Mini (R55, R56, R57)

Mini (R55/R56/R57). 2006 to date (prod. unknown). 3-door saloon, 5-door estate, 2-door convertible. F/F, 1397, 1598 cm³ petrol, 1560, 1995 cm³ diesel (4 cyl. DOHC). Second generation of BMW-developed Mini, with cheeky looks retained but an all-new car. Slightly larger: 60 mm longer than predecessor. R55 denotes Clubman—long-wheelbase estate version, with rear door on right-hand side of car and barn doors at rear; R56 is standard three-door; R57 the convertible. Wonderfully balanced though base models need to be worked hard for performance; John Cooper Works delivers 211 PS and one of the best front-drive cars of the time. Still a fashion item, but BMW knew it was on to a good thing. Larger diesel from 2011.

Manufacturing location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England

Marque: Mini | Predecessor: Mini (R50, R52, R53)

q.v. Mini Coupé

Off-site links

• Lucire test of Mini John Cooper Works
• Lucire test of Mini Cooper S Clubman
• Lucire: ‘Mini E christens power-point for electric cars in Berlin’
• Lucire: ‘Mini reveals new cabriolet’
• Lucire test of Mini Cooper D