Mini Cooper 2009 Review

Development took place between 1995 and 2001 under the directorship of the Rover Group.

In 1999 BMW took control of the Rover Group in one of the many large takeovers of the period. BMW sold off Rover in 2000 but decided to keep the Mini as a seperate brand. This second period Mini is sometimes called ‘BMW Mini’ or the ‘New Mini’.

Mini is 55cm longer, 30cm and 400kg heavier than the original. These figures have prompted many enthusiasts of the original to feel that Mini is not a true successor and some purists disparage Mini as unworthy of the name, however many other enthusiasts have embraced it..

First Generation Mini was launched in April 2001 and on 3 April 2007, the one millionth Mini was produced after six years of production, one month longer than it took the classic Mini to reach the same total in March 1965.

Since 2001 many variants have been produced as well as numerous show and concept versions. The Mini is now in what is known as the Second Generation and currently there are three body types: hatchback, convertible and Clubman. as well as many power variants from electric, diesel through to the 155kW John Cooper Garage version

First generation

Mk I Mini Hatchback

First generation

Mk I Mini Cooper S

Production

2001-2006 (Mk I hatchback)

2005-2008 (Mk I convertible)

Body style(s)

3-door hatchback

2-door convertible

Engine

* 1.4L Tritec I4 (One)

* 1.4L Toyota 1ND-TV diesel (D)

* 1.6L Tritec I4 (Cooper)

* 1.6L Tritec supercharged I4 (S)

Transmission

* CVT

* 5-speed manual

* 6-speed automatic and manual

Second generation – 2007 - continuing

Mini introduced a brand new, thoroughly re-worked second generation car in 2007. The Gen 2 Mini (or R56), utilises a re-engineered platform with numerous engineering and styling changes. The drivetrain is shared with Peugeot and Citroen and is designed to be more cost effective to manufacture and fuel efficient to run. Generation Two was engineered in the UK by BMW.

Body

* 3-door hatchback

* 2-door convertible

* 5-door estate

Engine

* 1.4L Prince I4 (One)

* 1.6L Prince I4 (Cooper)

* 1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D)

* 1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (Cooper S)

Transmission

* 6-speed automatic

* 6-speed manual

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