Welcome, esteemed automotive aficionados, to an exhilarating expedition into the world of turning circles. Yes, epitome of British charm – the MINI MINI. Why, you might ask, is this seemingly mundane measurement of a circle's diameter so significant? Because turning circle dictates whether you'll execute a tight U-turn with the grace of a ballerina or the finesse of a three-legged hippo.
Mini MINI - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?
Over the years, the dainty MINI MINI has twirled through generations, starting from the ambiguous roundabout manoeuvres in the early R50/R53/R52 models (where the data apparently entered a black hole), to the beautifully precise 10.70m pirouettes of the R56 and its facelifted cousins. Then, along came the fabled F55/F56/F57 which saw the circle expand ever so slightly to 10.80m – because all good things come with a bit of growth, don’t they? However, in a thrilling twist worthy of a detective novel, the latest F55/F56/F57 (2. Facelift) models, alongside the dapper J01, script a triumphant return to 10.70m, a move likely to evoke cheers from parking enthusiasts and city dwellers everywhere.
Mini MINI generationsGeneration year | Turning circle |
---|
MINI, Model year 2001 (R50/R53/R52) | 0 m |
MINI, Model year 2006 (MINI R56/R57) | 10 m |
MINI, Model year 2010 (MINI R56/R57/R58/R59 (1. Facelift)) | 10 m |
MINI, Model year 2014 (F55/F56/F57) | 10 m |
MINI, Model year 2018 (MINI F55/F56/F57 (1. Facelift)) | 10 m |
MINI, Model year 2021 (MINI F55/F56/F57 (2. Facelift)) | 10 m |
MINI, Model year 2024 (MINI J01/F65/F66/F67) | 11 m |
-
MINI, Model year 2001 (R50/R53/R52)
0 m
-
MINI, Model year 2006 (MINI R56/R57)
10 m
-
MINI, Model year 2010 ) (MINI R56/R57/R58/R59 (1. Facelift)
10 m
-
MINI, Model year 2014 (F55/F56/F57)
10 m
-
MINI, Model year 2018 ) (MINI F55/F56/F57 (1. Facelift)
10 m
-
MINI, Model year 2021 ) (MINI F55/F56/F57 (2. Facelift)
10 m
-
MINI, Model year 2024 (MINI J01/F65/F66/F67)
11 m
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (R50/R53/R52) from 2001 and last generation (MINI J01/F65/F66/F67) from 2024 is 11 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of MINI is 11 m.
Variants
Turning circle: Mini MINI variantsVariant name | Turning circle |
---|
Cooper John Cooper Works Electric 3{door} | 10 m |
Cooper 3{door} | 11 m |
Cooper 5{door} | 11 m |
Cooper Cabrio | 11 m |
Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio | 11 m |
The turning circle compared to other Mini models
In the illustrious lineup of its brethren, the MINI MINI's twirling talent is notable. Against odds and perhaps logic, it muddles along with the MINI Electric 3-door at a shared 10.70m, a figure that could be inscribed in the vehicular hall of fame. Standing next to the 3-door, Cabrio, and the rest of the gang, the difference is non-existent, they're all as adept at curving as the other. But bring in the MINI 5-door or the goliaths like the Countryman and Clubman, and our dear MINI can pirouette around them with ease – smaller can indeed be nimbler.
Turning circle: MINI vs. other models by MiniVariant name | Turning circle |
---|
Cooper John Cooper Works Electric 3{door} | 10 m |
Cooper Electric 3{door} | 10 m |
Countryman | 11 m |
Countryman Electric | 11 m |
Countryman John Cooper Works | 11 m |
Aceman | 11 m |
Aceman John Cooper Works | 11 m |
Cooper 3{door} | 11 m |
Cooper 5{door} | 11 m |
Cooper Cabrio | 11 m |
Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio | 11 m |
Cooper John Cooper Works 3{door} | 11 m |
-
Cooper John Cooper Works Electric 3{door}
10 m
-
Cooper Electric 3{door}
10 m
-
Countryman
11 m
-
Countryman Electric
11 m
-
Countryman John Cooper Works
11 m
-
Aceman
11 m
-
Aceman John Cooper Works
11 m
-
Cooper 3{door}
11 m
-
Cooper 5{door}
11 m
-
Cooper Cabrio
11 m
-
Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio
11 m
-
Cooper John Cooper Works 3{door}
11 m
How does the turning circle of the Mini MINI compare to it's nearest competitors?
Now, if we cast our eyes beyond the in-house competition, the plot thickens. Our MINI MINI rubs shoulders with the diminutive smart roadster, sharing an identical 10.70m turning circle. However, it certainly finds more room than the stout Daihatsu YRV. Nevertheless, it can't compete with the likes of the Volvo 940/960 and the Ferrari 400 GT, which require more space than an angry rhinoceros in a china shop. But let's be honest, who needs a limousine's turning circle when parking is not a gala but a weekly grocery run? So, with its cheeky proportions and sprightly wheelbase, the MINI continues to endear drivers who wish to dart through urban mazes with the dexterity of a swift.
Turning circle: Mini MINI vs. similar carsCar model | Turning circle |
---|
Estrima Birò 2022 | 5 m |
ARI Motors 452/802 2019 | 6 m |
ARI Motors Soleno 2024 | 7 m |
ARI Motors 902 2023 | 7 m |
Silence S04 Nanocar 2024 | 7 m |
Fiat Topolino 2023 | 7 m |
Citroen Ami 2024 | 7 m |
ARI Motors Bruni 2024 | 8 m |
Aixam Ambition 2023 | 8 m |
Aixam Minauto 2023 | 8 m |
Daewoo Nexia 1995 | 9 m |
Ligier Myli 2023 | 9 m |
Aixam Mega 2024 | 9 m |
Hyundai i30 2024 | 10 m |
Skoda Scala 2024 | 10 m |
Mazda 2 Hybrid 2024 | 10 m |
Alpine A290 2024 | 10 m |
BYD Dolphin 2023 | 10 m |
VW ID.3 2023 | 10 m |
Peugeot 508 2023 | 10 m |
KGM Actyon 2025 | 10 m |
MINI MINI 2024 | 11 m |
GWM ORA 03 2024 | 11 m |
Renault Arkana 2023 | 11 m |
Renault Austral 2025 | 11 m |
Subaru Crosstrek 2024 | 11 m |
BMW 2er-Reihe Active/Gran Tourer 2022 | 11 m |
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