Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

The magic of MINI

Our MINI special feature looks at the past, present and future of the famous MINI brand

The magic of MINI header

Is there a more evocative British car maker than MINI? Since its birth in 1959, the MINI brand has wowed fans with innovative models that look superb, and more importantly are really great to drive.

In recent years, under the stewardship of BMW, the MINI the range has expanded at pace, with this year’s all-new MINI 5-door hatchback deservedly being crowned Auto Express Car of the Year 2014.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Here we pay tribute to a great British success story with a series of features and tests that show exactly what’s at the root of MINI’s enduring popularity.

Win a MINI for a year

From frugal diesel runabouts to thrilling hot hatches, and comfortable family ferriers to all-conquering rally stars, these days there’s a MINI for everyone. Some may mourn the passing of the classic Mini’s back-to-basics approach but MINI has taken that heritage and transformed itself into a thriving modern car brand that still builds cars right here in Britain.  

So join us as we celebrate The Magic of MINI. Scroll down the page for a full index of all of special MINI content…

The Magic of MINI: special feature

• The future of MINI: head man Jochen Goller reveals all• Classic Mini vs modern MINI: which is the better car?• How many MINIs? The MINI range reviewed• Eight design innovations that made the MINI• MINI John Cooper Works: the hottest MINIs arround• MINI's greatest concept cars• Paddy Hopkirk and the Mini that won the Monte Carlo Rally• Can the new MINI 5-door really be used as a family car?• MINI Countryman ALL4 Racing Dakar Rally ride review• MINI UK factory: how we make the MINI• MINI adverts: the campaigns that built the brand• Win a MINI for a year

 

The Magic of MINI

The future of MINI: head man Jochen Goller reveals all

Jochen Goller and Steve Fowler

Auto Express met with MINI boss Jochen Goller to discuss all things MINI past, present and future.

Classic Mini vs modern MINI: which is the better car?

Our clash of the generations sees the modern MINI meet the car that kicked off the phenomenon in the sixties – the legendary original Mini.

How many MINIs? The MINI range reviewed

mini coopers

Know your Clubman from your Paceman? Navigating today's 7-model MINI line-up isn't easy but here's everything you need to make your pick.

MINI's greatest concept cars

MINI design director Anders Warming tells us the stories behind some of MINI’s top concept cars

Eight design innovations that made the MINI

MINI has long led the way in Great British design. These are the ideas that brought the Mini and the MINI to life.

John Cooper Works MINI: a history of the hottest MINIs around

MINI and Cooper have been linked since the 60s and the John Cooper Works badge is still reserved for the ultimate versions

Can the new MINI 5-door really be used as a family car?

Two families, two weeks: how will the new MINI 5-door fare in our practicality test?

Paddy Hopkirk and the Mini that won the Monte Carlo Rally

We meet Paddy Hopkirk on the 50th anniversary of his 1964 Monte Carlo rally victory, which launched the Mini legend.

MINI Countryman ALL4 Racing Dakar Rally ride review

We hit the dunes in amazing MINI Countryman that won legendary Dakar Rally.

MINI UK factory: how we make the MINI

 

We visit the MINI factory to see how young apprentices are learning the ropes from established hands to secure brand's future.

MINI adverts: the campaigns that built the brand

Memorable, innovative, heart-warming and funny, we review MINI’s best ad campaigns down the years.

Have you ever owned a Mini or a MINI? Tell us what you think of the brand in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
13 Jun 2025
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper - header

Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon

For 66 years, the Mini – now MINI – has wowed car buyers with its cute looks and engaging handling. We see how this British icon has evolved
Car group tests
19 Apr 2025
BMW pauses EV production plan for MINI Oxford plant: slow electric car sales blamed
MINI Plant Oxford - production line

BMW pauses EV production plan for MINI Oxford plant: slow electric car sales blamed

Plans to build the electric MINI hatch and Aceman in the UK are now on hold
News
24 Feb 2025
MINI and Rolls-Royce lined up for latest BMW electric car technology
MINI Cooper E Classic - front tracking

MINI and Rolls-Royce lined up for latest BMW electric car technology

BMW Neue Klasse tech looks set to roll out to the entire BMW Group, extending from the small car to luxury car segments
News
21 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI
VW Golf R Estate - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI

The Golf R Estate is one of the best performance estates around – and right now it’s criminally cheap. It’s our Deal of the Day for 9 June.
News
9 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025