The first generation of the modern MINI was identified as the ‘R50’ series, comprising of three main models – the Cooper, Cooper S and Cabrio. Each model was given an individual designation, being R50, R53 and R52 respectively.
Cooper (R50)
Arriving first, the Cooper led the introduction of MINI into Australia from March 2, 2002.
Cabrio (R52)
The Cabrio was last to join the range, arriving in Australia in 2005 as both Cooper and Cooper S.
Australian tacho
Unique to the Australian market was the placement of the tachometer (rev-counter) in the centre of the dashboard. The speedometer was instead placed behind the steering wheel.
For cars fitted with optional navigation or chrono gauge pack, both gauges were placed behind the steering wheel as per other markets.
Cooper (R50)
Production of the Cooper began in Oxford, England during 2001. The first cars for the Australian market were manufactured at the end of the year, with the earliest examples arriving in the country in time for the official launch of MINI on March 2, 2002.
The Cooper was powered by a 1.6-litre, inline 4-cylinder engine. This was partnered with a five-speed manual transmission delivering power to the front wheels. A CVT automatic transmission was available as an option.
Equipment
The standard equipment level of Australian cars was generally higher than that of the home market, including alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, CD player, head airbags, air conditioning and silver interior surfaces (most of which were optional in the UK).
More than 20 items were available on the optional equipment list, including an electric glass sunroof, front foglights, Xenon headlights, different alloy wheels, different leather interior trims, and Automatic or Dynamic Stability Control systems (ASC+T or DSC III).
Mid-life update
September 2004 saw the most significant update for the R50 generation arrive (having entered production from July). The update was a facelift for the 2005 model year (MY05).
Revised bumpers were introduced, and the front grill changed from four to three horizontal bars. At the rear, reverse lights were incorporated into the taillights, while the rear fog light was relocated to the lower bumper.
For the interior, the dash facia become three pieces instead of five. Additional storage areas were added in the centre, and a four-gauge ‘Cockpit Chrono Package’ and three-spoke steering wheel were available as options.
Under the bonnet, a new five-speed Getrag gearbox with revised ratios was supplied for manual cars.
A high-feature MINI Cooper Chilli model joined the range, providing items such as 16 inch ‘5-Star’ alloy wheels, chrome line exterior, cloth/leather sports seats, and the new three-spoke steering wheel with multi-function as standard.
A Different R50
In the UK home market, the R50 designation also included the base model MINI One. The MINI One was never sold new in Australia.
Cooper S (R53)
Production of the Cooper S began in Oxford, England in February 2002. Dealer cars for the Australian market entered production within the first month. These were followed by a series of 75 pre-specified Electric Blue cars built in April and May, which were delivered to customers from June. The first customer-specified cars began production in early June.
Power came from the same 1.6-litre, inline 4-cylinder engine as the Cooper, but fitted with a supercharger and six-speed manual transmission.
The Cooper S could clearly be identified with a bonnet scope, body-colour grille, different bumpers and side skirts, and twin centre-exit exhaust tips.
Equipment
Standard equipment for the Cooper S included alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, CD player, head airbags, air conditioning and Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T). Alloy patina interior surfaces were used instead of the silver on the Cooper.
The optional equipment list was for the most part shared with the Cooper, though with alternative options for interior trim.
Mid-life update
The Cooper S was subject to the same mid-life update as the Cooper. The updated cars arrived in Australia from mid-September 2004.
At the front, the grill surround became flat with no indentation, while at the rear the reverse lights were incorporated into the taillights, with the rear fog light located in the lower bumper.
On the inside, the dash facia become three pieces instead of five. Additional storage areas were added in the centre, and a four-gauge ‘Cockpit Chrono Package’ and three-spoke steering wheel were available as options.
Under the bonnet, the engine received more power and gear ratios were revised.
Standard specifications were reduced to allow a lower entry price, such changing to all-cloth seats. At the other end, a top-of-the-range MINI Cooper S Chilli was introduced. The Chilli included 17-inch ‘S-spoke’ alloy wheels, new design Xenon headlights, cloth/leather upholstery, automatic climate control, harmon/kardon audio, and the new three-spoke steering wheel with multi-function.
2005 updates
From January 2005 production all manual transmission examples of the Cooper S came with a Limited Slip Differential as standard.
Also from early 2005, the Cooper S was available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Available settings include Sports (S), Comfort (D), or Steptronic sequential manual control using paddles on the steering wheel.
Cabrio (R52)
The MINI Cabrio arrived in Australia in January 2005, having commenced production in 2004.
The power-operated soft top could be folded away in 15 seconds, or alternatively partially opened for a sunroof. The roof colour could be optioned in black, green or blue.
Both Cooper and Cooper S models were available, using the same powertrains as the equivalent hardtop cars.
Equipment
MINI Cabrio models continued the trend of being well equipped from standard. In addition to equipment shared with hardtop models, all Australian Cabrios were fitted with Park Distance Control.
Optional equipment available included the four-gauge ‘Cockpit Chrono Package’, harman/kardon audio, chrome packages and an interior light package.
2005 updates
Consistent with the powertrain changes of the hardtop models, a Limited Slip Differential came as standard on manual Cooper S Cabrio examples from January 2005. The Cooper S Cabrio was also available with a six-speed automatic transmission from early 2005.
2007 updates
Hardtop models were replaced by the new R56 generation of MINI from 2007. Given its shorter model life to date, production of R52 Cabrio models continued, however paint colour options were changed to reflect those of the R56 model range.
Content on this page has been compiled with information available at the time of writing.
There is much more to share, and as more detailed documentation becomes available the content will be reviewed accordingly.