When it comes to British icons, the Mini is up there with tea, the Queen and going out for a cheeky Nando’s.
It’s seemingly been around forever — or since 1959, which is basically the same thing. Since then, it’s grown from a humble little city runaround to a global brand of premium hatchbacks that deliver big on tech and driving fun.
It’s easy to see just how much the exterior of the British legend has changed over the last six decades — but what about inside? Well, thanks to insurance providers Budget Direct, we’ve got a handy look at its evolution…
1959-67
Rollback to 1959, and the launch of what would grow to become a British icon — the BMC Mini.
Using a dinky little 848cc engine, this car was designed as affordable transport for the masses, and that was easy to see in its interior design. It was about as back-to-basics as things could get. There’s a steering wheel, pedals, seats and a centrally mounted rev counter. Talk about luxury…
1967-70
For the ‘MkII’ Mini, creators BMC — marketing it under its Austin and Morris brands — gave the car a host of updates to modernise it, even if it looked largely the same outside.
Its cabin gained a more upmarket look, with coloured dashboard inserts thrown in for an extra bit of personality. This wasn’t an equipment revolution, but it certainly added a bit more funk to the Mini — along with a more sophisticated central instrument cluster.
1970-76
For its third generation, the Mini again looked pretty much the same as before — but a lot of new tech was introduced. These included roll up windows as standard across the range, larger rear side glass and the disappearance of exposed door hinges.
Its cabin didn’t receive such a generous overhaul, but did retain that classic Mini feel that the developing icon was becoming known for.
1984-90
By 1984, the Mini had long established itself as a legend — and was more refined and high-tech than ever before.Its cabin had at last received a modern overhaul by this point, too. Its instrument cluster had been moved directly in front of the driver for a more conventional layout, while a plastic moulded dashboard replaced previous wooden and metal materials. It received a modern three-spoke steering wheel, too.
1996-2000
In its last guise, just as BMW had taken over the rights to the Mini brand and prepared a new version of the car, the original classic Mini received one last swansong in terms of cabin improvements.
An even better and sporty-looking steering wheel with an airbag was packaged in, while air con vents placed on top of the dashboard aided in keeping the cabin cool. A CD player was available, too.
2001-06
For 2001, BMW had waved goodbye to the classic Mini and replaced it with a more modern, safer and larger supermini which took on retro styling cues.
It was much better inside, too. Spaciousness was at last a thing, while clear and cool-looking dials sat in front of the driver. A large circular display was used centrally for radio functions too — a nod to the old-school rev counter.
2006-13
The Mini was again improved for its second generation in 2006, growing in size a little bit and massively on style too.
Ergonomics of the cabin were changed to look even sleeker, while its dials and gauges were once again revised. The sole display in front of the driver was used as a rev counter, while the central circle unit became a speedometer.
2013-today
That brings us to today, and the third-generation ‘new’ Mini. It’s the most technically advanced and stylish yet — two traits reflected in its cabin.
Its central display now houses a state-of-the-art infotainment system, housing Bluetooth support and satellite navigation amongst other impressive features. Premium-feel materials are now found in abundance, with refinement and comfort at its best ever too.
