Images: Mini R50.I/R53.I Cooper (2002-04)
Released in March 2002, the Mini R50 Cooper and R53 Cooper S were small, three door hatchbacks. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive Cooper range consisted of naturally aspirated R50 Cooper and supercharged R53 Cooper S models. From September 2003, both the Cooper and Cooper S were available in John Cooper Works editions… Read full Mini R50 Cooper and R53 Cooper S review
Images: Mini R50.II/R53.II Cooper (2004-07)
Released in September 2004, the Mini R50/R53 Series II Cooper range introduced mechanical changes, a subtle facelift and revised equipment levels. For the standard R50.II Cooper, there was a new five-speed Getrag manual transmission, while the R53.II Cooper S was fitted with a new supercharger which operated at a higher speed (providing greater supercharging pressure), modified inlet and outlet ports, injectors with higher throughput and adapted engine management. For both Cooper and Cooper S models, gear ratios were also revised and, from 2005, the Cooper S was also available with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mini R50/R53 Series II Coopers could be identified by their new grilles with three horizontal chrome bars (previously four bars), clear-glass headlights and revised bumpers and tail lights.
