Car review: Eeny, Mini, almost mighty, Cooper E

SINGAPORE – The electric Mini Cooper, in either the E or SE variant, is the only three-door electric vehicle (EV) on sale here today. Fun, cheeky and nimble, it is an interesting alternative to the sea of EVs which tend to be sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that look like melted jellybeans.

If you are not ready to go electric, there is the Cooper S, which is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine.

The Cooper E looks pretty much like what you would expect a modern Mini to look – big round headlights in front, a roof that looks like a Tupperware lid, and wheels that are pushed right to the edge of the body.

This is the second generation three-door Mini EV. Unlike the first one, which was modified from the existing internal combustion-engine platform, the Cooper E was developed ground-up as an EV.

This means that it shares very little with the petrol-powered Cooper S. Every body surface on the EV seems to be different from the combustion-engine model, down to the door handles.

Instead of the metallic hoops of the Cooper S, the electric Mini’s handles are flat plastic flaps that sit flush to the doors. Even the rake of the front windscreen seems different, with the EV being less upright.

The electric Cooper is shorter than the combustion-engine model by 18mm. But it is wider by 12mm and its wheelbase is 31mm longer.

The additional width and longer wheelbase allow the electric Cooper to carry a larger battery, so it can go farther on a single charge than in the previous generation electric Mini.

The more powerful SE (160kW) has a 54.2kWh battery and a 402km range, while the Cooper E tested has a 40.7kWh battery and 305km range. Based on the recorded energy consumption of 14kWh/100km during the three-day test drive, the E should have a real-world range of nearly 300km.

Both versions far exceed the barely 200km range of the previous generation electric Mini.

Instead of 135kW as offered elsewhere, the E has been adapted to make 110kW in Singapore. This is the maximum power threshold for an EV to qualify for the Category A certificate of entitlement (COE), which is usually cheaper than the Category B COE.

Mini is not unique in doing so, but the Cooper E’s performance feels less stunted than some other EVs that were similarly detuned. The rate of acceleration does not taper off as sharply as speed increases.

The ride is better than that of the previous electric Mini, which can be choppy. The more pliant suspension set-up also makes it a really confident drive, finding plenty of grip out of corners. The steering just manages to avoid that numb feeling which plagues some EVs.

The test car is fitted with 17-inch tyres from Singapore-based brand Giti Tire. They are quiet and offer plenty of grip with strong braking performance.

The wheelbase may be longer than the combustion-engine model, but it is still 110mm shorter than a typical family hatchback like the Volkswagen Golf. It is possible to put two adults in the back of the Mini, but the front seats have to be pushed forward to make room for their legs.

The vanity mirrors on the sun visors are not illuminated. Otherwise, the cabin feels well equipped, from electric seat adjustments to the enormous circular touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use. Kudos to Mini for including the bank of physical rocker switches to allow quick access to features like driving mode settings and activating the parking sensors.

However, the Cooper feels less substantial than older Mini models in some areas. The door release, for example, does not have the same satisfying heft. If you happen to extend the telescopic steering adjustment to bring the steering wheel closer, you may notice the foam material sticking out at the bottom of the column.

Otherwise, the Cooper E is good fun to drive and feels like a great way to get on the EV bandwagon, provided its snug three-door body style can accommodate your needs.

Comparable considerations

Mazda MX-30

The Mazda is among the most engaging EVs in the Category A COE class to drive, although its 81kW output is no match for the Cooper E’s 110kW for pace. At $197,888 with COE, it is cheaper than the Mini. It is also more spacious and flexible, thanks to its quirky reverse-hinged rear doors that open like a Rolls-Royce. Being made in Japan will be a draw for those who are still unsure about Chinese-made cars. But its operating range of just 224km may not suit everyone.

Smart #1 Pro+ electric

Such is the state of affairs that viable alternatives to the Cooper E are five-door SUVs. The Smart #1 is slightly shorter than the SUV-norm and is quite fun to drive, just like the Mini. It has more power than the Cooper (200kW versus 110kW), qualifying it for the Category B COE. This goes towards justifying the Smart’s $215,000 asking price.

Zeekr X RWD

The X is a distinctive-looking electric SUV. The Cooper has the edge in terms of driving involvement, but the X’s interior is much more premium with better materials. It also has quirky features – like how it can make neighing noises like a horse or meow like a cat to warn pedestrians to get out of its way. Like the Smart, the X is a 200kW Category B COE car. It costs $219,999 with COE.

Mini Cooper E

Price: $202,888 with COE
Motors: Single AC synchronous, permanent magnet with 40.7 kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed
Power: 110kW
Torque: 290Nm
0-100kmh: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 160kmh
Power consumption: 14.7kWh/100km
Agent: Eurokars Habitat
Rating: ★★★☆☆