At the beginning of this year, the models at the heart of the Mini range received a fairly extensive facelift for Mini terms. In the meantime we have had time to get used to the result, if that is possible at all.
The Mini of the F56 generation appeared in 2013 and was joined not only by a convertible, but also a five-door variant for the first time. Changing (pedestrian) safety requirements and the need to keep innovating gave this third interpretation of the time-honored Mini concept some enemies from the start, although most bystanders are now used to the somewhat higher front with the grille protruding far forward.
In 2018, this model family was examined for the first time and redesigned headlamps and the typical ‘Union Jack’ rear light units appeared. However, this car is the starting point for today, because a really serious facelift only followed this year.
In January, on the advice of the marketing department, Mini announced a Mini with a new front. The round headlights had to remain natural and so Mini can only tinker with the rest of the facade. The front bumper has been tightened on all versions and there is more room for straight lines and sharp corners in the otherwise rounded design.
The most eye-catching element, however, is the grille, which, thanks to a mustache-like element, now apparently only ends at the bottom of the front bumper. However, only the sportier petrol versions actually receive a fencing of this size, because with the regular Cooper (S) variants, a panel in body color is still placed within the striking frame.
This also applies to the electric Mini Cooper SE. That the car at all participates in this renewal round is striking, because the Mini only existed for roughly a year at the time of the facelift. Collectors might therefore be better off buying an original electric Mini, because that model will always remain a rarity.