After 50 years, MINI now officially in RP

The original Mini was produced from 1959 until 2000, one of the longest running production timelines in automotive history. The all-new MINI has retained much of its design influences like the space-saving front-wheel-drive and transverse engine layout that allowed 80 percent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage. Thanks to its very short overhang on all four wheels, it was also designed to give a go-kart like feel and has also influenced a new generation of car-makers.

Considered by many experts as the British answer to Germany's Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini was voted as the second most influential car of the 20th century (just behind the Ford Model T) as rated by the influential Global Automotive Elections Foundation in 1999.

When production of the classic Mini ceased in 2000, BMW (the current owners of MINI) announced the successor to the Mini and the brand name for the new car is MINI, written in capital letters. With it the car enjoyed a larger size with increased overall length by 22 inches and 12 inch width and increased weight by 882lbs.

On April 3rd, 2007, the one millionth MINI rolled out of the Oxford Plant after six years of production, just one month longer than it took the classic Mini to reach the same total in March 1965.

Issigonis' friend John Cooper, was a designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars and the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, as a nimble, economical performance car. The Mini Cooper and Cooper "S" were Mini's sportier versions that became successful as rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967. The Mini also became a pop icon and has appeared in several blockbuster movies like The Italian Job, Bourne Identity and Lara Croft-Tomb Raider as well as popular TV series like Mr. Bean.

Last weekend, over 100 MINI enthusiasts and members of the press were invited to test drive the MINI at Clark Speedway in Pampanga. Professional driving instructors led by Klaus Heimerl, head trainer of the BMW Group to conduct driving exercises together with Filipino race driver George Ramirez.

"This is a very effective way of getting Philippine motoring enthusiasts into the MINI spirit and fun driving ahead of the official launch in the market," said Preecha Ninatkiattikul, MINI Manager, Asia. "Judging from the feedback we are getting from the customers, we expect MINI to receive a warm welcome when MINI Global City officially opens its doors in mid-January 2010."

Mike Cua, VP of British United Automobiles, the official importer of MINI was happy to emphasize the coincidental celebration of MINI's 50th anniversary with its official presence in the country.

The following range of MINI is available in the Philippines--MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Clubman and MINI Cabriolet.

We will have more driving impressions and reviews about specific models in future issues.