Mini, the First Modern City Car

In 1959, the debut of the first Mini sparked a true technical revolution that would go on to inspire many other car manufacturers. Designed by the talented engineer Alec Issigonis, the car stood out for adopting front-wheel drive—still a rarity at the time—paired with a transverse engine layout. The result: in the Mini, the mechanical components occupy only 20% of the available space, to the great benefit of passengers and their luggage.

Thus, despite its minimal footprint (hence the name), with a total length of just 3.05 meters, the Mini offered surprisingly spacious accommodation for a car of its size. Its drivetrain and compact dimensions also delivered a driving experience previously unknown in a popular car; the Mini handled much like a go-kart. It cornered flat and its road manners won over many drivers—racing versions of the Cooper S even claimed victory at the Monte Carlo Rally three times, in 1964, 1965, and 1967!

But above all, the Mini was a city car, whose nimbleness made it perfect for navigating the already congested streets of European cities. After a hesitant commercial start, the model began winning over a wide customer base from the early 1960s onward, both in the UK and internationally.

BMW Revives the Mini

Five years earlier, the BMW Group had taken control of Rover, then the owner of the Mini brand. The Bavarian firm set out to design an entirely new Mini—one that would honor the identity and philosophy of the original, while adapting its features to meet the expectations of a modern, sophisticated clientele looking to combine style and driving pleasure in a car that was just as capable in city traffic as on the open road.

With a design that pays tribute to the classic Mini while remaining firmly contemporary, the new Mini was an instant commercial success. It quickly established itself as the benchmark city car in the premium segment. The model boasts a wide range of engines—including the high-performance John Cooper Works variants—and nearly endless customization options, making every Mini unique.

Over the four generations launched since 2001, the lineup has steadily expanded. The Mini Hatch has been joined over the years by the Clubman estate, the Countryman SUV, and a convertible version. Now produced both in the UK and in China, the Mini continues to thrive—and since 2024, it’s also available in a fully electric version!