Spot your MINI
[Published in BMWCAR March 2010]
With so many MINI’s now available on both the new and used market, knowing your model codes can help tell apart convertible from Clubman. Mark Griffiths explains how.
R50:
Commonly referred to as the ‘first generation’ MINI the R50 re-launched the brand back in 2001, initially with the Hatchback One and Cooper. Using a 1.6 litre Tritec engine sourced from Chrysler, the models were essentially marked apart by power output, with the One producing 90hp and the Cooper 115hp. From 2003-2006 a 1.4litre Toyota sourced diesel joined the range in the form of the MINI One D. The model was marked apart with a slightly deeper and squarer lower front bumper air intake.
In 2005 the R50 went through a range of revisions, so paying close attention can show if it’s a facelift model or not. Earlier cars featured textured chrome front grille surrounds, with the later cars opting for a smooth finish. The front bumper design on early cars appeared fussy with large chrome rubbing strips. These made way for a cleaner design in 2005, along with jewelled front headlights, a single chrome bar ran between the front fog lights to complete the updates.
R52:
Just in time for summer 2004, the convertible joined the range. Offering the same engine line up except the One D, the drop top proved a big seller, particularly in the UK. All models came with a fully electric hood operation that incorporated a clever sunroof function. Fixed rear roll over hoops added some design flair, but were one of the models major criticisms for obstructing rear visibility. The Convertible was launched in line with the hatchback facelift and offered two unique colours, ‘hot orange’ and ‘cool blue’.
R53:
The real performance MINI joined the range in 2002 in the shape of the supercharged Cooper S. Visually the car added some muscle to those iconic MINI lines, featuring a bonnet air intake, deeper front and rear bumper designs and a raft of ‘s’ badges. Inside the car was remarkably similar to lesser models, only standing apart with its ‘s’ badges and sweeter engine note. Two unique colours were offered, dark silver and electric blue. The R53 received the facelift in 2005 but kept the same front and rear bumpers, so look for the updated headlight graphics to tell later models apart.
R56:
In November 2006 the ‘second’ generation R56 went on sale. Replacing the R50 it is the current model and offers a range of new BMW developed engines that sit within an evolutionary body. The new engine line-up initially consisted of a 1.4litre MINI ONE and 1.6 petrol and diesel Cooper models. The range topping ‘s’ switched to turbo power in a bid to improve the engine efficiency and fuel consumption.
Park an R50 and R56 side by side and you can tell them apart thanks to the higher bonnet and waistline of the R56, thanks to EU pedestrian safety legislation. At the front the two-piece grille became a single- unit and the lower bumper indicators of the R50 were incorporated into the main headlight assembly. Inside the R56 uses a vastly upgraded cabin design with higher quality materials. To tell an R56 apart look for a larger central speedo that incorporates the radio display and a round key that uses a starter button next to the steering column.
R55:
Confusingly the R55 came after the R56. Using the same engine line up as its hatchback sister, the R55 Clubman is 240 mm longer with a correspondingly stretched wheelbase. The model also features unique twin ‘barn doors’ instead of a traditional pull-up hatch. Look out for the ‘club door’ on the right-hand side, which offers convenient access to the rear seats.
R57:
In March 2009 the ‘second generation’ R57 convertible joined the range. Visually it follows the design principles of the R56, with small improvements to its electric hood operation. The major improvement came in terms of the rear visibility. Using ‘active’ roll over hoops that sit in a lower position the new Convertible offers a 10% improvement on rearward visibility. Again two new colours are offered, these being ‘Interchange yellow’ and ‘Horizon blue’. Along with the standard black soft top, two alternatives are available in the form of ‘denim blue’ and ‘hot chocolate’.
R60:
The latest MINI to join the range is the R60 Countryman. The model is an altogether larger model based on a new platform that will see MINI’s being produced outside the UK for the first time. The R60 offers a traditional four door configuration and the option of an ‘ALL4’ all-wheel-drive system. It’s also the first MINI to offer a genuine three-seat rear bench with sliding individual seats. SUV styling touches include large wheel arches and a high stance, giving the Countryman the appearance of a beefed-up Mini.
R??
With so many MINI's now on offer, the real question is where the product goes next. All we know is it's taken us and owners long enough to get to grips with all the current codes and custom options. So please make it simple MINI. Moke anyone?
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