MINI customers face an important decision when considering purchasing a new Cooper.
The next-generation model of the brand's classic hatchback could be sourced from the UK or built in China.
The latter is far from a bargain choice; it's a high-end, expensive option.
That's because the electric Mini is produced in China through a joint venture with Great Wall Motors, while the petrol version is built at Mini's traditional factory in Oxford, England.
The brand's designers worked hard to make both vehicles look and feel like modern Minis.
It's hard to tell them apart from a distance, but the two cars share the same headlights, taillights and basic shape, with the electric version being a few centimeters longer.
It looks sharp to our eyes, with a taut surface and a small, cute design.
Both vehicles share an interior that is a triumph of modern design.
A tribute to the classic Mini Cooper, the space was shaped by the spirit of “attractive simplicity”, removing any clutter from the interior and placing just a few beautifully finished elements.
The highlight is the elaborate circular screen in the center of the dashboard.
Clean looks, fast response, and a level of customization never seen before make it a real asset to your car. Pre-set themes with soft ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit your mood, or replace the standard graphics with your favorite photos and watch the colors flow across the dashboard, which is adorned with textured fabric.
There's also an “augmented reality” navigation system that shows a live view of the road ahead, and a selfie “camera” that records photos and video of your road trip, but only when the car is parked.
A neat head-up display puts the speedometer and other information in front of the driver.
The Mini's surprisingly spacious front (though cramped in the back) and beautifully finished interior is truly special.
It may be the most impressive interior you can find in a car for under $100,000.
The five toggles at the bottom of the screen include a key-shaped switch that starts the car.
What happens next is your choice.
The standard Cooper starts at around $47,000 and is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 6.0 litres/100 km, 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque, accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Starting at around $55,000, the sporty Mini Cooper S model features a powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 150kW and 300Nm, accelerating to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Cars with combustion engines drive the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
All models come with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Several optional equipment packs streamline the long list of extras from previous models while adding features like a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon stereo, and heated seats.
Those ready to make the switch to battery power can opt for the Cooper E, which costs around $60,000 and combines a 135kW motor with a 41kWh battery for a claimed 305km range.
Those looking for more power can upgrade to the Mini Cooper SE, which has a more powerful 160kW motor and a larger 54kWh battery, for around $65,000.
Performance is broadly similar to the petrol version, with the electric Cooper accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, while the high-speed version accelerates in 6.7 seconds.
They drive the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.
The electric Cooper can be charged from 0 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in around 30 minutes, and MINI believes the vehicle is likely to be used as an urban transport option.
Used as a second vehicle in a family with multiple vehicles.
The driving experience is exactly what you’d expect from an electric Mini. The quick steering and firm suspension give the car a genuine agility that makes it fun to hustle around town, but it comes at the expense of refined driving on rough roads. The urgency of the throttle inputs is worthy of the Cooper S badge, and there’s also a fun, synthesized soundtrack that amplifies the Mini’s “go-kart” nature.
Many people will choose the electric model.
However, passionate drivers might prefer the petrol Cooper S.
It's lighter, sharper, and feels closer to the original Mini, with less inertia on the dulled wheel and pedal input.
verdict
Fun to drive and designed with love, the latest Mini achieves that goal well.
four stars
Mini Cooper SE
price Driving costs of about $65,000
motor Electric, 160kW and 330Nm
Warranty/Service 5yrs/u'ltd km, $1200 for 4 years
safety Seven airbags, automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert
range 402km
cargo 210 liters
extra Repair tools
