SURVIVAL GUIDE THIRD-GENERATION MINIS
The second-generation MINI range was more of a clever update than an all-new car, as it carried over a lot of parts from the first-generation R50/ R52/R53 models, but the third-generation MINI was a thorough remake. BMW MINIs had previously relied on French-supplied engines, and before that American-Brazilian power, but this was the first of the MINI generations to get BMW-designed and supplied three-and four-cylinder TwinPower turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. On top of that, the F5x-generation received an entirely new chassis, shared with the BMW 2 Series MPV and, more recently, the 1 Series hatch. More rigid than the R56 chassis, these new underpinnings also feature a stronger and lighter version of the established MINI suspension design, equalling wider tracks and revised electric power steering. This means whatever model you pick, the MINI remains the fun-to-drive package it has always been.
The MINI hadn’t just grown in size and choice of engines, high-end options previously only available in premium mainstream models, such as adaptive dampers, active cruise control and even a head-up display, are help you pick the best example you can.
