A classic redesign of a classic car

The BMW MINI draws inspiration from the original Mini and the name MINI, is capitalised to distinguish it from its predecessor. When BMW divested itself of Rover in 2000, BMW decided to keep the Mini project and to build the new car at BMW's Oxford plant in Cowley, Oxford.

The 2001 to 2006 model years of the BMW MINI had four hatchback models: the basic MINI One, the diesel-engined MINI One D, the sportier MINI Cooper and the top of the range BMW MINI, the supercharged MINI Cooper S. In 2005 a convertible roof option was added and in November 2006, BMW released a re-engineered version of the MINI. which is unofficially known as the Mk II MINI. The Mk II is currently available as a hatchback and an Estate known as the Clubman. The convertible however, is still based on the Mk I BMW MINI.

Though the Mk II BMW MINI has a familiar look, every single body panel on the new car has been changed from the old model. New safety requirements have also meant that the overall length has increased by 60 mm, the front end has been raised and the indicators have been repositioned inside the headlights. The headlights on the MK11 BMW MINI are now fixed to the front quarter panels, rather than being housed within the bonnet, so that they are not raised up with it when the bonnet opens. The MK11 BMW MINI also features a restyled grille and larger rear light clusters.

The Cooper S still retains the bonnet scoop, in order to keep an association with the outgoing model; however, the relocation of the intercooler to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now a purely decorative item. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot floor, instead being found in the more conventional place. The MK1 BMW MINI was often criticized for the lack of rear legroom, but BMW have now added more space for rear passengers; and they have done so by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine start button now replaces the conventional ignition key; and when you buy the optional convenience package, you get the facility of the car unlocking itself automatically, when the key is brought close to the car.

The MK11 BMW MINI Cooper and Cooper S models offer a new rear axle and use aluminium components to reduce the car's weight; and the Sports kit option comprises harder springs, damper and anti-roll bars. Another important difference with the MK2 from the MK1 BMW MINI, is the introduction of an upgraded electric power steering system. The sharpness of this can be increased by pressing a Sport button in front of the gear lever and this also adjusts the response of the accelerator and it allows the engine to rev almost to the red line before changing gear.

The engines are also different in the MK11 BMW MINI and the Tritec engine has been replaced in the Cooper model, with a 120 bhp 1.6-litre Prince engine which has BMW's Valvetronic infinitely variable valve timing. The more powerful 175 bhp Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger in the interests of efficiency, and features direct petrol injection and so subsequently, this engine does not feature Valvetronic. This engine also has an overboost function, which temporarily raises the torque under hard acceleration. Both cars come with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes and the turbocharged engine is similar to the one in the Peugeot 207 GTi/RC.

From 2008, all MK11 BMW MINI models are equipped with BMW EfficientDynamics fuel-saving technology, which includes a start-stop feature which shuts off the engine when the car is stationary and when the accelerator pedal is depressed the engine is restarted, with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. All MK11 BMW MINI models are fitted with optional Dynamic Stability Control, which also includes Hill Assist. This is a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline, by holding the brakes on for 2 seconds after the driver lifts their foot from the brake pedal, thus allowing them time to engage the accelerator.

The interior of the MK11 BMW MINI echoes the style of the earlier model, although it is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional 10 litres of load space and more subtle changes in design are items such as the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.

MK11 BMW MINIs now include the Clubman, which is an estate car, available in Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper D variations. The MK11 BMW MINI Clubman models are identical up to the B-pillar to the hatchback models including the engines, but although the car is longer, the suspension set-up at the back shares many of the same designs features. The Clubman is 241 mm longer to accommodate more leg room and a larger boot and it has double doors as a boot instead of a pull-up hatch and also features a Club Door on the right-hand side for passengers in the back.