KEEPING pace with the mushrooming MINI family is a feat in itself and 14 years on from its launch there's an impressive, if sometimes confusing array to choose from.

In amidst some of the more quirky contenders is perhaps the most consummate all-rounder yet.

Launched last year the five-door hatch is arguably the MINI many have been waiting for.

For all its style, desirability, panache and excellent driving manners, the reborn MINI captured much of the flavour of the original but it had shortcomings as an everyday family car. With limited room for rear seat passengers and a small boot it was somewhat lacking.

While the Countryman did much to address such shortcomings they also lost a little of the MINI's essence - the go-kart-like driving experience - and lack the same alluring appeal when it comes to looks.

What the five-door hatch does is to create the best of all worlds - a MINI that scores highly for everyday practicality and that can deliver as a driver's car.

It doesn't look all that different to a three-door hatch but the differences are considerable.

Marginally longer and taller it also boasts an additional 67 litres of boot space. As such it has a whopping 278 litre boot which increases to 941 litres with the 60-40 split rear seats folded. There's also the added bonus of an adjustable boot floor.

It also has the capability to seat three passengers in the rear, though the middle seat isn't going to win any prizes for comfort.

Interior ergonomics are good with funky and contemporary switchgear that's top-notch when it comes to quality. The centre console infotainment system fitted to this car took a little getting used too - or at least its disco-style flashing lights did - and the only other gripe would be the i-Drive controller being positioned quite low between the driver and passenger seats.

Such things are small beer though in a cabin that is nicely designed overall and extremely well executed, with build quality that's about as good as one could wish for in a small car.

The range starts at £14,250, £600 more than the equivalent three-door hatch, and there's a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from.

The performance-focused Cooper S comes with a sprightly 2.0-litre unit that packs a real punch while also delivering acceptable enough economy.

As mentioned already, one of the great strengths of the five-door hatch is the fact it retains the MINI's sporting character.

Agile handling that makes every journey a joy rather than a chore, well-weighted steering and short and snappy gear changes combine to make a driving experience that really does take some beating.

While it's unlikely to secure the same place in automotive history as the small car that changed the world, BMW's 21st century take on a motoring icon is likely to prove more commercially successful in the long-term.

It remains the definitive retro revival, showing that old ideas can often be reworked to great effect for the modern world.

One thing is for sure, the MINI revival is unstoppable and is surely set to be a continued money-spinner.