WHEN the new MINI first appeared back in 2001 we never dreamed that it would give birth to so many niche models.

The range grew to include a Roadster, the Clubman, the Countryman, the Paceman and a Convertible as well as the standard three-door hatch.

The missing link always seemed to be a five-door hatch and finally BMW acted to plug the gap.

Now you can buy a five-door that retains all the character and fun of the standard MINI but with five doors and more space.

Taller and longer than the three-door the larger hatch is much more family-friendly and can seat four comfortably.

The extra doors make life much easier for rear seat passengers and the increase in room is surprising.

From the front and rear the five-door looks just the same as its sibling and most people will not even detect the difference. It is only from the side that you can see the MINI has been stretched but fortunately it has not destroyed its looks.

Another bonus is a substantial increase in boot space to 278 litres which also helps to make the MINI a more practical choice.

Buyers can choose from a wide range of engines and the MINI One test car came with the entry level 1.2-litre petrol unit.

The three-cylinder power plant is lively and is good for a top speed of 119mph and takes just 10.1 seconds to reach 62mph. It is a cracking wee unit and produces 102bhp.

The claimed combined fuel figure is 58.9mpg and although I did not match that figure, I did average over 50mpg without really trying.

It may have increased in size but this version still handles superbly and is really agile with bags of grip. The steering is well weighted and the crisp gear change increases the fun factor.

MINI One offers a lot in the way of standard equipment and owners can select from a wide range of packs and gadgets to personalise their vehicles. You have to watch this as ticking too many boxes on the order form will hike the price by a substantial amount.

The interior is stylish and of premium quality with all the fun MINI features and controls. It feels well screwed together and built to last and is comfortable for any length of journey.

The five-door models add £600 to the cost but for that you get a bigger boot, two extra doors, more space and added practically - making the increase something of a bargain.