The Rover Company first showed the MINI as the ACV30 concept car in 1997. This looked very different from the final production MINI as it had circular headlamps, huge wheel flares and a much more rounded appearance overall compared to the eventual production design.

Having made such an impact with the MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S, BMW continued to expand the range with new variants adding the Cooper S Works, Cooper Diesel and MINI convertible.

In November 2006 the company refreshed some of the range with face-lifted Mk II models that included the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S powered by a new 1.6 litre engine co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The "old" MINI Convertible continued to be sold alongside the new hatchback range. The latest range also includes a nod to the past with the introduction of the MINI Clubman to the range.

The Mini One has found popularity among buyers who want a stylish and enjoyable but economical vehicle, while the Cooper and Cooper S versions make up the bulk of the sales, and are among the most popular hot hatchbacks on the British market.