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The Mini is a supermini car which has been made since July 2001. Colloquially known as the New Mini, all four generations have been produced as three-door and two-door , with a five-door hatchback body style added from the third generation. Introduced following the acquisition of the Mini marque by German carmaker BMW, it is a family of with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The range has been marketed under various names, such as the Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works.
The Rover Group (which was then owned by BMW) first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Developed as a successor to the Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. BMW sold the other parts of the Rover Group in May 2000, but retained the rights to Mini, although MG Rover were allowed to continue production of the original until October of that year. The new Mini entered production on 26 April 2001 and went on sale in July of that year, initially only as a three-door hatchback, in contrast to the original Mini which is predominantly a two-door saloon car.
The first-generation model was facelifted in 2004, coinciding with the introduction of the convertible variant. The second generation hatchback was launched in 2006, with the first-generation convertible replaced in 2008. The third generation entered production in 2013 and went on sale in 2014. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper. BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, F56 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The F57 convertible was exclusively assembled at the Born plant between 2015 and 2024.Last VDL Mini From 2024, all F65/66/67 combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford.Mini Plant Oxford 600m investment Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu. Since BMW's relaunch of the Mini brand, the marque's line-up has added larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Mini Countryman in 2010, the Mini Paceman in 2012, and the Mini Aceman in 2024.
The concept was originally unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show at a joint BMW/Rover press conference, with details of the Chrysler/BMW joint venture Tritec engine, and proposed trim levels including Mini Minor (not used) and the Cooper/Cooper S.
Ultimately, BMW prevailed, and in 1999, they assumed control over the entire project following the departure of BMW's CEO, Bernd Pischetsrieder. When BMW sold off Rover in 2000, it retained the Mini project, and moved the planned production site of the car from Rover's Longbridge plant, to BMW's Oxford plant in Cowley, Oxford, England. The team of designers working on the 2001 Mini had finished the full-sized clay mock-up of the Mini in plenty of time for a presentation to the board of directors. However, the American chief designer, Frank Stephenson, realised that the model did not have an exhaust pipe. His short-term solution was to pick up an empty beer can, punch a hole in it, strip off the paint and push it into the clay at the back of the car, which took just a few minutes. The overall design for the mock-up was so good that the board members told him not to change a thing, resulting in the distinctive exhaust tip seen in production cars.
Though still considered very compact, the 2001 hatchback's length was , or 19%, greater than the long 1959 Mini. Also, at , the 2002 five-door hatch stands , or some 21%, longer than the original Mini estate versions.
There are numerous styling and badging differences between the models, including the having a distinctive hood scoop cut into the bonnet. The also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance. The non-S Cooper has more Chrome plating parts than the Mini One and has a single exhaust. The Mini One D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.
In some markets, such as Australia and the US, only the Mini Cooper and were offered. Other trim lines and special editions of note, sold in varying markets around the world, are the Mini Seven, Mini Park Lane, Mini Check Mate, and Mini Monte Carlo.
The first generation of the new Mini received a facelift in July 2004. This was also when the new convertible was introduced; it was not available with the pre-facelift design. Aside from minor design changes (mostly up front, and the steering wheel) and improved equipment, the Rover R65 manual gearbox was replaced with a Getrag five-speed for the MINI One and Cooper. This was referred to as the 2005 "model year" version in North America.
From March 2002, the Mini was exported to Japan and sold at Japanese BMW dealerships as well as Yanase locations. The car complied with Japanese Government dimension regulations and the introduction of the Mini coincided with several vehicles in Japan that exhibited a retro look that Japanese car companies were offering.
The names Cooper and Cooper S are the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini, which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasised with the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options. The John Cooper Works company also created a higher spec model of the Mini Cooper S, the Mini Cooper S Works. It has a higher volume exhaust and air filter, and uprated brakes and suspension, and different wheels from the S models. (1982). 097657800X, Enthusiast Publications. 097657800X
A race-prepared version, with rear-wheel drive, called the Mini Cooper S3, competed in the Belcar championship from 2002.
Mechanically, it has a less restrictive intercooler, recalibrated engine management, high-volume injector , and a freer-flowing exhaust system. Extra cooling capabilities let the supercharged engine run longer on cooler temperatures for better track performance, rated at at 7100 rpm and at 4600 rpm of torque.
All models used a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. The wheels are pushed to the corners of the body to improve handling. The styling of the car, like that of the Volkswagen New Beetle, is a retro design that is deliberately reminiscent of the original Mini. The retro styling retains other classic Mini touches such as contrasting roof colours, optional racing stripe, optional rally lights, and black trim around the wheel arches and rocker panels that mimic the wide wheel flares found on many classic Minis.
The Mini One and Mini Cooper were available with a ZF VT1F continuously variable transmission or with a conventional Midlands (Rover R65) 5-speed manual transmission (model years 2002–2004); the latter was replaced with a Getrag 52BG 5-speed unit for the remainder of the Mk I production (2005–2006). The Cooper S came with a 6-speed Getrag G285 manual or an Aisin 6F21WA/TF60SN fully automatic transmission with paddle shifters.MINI Cooper Service Manual; Bentley Publishers, a division of Robert Bentley, Inc. 2010; Pgs. 200–2 – 200–3 The gear ratios of the 6-speed Getrag manual transmission were changed from July 2004 production and onwards.
All Minis had a drive by wire electronic throttle, anti-lock brake electronic brakeforce distribution, and BMW Cornering Brake Control. Stability options were BMW's ASC traction control system and DSC electronic stability control, to improve control and handling in adverse conditions.
The addition of a supercharger to the Mk I Cooper S required that the battery be relocated into the rear of the car leaving no room for a spare tyre, so the S models came with .
Initially launched in the Cooper and Cooper S trim levels; the range was completed in 2007 with the Mk II Mini One. An economical version called the First was added in 2009. From April 2007 a diesel was available badged as the Cooper D, which was supplemented in 2010 by the lower powered One D and in January 2011 with a new 2.0 L diesel badged as the Cooper SD.
The second generation was again offered in Japan at Japanese BMW locations 24 February 2007, and it continued to be in compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations which supported sales of both the hatchback and the convertible.
The second generation Convertible was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show and the Geneva Motor Show as a 2009 model-year vehicle (first available for sale on 28 March 2009). The model has a device, marketed as the "Openometer", which records the number of minutes the vehicle has operated with its roof retracted.
The car has a restyled grille and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the hood scoop in order to keep an association with the outgoing model although the relocation of the intercooler to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot floor, instead being found in the more conventional location under the bonnet. The C-pillars are no longer encased in glass and have been shaped to improve aerodynamics and to reduce the tendency for dirt to accumulate on the back of the car. Much criticised for the lack of rear legroom, Mini added more space for rear passengers by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine start button replaces the conventional ignition key and, with the optional 'Comfort Access', the car may be unlocked with a button on the door handle when the key is brought close to the car.
In August 2010, for the 2011 model year, the Mini Hatch was given what Mini called a "Life Cycle Impulse" (LCI) - better known as a facelift. The front bumper and foglights were redesigned for improved pedestrian protection, while the side marker lights and rear bumper were also redesigned. The taillights were also updated, with concentric rings. The interior was marked by some material upgrades, with an aim for a softer, less brittle feel.
In the Cooper model, the W11 Tritec engine four-cylinder engine was replaced with a 1.6-litre Prince engine incorporating BMW's Valvetronic infinitely variable valve lift, developed on and with Peugeot's core engine. It has been reported in road tests that this takes the car from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 9.1 seconds (0–60 mph: 8.5 seconds) and has a top speed of . Fuel economy of on the combined cycle is nearly better. The more powerful Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger N14 DOHC motor in the interests of efficiency, and has petrol direct injection; consequently, this engine version does not have Valvetronic. This engine also has an "overboost" function which temporarily raises the torque by under hard acceleration. As a result, 0–100 km/h is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0–60 mph: 6.7 seconds), and top speed is . It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning combined. Both engines may be mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine is the same (although with some French engineering modifications) as the one in the Peugeot 207 GTi/RC.
In 2011 the Peugeot DV6 (Ford DLD-416) engine was replaced with the 1.6 and 2.0 BMW N47 Diesels.
All Mk II models with optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also include "Hill Assist", which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes for 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver time to engage the accelerator pedal without the vehicle drifting down-hill. Also included with DSC is hydraulic Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as opposed to the mechanical system on Minis without DSC. DSC became standard on all Minis from September 2008.
The interior of the Mk II echoes the style of the earlier model, but is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional of load space. Other changes in design both visible and otherwise have contributed to the Mini's recently awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP tests. One example is the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.
Breakdown statistics reported by the ADAC (ADAC) in May 2010 placed the Mini at the top of the small car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 4 years, narrowly beating the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Colt.
In spring 2011, a new diesel Mini Cooper SD was launched. With a new four-cylinder 2.0 L turbo diesel engine, it had an output of and maximum torque of between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm.
The BMW Motorsport factory has been responsible for the construction of Formula One and European touring cars for many years. The R56 Challenge has a six-speed manual transmission; 17-inch Borbet wheels with Dunlop control slick racing tyres; John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including front splitter, rear diffuser, and high-downforce, adjustable rear wing; race-specific AP Racing ABS braking system; KW suspension rebound; height- and camber-adjustable coilover; full roll cage; Recaro bucket seat with six-point safety belt; HANS device; Sparco racing steering wheel; air jack system; and a fully electronic fire extinguishing system.
The car has a 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged engine that produces at 6,000 rpm, along with of torque. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) is claimed at 6.1 seconds, and braking time from 100–0 km/h is 3.1 seconds.
The car was used for events such as the Australian Mini Challenge, as well as ADAC events, and championships in Britain, Italy and Switzerland. Robbie Davis won the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge.
The engine is rated at and ; under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of . These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from to when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S. According to Mini, the JCW Hardtop will sprint to in 6.2 seconds, with the JCW Clubman clocking in at 6.5 seconds; both vehicles top out at
The JCW variants were unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 model-year vehicles. Seven cars were entered into the 2011 24 Hours of Nürburgring, coming 4th in class and 34th overall. In 2012, team Partl Motorsport finished in 2nd place in its class with their endurance MINI, finishing in a strong 41st place overall.
The BMW MINI Rallycross Championship, a one-make series, was a support category for the British Rallycross Championship.
The production vehicle was inspired by John Cooper's son, Mike. It includes the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package; John Cooper Works Cross Spoke Challenge light-alloy wheels in Jet Black; specific body paint colours (Connaught Green body with Pepper White roof and bonnet stripes), carbon fibre bonnet scoop, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle; and specific interior colour scheme (Carbon Black interior with red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters). The John Cooper signature was provided by "John" Michael Cooper.
The car was unveiled at the 2009 Mini United Festival in Silverstone.
The GP features additional performance, with at 6000 rpm and of torque at 2000–5100 rpm from a larger Turbocharger and engine internals, larger front brakes with 6-pot calipers developed by Brembo, coilover suspension developed by Mini and Bilstein, lightweight 17" x 7.5" wheels, semi-Racing slick developed by Kumho Tire specifically for the GP, rear diffuser and carbon kevlar flat under-tray, carbon-fibre rear spoiler, 'GP Mode' traction control system, weight saving by the removal of the rear seats and fitting of Recaro sports seats for driver and front passenger.
Styling features include specific vinyl stickers on the bonnet, roof, and door panels, GP badging on the boot lid. Interior includes a new gearknob, leather with red stitching, rear upper strut bar (non-structural) and GP badging on the dash.
All 2000 units were produced in the same specification, with the only option from new being an all-weather tyre, rather than the semi-slick tyre developed by Kumho. Left and right hand drives of this model exist.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini, two models were released in 2009: the Mini 50 Mayfair and the Mini 50 Camden.
Also from 2009, Thermochromism, 'chameleon'-called paints were offered in Asia and Europe.
In commemoration of Mini being an official partner of Team GB, an Olympic-themed special limited edition Mini Cooper was released, with a white roof featuring the London 2012 Olympic logo, and the London skyline printed on the dash. There were two other special edition Minis that were released at this time: the Bayswater Special Edition and the Baker Street Special Edition.
Six all-new engines are offered for this Mini, four petrol and two diesels: two models of a 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol with either 75 PS or 102 PS, a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol with 136 PS (BMW B38 engine), a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol (BMW B48 engine) that produces 192 PS for the Cooper S, and a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder diesel (BMW B37 engine) in two levels of power output: 95 PS and 116 PS (Cooper D), and a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel inline-four (BMW B47 engine) that produces 170 PS (Cooper SD). These engines are mated with a choice of either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or a 6-speed sports automatic gearbox.
MINI has also released an all-new model called the MINI 5-door (known as the 4-door in US, model code F55). It is marketed as a 5-door version of the new third generation Hatch. The base MINI 5-door is longer and heavier than the 3-door MINI Hatch models, with similar performance characteristics and greater interior and cargo space. The 5-door is exclusively assembled at Plant Oxford with additional tooling for the body sides, new equipment in the wax sealing line in the plant's paintshop to accommodate the extra door and differences in the shaping of the rear of the car. Plant Swindon produces the new rear door cells in the sub-assembly line with additional roof and panel tooling in the press shop.
The 3-door Mini with an automatic transmission will reach in 7.3 seconds for the 1.5L 3-cylinder petrol model and in 6.4 seconds with the 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine.
The Cooper S soon was joined by the higher performing John Cooper Works model in 2015.
In 2018, the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), the 6-speed Steptronic torque-converter were replaced by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in all models but the Cooper SD and JCW, with the latter now fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic auto. These changes allow for improved efficiency and better emissions test results in the WLTP cycle, as well as marginally improved performance.
A battery-electric version, the Mini Electric (aka Cooper SE), was launched in 2020.
In 2021, the second Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) was released. The model received both optical and technical updates. The front and rear bumpers were redesigned, union jack taillights now came as standard as well as LED headlights. The interior updates are limited to a new steering wheel design and additional ambient lighting under dashboard trim pieces and in the door trims. The petrol-powered cars are fitted with a particle filter which led to a 10-horsepower decrease in power output for the B48-powered Cooper S.
Criticisms of the design of the F56 MINI Cooper have focused upon the extruded and complex design of the front bumper in Cooper S and JCW variants, as well as the larger front overhang and oversized tail lamps. Further criticism has also centred upon the overstyled nature of the exterior design.
The Mini is also the first in its segment to offer LED headlamps for its main and dipped beams as an option.
With its larger exterior dimensions, the all-new Mini provides more space for its four occupants and luggage, with enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells. Boot volume has been increased by more than 30% to 211 litres. When using only 2 seats in the car, boot capacity increases up to 731 litres.
The dashboard retains its instrument layout, but adds a new instrument binnacle on the steering column for the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. The central instrument display now houses a four-line TFT display with the option to upgrade to an 8.8 inch screen for navigation and infotainment functions.
The actual production model was revealed in November 2019, retaining some characteristics from the concept such as a very similar rear spoiler and wings (this time smaller in the rear). The wider Axle track and wider wheels required wider wings. Other more extreme racing features (for a street car) like the centrelock wheels and five-point harnesses were removed, although the back seats were kept absent. The suspension is even stiffer and lower than a standard JCW and the turbocharger was redesigned for more boost pressure. The transmission is automatic only because there was no manual transmission available that could withstand the power and torque from the engine. The Nürburgring time on the dashboard was replaced by the individual production number (this same number appears on the front wings).
The 2.0 litre turbocharged engine outputs and of torque. The 0–100 km/h is 5.2 s and the top speed is (not cut off). As of release time, the third generation of the Mini JCW GP is the fastest and most powerful street car Mini has ever produced.
Production was limited to 3,000 units, with a List price of $44,900 (USD).
| + !Model !Fuel type !Displacement !Cylinders !Transmission !Power !Torque !Top Speed !Acceleration, 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) !Kerb weight | |||||||||
| One First | Petrol | LCI
1.5 L (1,499 cc) 3 | 6-speed manual | 13.4s | |||||
| One | LCI 1.5 L (1,499 cc)3 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 6-speed manual 7-speed | LCI | 9.9 10.2 s | |||||
| Cooper | 3 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 6-speed manual 7-speed | 7.9 7.8 s | ||||||
| Cooper S | 4 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 6-speed manual 7-speed | 6.8 6.7 s | ||||||
| John Cooper Works | 4 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 6-speed manual 8-speed | 6.3 6.1 s | ||||||
| JCW GP | 4 | 8-speed auto | 5.2 s | ||||||
| One D | Diesel | 3 | 6-speed manual | 11.6 s | |||||
| Cooper D | 3 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 6-speed manual 7-speed | 9.2 9.2 s | ||||||
| Cooper SD | 4 | 6-speed manual 6-speed LCI 8-speed | 7.2 7.2 s | ||||||
| Mini Electric | Electric | 32.6-kWh battery | 1-speed Automatic with single-stage configuration and integrated differential | 7.3 s |
The model was developed and produced by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, at a newly built manufacturing plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, China. The first mass-produced units rolled off from the plant on 14 October 2023. Mini's Oxford Plant in Oxford, England, is set to begin production of the electric J01 in 2026.
The Cooper receives a simplified interior layout, where a fully circular OLED touchscreen in the centre with a diameter based on the OS9 operating system becomes the only physical display in the interior.
| Cooper E | 40.7 kWh |
| Single motor FWD | 2024 | |||
| Cooper SE | 54.2 kWh |
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| JCW Electric |
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The F66 Cooper is available in two trims, namely the Cooper C and Cooper S. The Cooper C uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing of power and of torque. The Cooper S uses a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing of power and of torque. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In the North American market, the F66 Cooper is offered in two trims, the Cooper (also known as Cooper C for the Canadian market) and Cooper S, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the base Cooper, the engine produces and of torque, while the Cooper S produces and of torque.
The Mini brand enjoyed paradoxically strong sales and customer loyalty in the US, while at the same time being rated worst for problems found in the JD Power survey. In 2009, Mini ranked last, 37 out of 37 brands, in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey, having landed second to last the previous year. The survey gives the same weight to problems from something being broken, and problems due to the car owner finding them difficult to use, unfamiliar, or confusing. The quirky controls found in Minis, such as non-standard windscreen wiper or interior lighting switches, were counted both as "problems" that hurt Mini's ranking in the Initial Quality Survey, and also as distinguishing "idiosyncrasies" that, over time, made owners grow to love the cars. This contributed to brand loyalty and relatively strong sales, and expanding the number of US Mini dealerships, in the midst of the Great Recession and automotive industry crisis of 2008–10.
Consumer Reports ranked Mini as the least reliable car brand in 2013, saying that, "less-expensive European brands are having more problems", perhaps due to cost-cutting at the expense of reliability. In 2015, Consumer Reports awarded the 2006–2012 Mini Cooper S the title Worst Used Car, saying that while it was "cute and delightfully entertaining", the repair frequency was "heartbreaking" because the magazine's surveyed owners reported problems in the areas of "engine major, engine minor, engine cooling, fuel system, body integrity, and body hardware have issues at an alarming rate".
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