Mini Variant Buyers Guide

The boom in second generation MINIs gave clues as to how BMW planned to develop the brand; here’s more about these MINI variants and why they’re still worth a look

- Martin Collins

The second generation R56 MINI hatch, launched back at the end of 2006, was fully established in the eyes of MINI buyers with the arrival of the first generation R55 Clubman and Cooper D diesel hatch in 2007.

But MINI’s desire to offer more models based on the R56 didn’t stop there. First came the second generation Convertible in 2009, followed by what are sometimes described as the ‘Oxford Duo’ – 2011’s Coupe and 2012’s Roadster – and finally the R55 Clubman-based Clubvan in 2013.

Want to know more about these modern MINI variants? Read on, as we have brought together all the information you need to help with a buying decision.

MINI Convertible

Drop top MINI fans had to wait till 2009 for a convertible version of the second generation car. Still, the R57 was worth waiting for, with improvements made most importantly to how it drove, a smoother-looking folding roof to sharpen the look and even some extra boot space, totalling 170-litres with the roof up. The 122bhp Cooper, 184bhp Cooper S and the fastest 211bhp John Cooper Works (JCW) models were available at launch. The 98bhp One, 110bhp Cooper D and finally the 143bhp Cooper SD followed soon afterwards.

Around £3,500 is all you’ll need to bag the earliest, highest mileage second-generation Cooper. Believe it or not the entry-level One is harder to find and thus more expensive, with prices starting at around the £6,000 mark for a 2009 car. £5,800 is the opening price for the more powerful Cooper S and if you can find one, the fastest MINI Convertible (the JCW) will cost £7,500, again for a 2009 car.