A bluffer’s guide to Mini

Mini has just celebrated its 60th birthday. In this story we chart down everything you need to know about Mini today

Richard Bremner Autocar

by Richard Bremner

16 January 2020

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Mini has long been one of the most popular British car brands.

It all started back in 1959 with the original Mini hatchback, produced originally by British Motor Corporation. But it has since spawned a host of spinoffs and variants, before being re-invented for the new century by 2000 by new owners BMW.

Here, then, is everything you need to know about all-things Mini:
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Vital Statistics

Founded – 1959

Nationality - British

Owned by – BMW AG

Global sales 2019 – 346,639

UK sales 2019 – 64,884

Model Range (with year of original year of most recent launch) – Mini hatch (2013), 5 door (2014), Convertible (2015), Countryman (2016), Clubman (2015)

Price range - £15,905-£33,995
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How to Choose a Mini

By the standards of some brands the Mini range is relatively simple, even if some Minis are more minimal than others. Smallest is the three-door hatch, this the model that’s conceptually closest to the 1959 original.

This special edition pictured was produced in 2019 to mark the company’s big birthday.
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Mini Five-door & cabrio

There’s a five-door version, unusually on a longer wheelbase, while the convertible (pictured) is Britain’s favourite open-top.
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Mini Clubman

The Clubman is for those searching for Mini flavours in a larger style, this five door hatch (actually six door, given the vertically split tailgate) a Golf alternative.
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Mini Countryman

The Countryman offers much the same advantages as the Clubman in truth, but many like its higher-riding stance, it’s available with four-wheel drive and comes with a conventional tailgate.
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The variants

All four of these bodystyles offer a model hierarchy that always includes a Cooper and Cooper S, while the three and five-door hatch include the One (pictured) as a cheaper entry-level model.

The sportiest John Cooper Works package can only be had with the three-door hatch (pictured), Convertible, and most recently, Countryman.
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The equipment packs

On top of this Mini offers three detail finish and equipment packs called Classic, Sport and Exclusive (pictured) – gone are the Salt, Pepper and Chili packs of old.

The Classic is the base trim, Sport and Exclusive costing the same premium and providing either a bodykit, or leather upholstery and extra shiny décor respectively.
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The engines

Engines range from the intriguing and very effective three-cylinder 1.5 turbo to the 228bhp John Cooper Works 2.0 four-cylinder version of the same Prince engine. There’s also a 189bhp tune for Cooper S versions (pictured).

Diesels are available on all bodystyles bar the convertible, automatics with every range.
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Personalisation

The 2001 Mini pioneered personalisation options that did much to popularize – and for BMW, monetise – the relaunched car, and while the option choice, and packs, remain plentiful the selections are less playful now.
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Accessories

That said, you can accessorise you Mini with your own graphic designs realised using 3-D printing. The sill tread plates, dashboard décor, the faux airvents on the flanks and the door mirror puddle lights can all be remodeled via the Mini customizable accessories website.

And there are further personalisation items, from decals to alloys to JCW aero aids available from dealers.
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The full range and how we rate them

Mini hatch 3dr, 5dr 4 out of 5

Models: One, Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S, John Cooper Works

Engines: Petrol - 1.5 three cylinder 101bhp or 136bhp; 2.0 four cylinder 189bhp or 228bhp; diesel - 148bhp 2.0 four cylinder

CO2 emission range – 124-158g/km

Trims: Classic, Sport, Exclusive

Verdict: Fussy styling hides the best Mini yet – sophisticated, more spacious refined, peppy and fun to drive. Five door roomier, style less pleasing

Best buy: Cooper 1.5 petrol
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Mini Clubman: 3.5 out of 5

Models: Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D

Engines: petrol - 1.5 three cylinder 101bhp or 136bhp; 2.0 four cylinder 189bhp; diesel - 148bhp 2.0 four cylinder; plug-in-hybrid 1.5 three cylinder and electric motor 135bhp combined;

CO2 emission range – x-145g/km

Trims: Classic, Sport, Exclusive

Verdict: A five-door family hatch of a Mini, well-finished and convenient but not as refined as some rivals, nor as much fun as other Minis.

Best buy: Cooper S Sport 2.0
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Mini Countryman: 3.5 out of 5

Models: Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, Cooper D, Cooper D All4, Plug-In Hybrid

Engines: petrol - 1.5 three cylinder 136bhp; 2.0 four cylinder 189bhp or 231bhp; diesel - 148bhp 2.0 four cylinder diesel

CO2 emission range –

Trims: Classic, Sport, Exclusive

Verdict: A more convincing crossover than the previous Countryman and much better made too, but like the Clubman needs more refinement. Plug-In version interesting but pricey and only travels 9-12 miles on electricity alone. It’s quick, though.

Best buy: Cooper D All4 Sport
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Mini Convertible: 4.5 out of 5

Models: Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works, Sidewalk

Engines: petrol - 1.5 three cylinder 101bhp or136bhp; 2.0 four cylinder 189bhp or 231bhp; diesel - 148bhp 2.0 four cylinder

CO2 emission range – x-162g/km

Trims: Classic, Sport, Exclusive

Verdict: Fussy styling hides the best Mini yet – sophisticated, more spacious refined, peppy and fun to drive. Five door roomier, style less pleasing

Best buy: Cooper 1.5 petrol
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Coming Soon

Electric Mini Cooper SE. Mini’s first all-electric production model will arrive in March. We predict prices in the region of £28,000 and a single-charge range 144 miles.

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