Rollplay 22412 Mini Cooper S Roadster E-Cars, Red, L1050 x W590 x H 542 mm

Product Information

Both the interior and exterior components resemble the original vehicle, with a clear windshield, comprehensive dashboard and foldable mirrors.

If you are in search of a mini cooper that is classy, comfortable, and affordable, this is your best shot. It seems realistic with seatbelts, LED lights, headlights, mirrors, radio, mp3, etc. It’s way too early for prices, but it’s safe to assume that they will all start with a three. Between that, the final infotainment system, the range and the ride, there are still quite a few unknowns about the Cooper E. At the same time, there’s little evidence to suggest that any of those things is likely to be problematic, and I’ve been impressed so far with the style, character and driving experience. If the Mini Electric floated the idea of a hot hatch EV, this new one has a good shot at making it real. While I’m speculating, it’s impossible to say anything conclusive about range yet, but the Mini Electric is very efficient in the real world, so there’s a good chance that this quality has been carried over. In any case, you will be buying the Cooper SE for the longer range rather than the extra performance.

As before, the potential for personalisation is good, but Mini’s rivals have long since cottoned on to this concept.

Both a Renault Clio RS 200 Turbo and an Abarth 595 Competizione are, according to our figures, more than half a second slower to 60mph. The move from a 1.6 to a 2.0-litre engine has done this car a power of good. Accelerator response is cleaner at low revs and mid-range torque is much stronger, as evidenced by a fourth-gear 30-70mph showing of just 8.0sec – faster than a Vauxhall Astra VXR and, incredibly, the 6.2-litre Chevrolet Camaro. It’s roomier, too. There’s greater shoulder room, better underthigh support from the seats and more kneeroom in a wider driver’s footwell. There’s a bit of pedal offset – annoying in a brand new car – but overall you feel much more comfortable here than in any previous Mini. Of course, its short range is a big handicap, and newer cars like the Fiat 500, MG 4 and Cupra Born have since eclipsed it as our favourite affordable driver’s EVs, but the Electric still serves as strong proof of concept for the battery-powered hot hatch, and it has been a bit of a commercial success for Mini, making up a fifth of all the brand’s sales these days. Despite the new platform, the Cooper E is about the same size as the Electric. It’s slightly wider and has a longer wheelbase, but it’s a tad shorter, too, with less of a rear overhang. It also retains the multi-link rear axle that’s very unusual for a car this small.

In terms of running costs, there’s little to choose between any of them. Mini quotes 49.6mpg combined for the Cooper S (we managed 53.7mpg on a cruise and 34.9mpg overall). Considered alongside its 133g/km CO2 emissions, that might make it the class leader, but the difference is so slender that it’s unlikely to sway would-be buyers one way or the other. There is now the option of adaptive dampers. Dynamic Damper Control electronically adjusts rebound and compression damping, affording the Cooper S both Comfort and Sport settings. With no buttons and the gear selector relocated to a toggle under the screen, the centre console is left free for storage, while the dashboard’s round air vents have been ditched in favour of slimmer items, but some character has been added in with colourful woven materials on some trims. This fun push along car is styled with classic Mini bonnet stripes and the instantly recognisable headlamp design of the iconic car. It even features a Mini licence plate to give this cute ride on a distinctive finishing touch.