SINCE BMW breathed fresh life into the MINI brand in 2001 we have seen many variations, some of which have left the traditionalists shaking their heads.

First there was the Clubman estate with its odd offside 'Clubdoor', then came the not-so-mini Countryman crossover, followed by coupe and roadster versions and then the Paceman, a sort of coupe/crossover mash-up.

So it's perhaps a little surprising that it has taken so long for anyone in the BMW hierarchy to sign off what to many would have seemed the most logical progression of the original - a five-door version of the basic hatchback.

Still, better late than never I suppose. The MINI five-door is now with us and adds some welcome practicality that will only serve to boost the appeal of this enduring favourite.

Sixteen centimetres may not seem a lot but that's how much longer this car is than the three-door hatch - and it has made all the difference.

Coupled with an extra centimetre in height it means that adults can now fit in the back comfortably while the extra doors, although narrow, mean that they don't have to be contortionists to get in there either.

There's even a middle seat, although it's pretty narrow and an intrusive transmission tunnel and large cup holder seriously hinder foot space. Nevertheless, it does mean you can carry an extra child with relative ease should the need arise.

The boot too is now more user friendly, offering a capacity much closer to that of its rivals at 278 litres, some 67 more than it's smaller sibling, rising to 941 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down.

All of which means that, while you won't be going on holiday in it, the MNI hatchback is now a realistic proposition for small families.

Better yet, despite the extra inches, the look is still unmistakable and it's still great fun to drive.

The 1.5-litre, three cylinder diesel power pack in the Cooper D version I drove kicks out 116hp and delivers a spritely 0-62mph sprint time of 9.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 126mph.

Throttle response is a little flat at the top end unless you work the gearbox but there's plenty of low-down and mid-range grunt which produces eager acceleration.

A snappy six-speed transmission and quick and accurate steering combine to keep the driver fully engaged and, although longer, the chassis maintains impeccable body-control in bends, where there is also plenty of grip.

MINI likes to call it go-kart-like, which may be going a little too far, but the handling is certainly sharp and precise and you'll be rattling along winding country roads in complete confidence.

Aside from the extra room in the back, the cabin is the same as that of the three-door, which means you get the same high-quality materials and retro stylings. The large circular instrument panel, which is framed by pulsing LED lights, sits above a range of sturdy toggle switches. Everything has the premium look and feel that we've come to expect of vehicles made by BMW.

Standard equipment is also impressive with all cars getting electric windows all round, heated wing mirrors, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB connection while stepping up to Cooper trim adds alloy wheels.

As always with MINI there are seemingly endless packs and personalisation options, but they do bump up the cost.

If you can stretch to it, though, the Chili pack adds such niceties as multi-function steering wheel controls, sports seats, three-mode drive selector and automatic lights and wipers while the Media XL option brings satnav and enhanced media functionality.

Admittedly the MINI doesn't come cheap but its brand desirability will also be reflected in sell-on values, while running costs will be low for all but the Cooper S versions.

This Cooper D, for instance, offers 78 miles per gallon on average and carbon emissions of just 95g/km mean it's exempt from road tax and make it an attractive company option.