Kids in the back seat

I occasionally have two teenagers in the back of mine. No problems. Apart from the first time when the big oaf looked at the outside and said 'how do I get in, there is no door!' Bless him, he'd never noticed 2 door cars before! He still thinks its particularly stupid not to have back doors!

At that age they are fine in the backseat of a 2 door.

I have to add that I am on the tall side (6'6") so that will be a bit of a hindrance.

My 13 year old 5"5 manages fine in fact prefers to ensconce herself in the back if in doubt though go for the five door it's much bigger.

The other question to consider is how long you will keep the car - they may be 5 and 4 now but if you keep it three years then they will be 8 and 7 and no doubt slightly bigger....

We tend to use our two door as a two seater, but it has had my 21 year old son in the back!

Ian

While I think the back seat is suitable for kids (my 15 year old and 18 year old ride in my back seat occasionally), I think the tougher obstacle will be the fact that you may have to lean into the back if booster seats or car seats are required at that age (have no idea). That can be a PITA in any two door vehicle.

My 17 year old is 6'1" and 165 pounds and fits just fine. The front seat has be forward a bit, but not even all the way forward. More room back there than you think.

I have got 2 kids that are 2 and a half and 4 and they both fit in fine. I sit my son (4) behind the passenger seat and bring the passenger seat as far forward as it can go and its fine. I also find it easier putting them into their car seats in my mini than I did in my countryman, plus if its raining I can hop in and buckle them in than standing outside and getting my back wet!

I originally ordered a Hardtop but changed to the Countryman because I have 4 kids (4,6,8 & 11) and a husband. I felt it was a better fit for my family - plus I loved the all wheel drive. Honestly, I do end up swapping our booster seats from my MINI to our Toyota minivan pretty often....I think you just get used to it but if you have a second set just leave them in there. If you love your car you just do what you need to.

Best,
Jenna

My 5 year old loves going in the back - plenty of space for him.

My 11 year old hates it - she finds the head rests very uncomfortable, and ends up twisting her neck to avoid them.

Well... it's either go in the Mini, or get in the Astra!!!

Your wife should be worried about reliability in getting from A to B rather than size. Size is irrelevant if car lives at dealership.