The BMW Mini replaced the iconic car designed by Frank Stephenson in the 1960s. The original was built by the British Motor Corporation. The new Mini has been rebranded as the MINI in order to differentiate it from the previous version. Developed as a joint project by Rover in England and BMW in Germany, the initial design was carried out between 1995 and 2001. However, there was disagreement between the two companies as to whether the new car should be an economy car, which Rover wanted, or whether it should be a small sporting car, which was the BMW view. In the end, the BMW view prevailed. BMW eventually sold off Rover, but decided to keep the Mini project. The car was built at the BMW plant at Cowley in Oxford, instead of the original choice which was to be the Rover plant at Longbridge. Four models were produced in the first edition, the Mini One and a diesel version, the Mini One/D, and also a Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S which were more sporty versions.

BMW Mini Styling

There are distinctive styling differences between the Mini Cooper S and the Mini One, including the twin exhausts of the Mini Cooper S. In some countries, the Mini One has not been sold, as they were deemed not to have powerful enough engines to drive an air conditioning system, which is badly needed in places like Australia and the United States. A large percentage of the Minis sold in both of those markets are top of the range Mini Cooper S.

In 2007, the car was updated and re-engineered with several major design changes. The new engine was designed to be more efficient and cost effective. The architecture was completed in conjunction with PSA Peugeot Citroen and the car was built in the United Kingdom and Germany. The car has many similarities to the previous version, but one of its new features is that it is longer in length. This was to incorporate new safety features. Every panel in the new car is different to the old version. Indicators and grilles have been changed as well as the distinctive scoop in the bonnet. Underneath the bonnet, the car has a new engine and the car now has BMW's Efficient Dynamics system to preserve fuel. All models of the Mark two versions also have Dynamic Stability Control and hill assist.

Best Car Insurance for BMW Mini

The Mini One is rated in car insurance group 5 and the Mini Cooper S is insurance group 15.

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© May 2009