The Start of The Mini Phenomenon
The original Mini, as designed by Alex Issigonis and launched in 1959 by British Motor Corporation (BMC), was a great little car and really quite a sensation. The Mini was a small and fun to drive car, and as it was very economical to run, it became very popular.
The Mini, during the 1960’s, was said to have been a motoring icon and was to influence generations of car makers. It was also one of the first mass produced front wheel drive cars.
The engine layout, which fitted across the width of the car with the gearbox underneath, meant there was less space taken up under the bonnet. As this made more room inside the car, this is how the Mini got away with being so small.
The BMW Mini Was First
Launched in 2001
BMW launched their interpretation of the Mini in the year 2001, which is quite remarkable when you consider the original Mini, built by BMC, BMH, British Leyland and then The Rover Group, went out of production in the year 2000.
Mini’s, in the old days, were badged as either Austin or Morris cars with the Mini name being used to define the model.
When BMW sold off the various parts of the Rover Group, it kept the rights to the name of Mini. Later, when BMW launched its version of the car, the name Mini became the actual brand of the car.
The Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper version and it drives very well. The steering is light and positive, providing good feedback to the driver.
The suspension is tight enough to keep you informed of the road passing beneath the car, but soft enough to provide a comfortable ride. Visibility is good too with good all–round vision.
Of course, you have that well respected BMW engineering in this car, which is more that can be said for the classic Mini. The build quality of those old cars was not that good and they used to fall to bits with rust quite quickly.
The original Mini Cooper was devised from collaboration between BMC and John Cooper and was really a road going version of the works Mini’s, as used for motorsport. Mini drivers enjoyed notable success in rally and other motorsport events, as the Mini was a successful racer on tarmac as well as loose surfaces.
The modern BMW version of the Mini Cooper, although a lot more refined then the classic Mini Cooper, still has a sporty feel to it and does give you that sense of being involved with driving the car.
These are used in motorsport too and are also successful. Some of the original Mini Cooper’s had designs painted on the roof, such as a Union Jack flag. This idea has been carried over to the new BMW Mini Cooper, as often you will see them with the painted flag on top.
Many Features Carried
Over From the Classic Mini
The BMW Mini, if you stand it next to what is now referred to as the classic Mini, is very much a bigger car. The size is deceptive and has much to do with the fact BMW retained so many of the looks of the original Mini.
When you look around the BMW Mini there are many features that take you back to the Mini’s of old. The large speedometer I the middle of the dash panel is very reminiscent of the classic Mini. The shape of the radiator grill is familiar and the shape of the lights, particularly the rear lights.
It’s clever how BMW have made this a hatchback car, whereas the original Mini saloon had a fixed back window and a separate boot lid.
Mind you, there was not a lot you could fit in an old Mini boot, as the space was too small. The new Mini, however, has quite a large luggage compartment and this makes the car a very practical vehicle to own.
BMW Mini as a Driving School Car
Mini’s make great driving school cars and you see them being used by driving instructors with what is called a top box on the roof. This is the driving school sign and which can be taken off when the driving instructor wants to use the car off duty and when they don’t want to let everyone know it is a car from a driving school.
The Mini can be fitted with dual controls of course, which are a necessity when taking people out for learner driver training. This will only consist of a brake and a clutch on the passenger side, as it is not allowed for the second set of foot pedals to include an accelerator pedal.
Learner drivers say they really get to enjoy driving the BMW Mini once they have had a few lessons.
Event for Families, The MINI
Makes a Great Choice of Car
As a second car, or as a vehicle for a single person, or for couples, the BMW Mini makes an ideal choice of car. It is manoeuvrable, economical and fun to drive, which make sit an ideal car for going into town.
Whilst it can be agreed it will never be the car you take for a fortnight’s holiday with the kids, it can still be a comfortable ride over long distance.
So what is it about the Mini that makes it so popular? Well, It is also a good looking car, it is versatile, user friendly and the type of car that anyone will be glad to see parked on their drive. |
