Official: The Final R56 Hardtop Hatch Rolls off the Line at MINI Plant Oxford
- Over 1 million current MINI Hatch models built at Plant Oxford between 2006 – 2013
- 1,863,289 total MINI Hatch built since 2001
- 14% of all cars built in the UK last year were MINIs, and 14% exported were MINIs
- The new MINI Hatch production starts, with UK launch in Spring 2014
Having put a smile on over a million drivers’ faces across the globe, the last of the outgoing MINI Hatch drove off the production line at Plant Oxford today.
With production of the new MINI Hatch underway, associates at the brand’s historic Oxfordshire home took a moment to recognise their achievements in building a car which has formed the backbone of MINI’s burgeoning global growth.
1,041,412 of the outgoing MINI Hatch model have been produced at the high-tech facility, which has built more than 2.4 million MINI vehicles since 2001. 14% of all cars built in the UK last year were MINIs, and MINIs accounted for 14% of all UK vehicle exports in 2012.
When launched in 2006, the outgoing MINI Hatch saw the introduction of turbo charged engines and suspension enhancements which cemented MINI’s reputation for enthralling driving dynamics. With the introduction of MINIMALISM technologies, customers also benefited from improved fuel economy and performance in equal measure. MINI Connected appeared for the first time, setting the standard in the segment for infotainment and connectivity. This model also furthered MINI’s exciting and unique programme of customisation and personalisation, from bespoke roof designs to interior colour worlds, which has become synonymous with the MINI brand.
The New MINI Hatch is set to receive its UK launch in Spring 2014. Distinctly familiar, yet completely fresh from the ground up and enhanced in every single way, the new MINI Hatch features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and – of course – personalisation.
Source: MINI
<p>THANKS to all you folks who built my MINIs! I have never enjoyed a car so much. I have a hard time imagining driving any other car. Take care, and keep on building these great cars with your skill and conscientiousness!</p>
<p>Yup–I love my MINI, too!
How ironic that the last one is Chili Red (like mine), when they’re not going to offer the F56 in CR.</p>
<p>They will but only with the JCW exterior kit.</p>
<p>True, but how many thousands will I have to pay to get Chili Red? Not gonna happen. I’ll buy a late 2013 before I do that. MINI, are you listening? You killed the most iconic color of this very iconic car!</p>
<p>Interesting move that chili red is JCW exterior kit exclusive (guess it will be part of factory JCW offering as well?) and thunder grey is now available outside of GP. I wonder what 3rd gen GP color will be.</p>
<p>Yes it’ll be also available on the full JCW in 2015.</p>
<p>Aww. Long live R56! (And all MINI and Mini!)</p>
<p>And I just learned the terminology MINIMALISM today. :)</p>
<p>The British configurator is now up for the new hatch to give us a better look at the details of the interior and exterior options. The German site should also be live. The German site also has an interactive tablet version of the hatch’s brochure, Its in German but the photos are great.</p>
<p>Out of 5 MINIs owned since 2002, 3 have been 1st gen hatchbacks. Proud to have been part of the 1,863,289 hardtop hatches built since ’01.</p>
<p>Glad to have gotten one of the last ones of these… might be remembered as the last good-looking, small-ish, and un-porked-up MINIs in a generation.</p>