The second-generation R56 was an evolution of the R50/R53, fixing many of the first-generation MINI faults and making key improvements. The current, third-generation F56 MINI hatch was all-new and probably represented the biggest change for the brand in the 13 years since MINI was relaunched in the UK.
Firstly under the bonnet where, following American-Brazilian then French-supplied power, these MINIs were the first to receive BMW’s own Twinpower turbocharged three-and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Then there was the UKL1 chassis that was also all-new, more rigid and has since gone on to underpin BMW models such as the 2 Series MPV. However, BMW stuck to its already proven suspension design but made it stronger and lighter, maintaining the fun-to-drive package that the MINI has always been since its BMW rebirth.
Outside, MINI couldn’t move too far away from the design language established by the Frank Stephenson original. However, that didn’t stop the tweaking, with the large bug-eyed headlights and chrome-edged grille and the sizeable
