The Iconic Mini – Then and Now

In the annals of automotive history few names are stand out more than the legend that is Mini. Since its sketchy inception way back in 1958 few other cars have come close to the level of affection awarded to this famous brand. A hit with motorists from the outset, the name Mini is as well regarded today as it was then. It’s changed, that much is obvious; but the sense of driving fun and some small, but important, hints of the past have been retained. The Mini, in all its various forms, is as popular today as it ever was.

The Beginnings

In the aftermath of World War II and in the shadow of rationing of food and fuel, British cars had not kept pace with the modern world, unlike, say, in America. Technology and design were dated and buyers were clamouring for the motor industry to build something up to date, inexpensive and, crucially, fuel efficient.

That’s when the now famous Alec Issigonis (later Sir Alec) set about designing the Mini. The brainwave was to take the BMC A Series four-cylinder engine and mount it transversely and utilising front-wheel drive in a small budget car. This space-saving design allowed four people to sit in the small, boxy body. The car was launched in 1959 and at a stroke transformed the car industry.

A true ‘people’s car’, it was designed for mass production and customers were delighted. Car service was simple and affordable. With great handling and reasonable fuel consumption it became the car to be seen in during the period known as ‘The Swinging Sixties’. In time, inevitably, the Mini lost its allure as the rest of the industry caught up. The model went into decline and out of production until the German brand BMW bought the name and breathed new life into it.

Mini Technology Today

Relaunched for the new Century, the Mini grew in size but, as a clever marketing ploy, the company retained the round centre dash, harking back to the original. The difference is the amount of state of the art technology that has been built into that simple dashboard.

With that new technology has come a degree of complexity that is largely beyond most amateur mechanics. A regular car servicing regime is advised through a reputable garage with the tooling and skills to adhere exactly to the manufacturer’s schedule. It isn’t just the far more sophisticated engines and suspension, there is now a level of automotive science on board to satisfy the most demanding connected owner. For the last couple of years all Mini variants have been available with in-built 4G connectivity, allowing drivers to access those personalised services that we use to make our day-to-day mobility and planning even easier. It could be said that the Mini is now as much a part of our digital lives as a smartphone.

Hybrid and fully electric versions are now sold alongside the internal combustion models with three and four-cylinder engines all of which feature the latest generation of Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology, driving through manual or automatic gearboxes. With innovative traction control systems and the very latest technology features, some of which are optional or model dependent. Navigation is available with the option to upgrade to a larger 8.8” touchscreen display. There’s Bluetooth, naturally, wireless charging and great audio.

Safety scores highly; in some of the latest models there’s a camera-based driver assistance system that increases safety on the road that recognises and reports speed limits and no-overtaking zones. Driver warning systems, pedestrian alerts and even an automatic braking feature.

2019 saw the 60th anniversary of Mini. Well over ten million models have been built in that time. The legend has come a long way. German technology with British style.