CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Mini First

Mini First — 3-door hatchback2-door convertible, '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Mini First
Engine'''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D)
TransmissionCVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic

About the Mini First

Mini First is a 3-door hatchback2-door convertible in the hatchback class. The available vehicle data lists '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D) as an engine configuration, paired with CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Mini First guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D) and CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Mini First specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Mini
Model First
Model years Not specified
Body style 3-door hatchback2-door convertible
Vehicle class hatchback
Manufacturer Mini
Production April 2001 – August 2006 (R50/53)2004–2008 (R52)
Market / country GB

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Mini First includes '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D).. Transmission information includes CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic.

Engine '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D)
Transmission CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 97.1 in
Length 2000–04 Base: 142.8 in2005–06 Base: 143.1 inCooper S: 143.9 in
Width 66.5 in
Height 2001–04 Base: 55.9 in2001–04 S: 56.2 in2005–06 Base: 55.4 in2005–06 Cooper S: 55.8 inConvertible: 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Kerb / curb weight 2315 lb (Cooper)2591 lb (Cooper Convertible)2678 lb (Cooper S)2734 lb (Cooper S Convertible)

Mini First other specifications

Name First generation
Image 2003 Mini Cooper Automatic 1.6 Front.jpg
Caption Pre-facelift (2001–2004)
Alt A 2003 Mini Cooper with the 1.6L Tritec engine coupled to a automatic transmission for the European market
Sp uk
Model Code R50/53 (Hatch)R52 (Convertible)

Mini First generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
First generation April 2001 – August 2006 (R50/53)2004–2008 (R52) '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D) CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic Not specified

Mini First features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

alt = A 2003 Mini Cooper with the 1.6L Tritec engine coupled to a automatic transmission for the European market
Naturally aspirated Cooper hatchbacks receive the '''R50''' model code, while the supercharged Cooper S is called the '''R53'''
A race-prepared version, with rear-wheel drive, called the Mini Cooper S3, competed in the Belcar championship from 2002
The GP has more bolstered Recaro front seats but had no rear seats, which along with reduced sound-deadening, removal of the rear wash-wipe system, optional air-conditioning and radio, and other weight-reduction steps, resulted in a weight saving of around 40 kg compared to a Cooper S
Stability options were BMW's ASC traction control system and DSC electronic stability control, to improve control and handling in adverse conditions
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Mini First

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear
Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 32 PSI 30 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 34 PSI 33 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Mini First

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Mini First have?
The available source data lists the Mini First engine as '''Petrol:'''; 1.4 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One; Portugal and Greece); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' I4 (One, Cooper); 1.6 L Chrysler ''Tritec'' supercharged I4 (Cooper S); '''Diesel:'''; 1.4 L Toyota ''1ND-TV'' I4 Common rail (D). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Mini First?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Mini First?
There is no single best engine oil for every Mini First configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Mini First?
The Mini First is classified as a 3-door hatchback2-door convertible.
What are the dimensions of the Mini First?
The available source data lists length 2000–04 Base: 142.8 in2005–06 Base: 143.1 inCooper S: 143.9 in, width 66.5 in, height 2001–04 Base: 55.9 in2001–04 S: 56.2 in2005–06 Base: 55.4 in2005–06 Cooper S: 55.8 inConvertible: 55.5 in (1,410 mm), and wheelbase 97.1 in.
What transmission does the Mini First have?
The available source data lists CVT5/6-speed manual6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission options for the Mini First.
Who makes the Mini First?
The manufacturer listed for the Mini First is Mini.
When was the Mini First produced?
The available source data describes production as April 2001 – August 2006 (R50/53)2004–2008 (R52).
How much does the Mini First weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 2315 lb (Cooper)2591 lb (Cooper Convertible)2678 lb (Cooper S)2734 lb (Cooper S Convertible). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Mini First built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Cowley, Oxfordshire (Plant Oxford).
What class of car is the Mini First?
The Mini First is listed in the hatchback class.
Which markets or countries sold the Mini First?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Mini First with GB. Market availability and specifications can differ.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Mini First?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Mini First?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Mini First is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the Mini First have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.
Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Mini First?
Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.