One of the only things I'm not a fan of in my new F56s is the lack of leg room for rear passengers. I checked out the 4 door version, but it didn't seem like there was all that much more leg room for all intents and purposes. Until now, I've just kind of accepted it because in order to provide more room they'd have to make it longer, and I don't want a bigger car! But today as I was getting ready for work inspiration struck: the rear seat should be mounted on rails so it can be slid back into the cargo area. That way, if I want to take 4 people on a couple-hour-long drive and don't have any luggage, I can just slide the rear seat back and it gives about 6 inches more legroom.

Also, just hit 5,000 miles!

 

Seems legit. I've had a car full of folks in my F56S and the biggest complaint was getting in and out. Once seated, it wasn't that bad. As the driver, I didn't like having to scoot my chair up so your idea would be cool. That, or maybe I should just remove the back seats!

 

i removed my back seat cause it was worthless. its easier to jump out the back hatch from the back now.

 

I had a Countryman S All4 loaner recently for a trip from SF to LA... It had the sliding rear seats. It was brilliant when it came to making everyone comfortable back there.

 

I only put children in the back of my R56, and even they get a little upset.

 

Before I buy any new car (with a back seat) I always try it out for size. As stated previously, once in, the back seat isn't too bad. With the driver and passenger sliding a bit forward, back seat is decent.

4 Door was easier in and out (rear seats), but as far as rear seat space, they seemed to be about equal. 4 door was a buying consideration, but the front doors are narrower than the F56 and I found that was a bigger problem for me. Kept bumping head or shoulder trying to get into the car. Had to lower the front seat all the way down to eliminate the head bump. Opening still seemed to be too narrow making he car feel exceptionally small IMO.

Idea of sliding rear seat is really a great idea. Adding 6-8 inches or rearward travel would be very nice when toting passengers and still have the option to shift seats forward for cargo when necessary.

 

I seem to not have a problem with backseat space, the biggest P.I.T.A. is getting in and out of the back. I carpool with my friends to school every morning and afternoon and no one seems to have a problem with space, and I'm talking 2 in front and 3 in back (whoever is last to the car gets to sit on 'the hump'!), the only issue is the narrow space to get to into the back seats and the hard to reach mechanism to unlatch the front seats from the outside, but besides that the backseat is pleasant, almost as nice as my Clubbie. However the other MINI's are definitely more comfortable, I have a Clubman which has a ton of room and the added suicide door and I've had plenty Countryman/Paceman loaners, which were like SUV's inside!

It would be nice to have a mechanism to slide the backseats back and forth though, my grandmothers FIAT 500L has one and it really makes a difference, but it's impossible because the mechanism needed would call for the floor to be lower, so the seats could be the same height as they are now and the gas tank and secret compartment where the cars tools are put under the boot are in the way and there is nowhere else to put them.

 

I have never owned or been in a 2 door car that was easy to get into the back seat. It is always a pain. That being said most of my cars have been 2 doors.

 

True enough.

 

Although the idea of sliding rear seats sound good, the reality is that there is little room to slide backward because of the rear wheels.

 

I put my sister in the back of my R50, behind her boyfriend, but they are the only two people I know who that would have worked for. No one with legs is sitting behind me in my F56.

Were the British tiny people, or is it the constraints of modern design [18" wheels]? My 2019 Mini Minor will have it figured out.