MINI Hatch Cooper Hatchback: black and silver
The Mini Hatch, stylised as MINI Hatch (or MINI Hardtop in the U.S.), also sold as Mini Cooper, Mini One, or simply called the (BMW) Mini, are a family of retro-styled two-door supermini hatchback and convertible; and (from 2014) a longer, subcompact 4/5-door hatchback.
They were introduced in early 2000 by German automaker BMW under the ‘Mini’ brand. The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008.
BMW unveiled their Mini hatch concept at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini marque was still part of the Rover Group, owned by BMW. The styling of the concept-car, intended to replace the original Mini, was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini (Hatch) was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini’s discontinuation that same year. It was the first model of what has grown to be a prolific Mini range.
Contrary to prior replacements, like the 1974 Innocenti Mini and the 1980 Austin Metro, which repackaged the Mini’s mechanicals in modernistically styled, slightly larger bodies, BMW’s 21st century Minis are the opposite: they have pronounced retro-styling, based on the British originals, but share no parts or technology with the former.
Though still considered very compact, the 2001 hatchback’s 3.63 m (143 in) length was 58 cm (22.8 in), or 19%, greater than the 3.05 m (10.0 ft) long 1959 Mini. Also, at 3.98 m (157 in), the 2022 five-door hatch stands 68 cm (26.8 in), or some 21%, longer than the original 3.30 m (130 in) Mini estate versions.
BMW’s Mini models are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, England, at Plant Oxford, and since July 2014 (3-door only), at VDL Nedcar (the former DAF/Volvo plant) in Born, Netherlands.
The Mini convertible is, since 2015, only assembled in the Netherlands.
