Twenty-four years ago, the MINI Cooper S was reborn in Japan

On October 24, 2001, the MINI Cooper S made its grand comeback, merging British legend with modern performance.

BMW chose the Tokyo Motor Show to unveil the new MINI Cooper S, symbolizing the renaissance of this British icon. While the modern MINI had already been introduced a year earlier in Paris with the One and Cooper models, the Cooper S embodied the pinnacle of this new generation, combining historic design with sporty engine performance.

The original MINI, created in 1959 by Alec Issigonis, quickly established itself as a cult model. Compact, maneuverable, and economical, it captivated the general public and made a name for itself in rally racing, notably at the Monte Carlo Rally, where the original Cooper S achieved several memorable victories in the 1960s. These sporting exploits and its unique style helped forge the legend of the MINI, symbolizing efficiency and charm.

The 2001 Cooper S inherited these iconic codes: a compact size, low stance, lively handling, and a bold personality. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 163 hp offered performance worthy of a sportscar, while the modernized interior exhibited a perceived quality unseen in a premium city car. BMW successfully modernized a myth without betraying it.

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Today, 24 years later, the Cooper S remains a symbol of MINI’s renaissance, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new generations. The brand has since expanded to include SUVs, convertibles, and electric models, but the spirit of 2001 remains intact: a small car with a unique style, full of character and charm.

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