In 1990 the Rover Group intervened on the Mini, mainly for safety and pollution reasons. The body was reinforced, while the engine, now 1275 cm³, adopted single point electronic fuel injection and the catalytic converter. The power was 50 hp. The only version available on the Italian market was the Mayfair (with closed bodywork or equipped with an Open Classic canvas sunroof). The grille returned to be chrome.

In 1991 the Cooper version was reintroduced (recognizable by the white or black roof, the 12-inch "Minilite" rims and the adhesive strips on the bonnet), with 1275 cm³ carburetor engine (MK5) until 1992 and then with singlepoint injection "spi" (MK6) always with 63 HP and catalyzed. In recent years, a heated single-brand speed championship on the track reserved for Cooper was born. There are competitions that still, in most parts of the world, see the Mini as protagonists. In 1993 the Mini Cabriolet also arrived, with a Cooper engine, enriched fittings (the dashboard was in wood) and showy aerodynamic appendages.