The magic of MINI

Is there a more evocative British car maker than MINI? Since its birth in 1959, the MINI brand has wowed fans with innovative models that look superb, and more importantly are really great to drive.

In recent years, under the stewardship of BMW, the MINI the range has expanded at pace, with this year’s all-new MINI 5-door hatchback deservedly being crowned Auto Express Car of the Year 2014.

Here we pay tribute to a great British success story with a series of features and tests that show exactly what’s at the root of MINI’s enduring popularity.

• Win a MINI for a year

From frugal diesel runabouts to thrilling hot hatches, and comfortable family ferriers to all-conquering rally stars, these days there’s a MINI for everyone. Some may mourn the passing of the classic Mini’s back-to-basics approach but MINI has taken that heritage and transformed itself into a thriving modern car brand that still builds cars right here in Britain.  

So join us as we celebrate The Magic of MINI. Scroll down the page for a full index of all of special MINI content…

The Magic of MINI: special feature

• The future of MINI: head man Jochen Goller reveals all• Classic Mini vs modern MINI: which is the better car?• How many MINIs? The MINI range reviewed• Eight design innovations that made the MINI• MINI John Cooper Works: the hottest MINIs arround• MINI's greatest concept cars• Paddy Hopkirk and the Mini that won the Monte Carlo Rally• Can the new MINI 5-door really be used as a family car?• MINI Countryman ALL4 Racing Dakar Rally ride review• MINI UK factory: how we make the MINI• MINI adverts: the campaigns that built the brand• Win a MINI for a year

The future of MINI: head man Jochen Goller reveals all

Auto Express met with MINI boss Jochen Goller to discuss all things MINI past, present and future.

Classic Mini vs modern MINI: which is the better car?

Our clash of the generations sees the modern MINI meet the car that kicked off the phenomenon in the sixties – the legendary original Mini.

How many MINIs? The MINI range reviewed

Know your Clubman from your Paceman? Navigating today's 7-model MINI line-up isn't easy but here's everything you need to make your pick.

MINI's greatest concept cars

MINI design director Anders Warming tells us the stories behind some of MINI’s top concept cars

Eight design innovations that made the MINI

MINI has long led the way in Great British design. These are the ideas that brought the Mini and the MINI to life.

John Cooper Works MINI: a history of the hottest MINIs around

MINI and Cooper have been linked since the 60s and the John Cooper Works badge is still reserved for the ultimate versions

Can the new MINI 5-door really be used as a family car?

Two families, two weeks: how will the new MINI 5-door fare in our practicality test?

Paddy Hopkirk and the Mini that won the Monte Carlo Rally

We meet Paddy Hopkirk on the 50th anniversary of his 1964 Monte Carlo rally victory, which launched the Mini legend.

MINI Countryman ALL4 Racing Dakar Rally ride review

We hit the dunes in amazing MINI Countryman that won legendary Dakar Rally.

MINI UK factory: how we make the MINI

We visit the MINI factory to see how young apprentices are learning the ropes from established hands to secure brand's future.

MINI adverts: the campaigns that built the brand

Memorable, innovative, heart-warming and funny, we review MINI’s best ad campaigns down the years.

Have you ever owned a Mini or a MINI? Tell us what you think of the brand in the comments section below...