Want the new Mini Countryman? It has sold out until the New Year.

It was the right car at the right time. And not just once but twice writes Peter Carroll.

Few vehicles have enjoyed such massive popularity as the Mini – and then gone on to replicate that success years later.

The original of 1959 was simply a global phenomenon and is rightly hailed as one of the most important cars Britain has ever produced.

Its cheeky looks and go-kart roadholding earned it a legion of fans and more than 5.3 million were made before production ceased in 2000.

Then the second generation Mini arrived in 2001, courtesy of BMW, and became an overnight sensation.

Though it was bigger and chunkier this time round, motorists loved its retro looks. The fact that it was still fun to drive was the icing on the cake.

The new car was no longer cheap, however. Nor was it a people’s car – because BMW’s bosses wanted its appeal to be more ’boutique’ than ‘corner shop’.

The strategy paid off and there was no shortage of customers for the trendy new model, even if it was considerably more expensive than similarly-sized superminis.

With full order books for its Oxford plant, the brand made hay during the noughties while less stylish rivals floundered.

The new Mini has had a major effect on the economy of both the Midlands and the country as a whole.

The firm employs more than 7,000 people in its ‘Mini Production Triangle’ comprising Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall, near Birmingham.

BMW Group has invested some £480 million at these three plants and Mini output accounts for one per cent of British gross domestic product.

Some 1.5 million cars have been produced at Oxford since 2001 and Minis are exported to no fewer than 80 countries.

The standard Hatch has been given a facelift for 2011 – but the automotive landscape has now changed.

Mini no longer has the field to itself when it comes to putting on the style and it faces the strongest challenge yet from rival producers.

Here’s a round-up of the challengers Mini has to see off if it is to retain its place as Britain’s top boutique car.

Click on the numbers below to see the Mini’s competitors