing. So is this like a scaled down Countryman? Should be interesting.....

 

Is it a stretched 2-door, or will the back seats still inflict pain on my hungry coworkers?

 

That was a great car ....my dad had one back in 1964...the Morris version....he traded his Morris Mini for the 1100!

 

I think it is a lower ride height Countryman.

I never cared for the CM at first but I can see the attraction, although, the driving experience is very Un-MINI for my taste (Not to mention the price).

I rather have a 4-5 door MINI like the protoype or a better designed Clumbam.