Revisiting the R50’s Debut: How the Press Fell for the New MINI

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It’s hard to believe, but the R50 MINI made its grand entrance at the 2000 Paris Motor Show nearly 20 years ago. Enthusiasts were smitten from the start, but what did the motoring press think back then? Let’s rewind to the initial reviews and see how journalists reacted to BMW’s bold reinterpretation of the classic MINI.

When the covers came off, excitement wasn’t in short supply. The buzz around the concept had already primed the public, but seeing the production car in the flesh took things to another level. And while fans flocked to MINI showrooms, the real turning point came when the automotive press took the R50 for a spin.

Spoiler alert – they loved it. The blend of retro charm, go-kart handling, and BMW engineering wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it reset expectations for small cars. Today, three generations later, that original R50 still holds a special place in MINI lore – and for good reason.

We particularly enjoy a young Richard Hammond gushing over the then all new MINI.

Then there’s the Detroit Motor Show debut where everyone asked the question – will the MINI sell in America?

Here we see a young Frank Stephenson talking about what turned out to be his most iconic design.

And then there’s the old Top Gear and everyone’s favorite Tiff testing the R50.

And now for fun, more Richard Hammond.

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