Launching with the four Cooper trim levels in October, followed by the One and One D in November, it marks the first time MINI has offered five-doors in its smallest model, and will be a vital addition to the range in a segment where three-door versions typically account for 30% of volume.

Corporate development manager, James Morrison, said the car will target a similar sales mix to the Audi A1 in fleet, another model which is primarily marketed as a three-door version – which would mean around 60% of fleet sales would take the five-door Hatch.

Gaining 72mm in wheelbase and 161mm in length, used to increase legroom and boot volume respectively, the five-door Hatch will provide a solution for customers who would otherwise defect to other brands for extra space, as well as targeting conquests from other brands and growing overall sales. There is a £600 price increase for the larger bodystyle.

‘Our corporate customers want MINIs, but often can’t due to five door policies,’ said Morrison. ‘We expect to be close to the A1 with the sales split, but it might take a couple of years to get there.’

Advertising in the run-up to its sales launch will prominently show the rear doors open to highlight the new bodystyle. ‘We want to show MINI is open for business,’ he added.