What is it?
The new Mini Cooper is two cars sharing a body. The electric Cooper E and SE are built in China on the new J01 platform, while the petrol Cooper C, S and John Cooper Works are still made in Oxford on the F66. Same circular OLED screen, two very different cars under the skin.
The lineup runs from Cooper C at $41,990 plus on-roads, through to John Cooper Works at $59,990 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Most distinctive small hatch design on sale, with a 9.4 inch circular OLED touchscreen that is genuinely beautiful. Choice of Oxford built petrol or China built electric on the same body, with the Cooper SE delivering 402 km WLTP.
Boot is small at 200 to 210 L, this is a three door city car first. Pricing has climbed, with the JCW now $59,990 versus $52,500 for the previous generation.
Should you buy the Cooper?
Reasons to buy
- Most distinctive small hatch design on sale, with a 9.4 inch circular OLED touchscreen that is genuinely beautiful. Choice of Oxford built petrol or China built electric on the same body, with the Cooper SE delivering 402 km WLTP.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km. EV battery: 8 years, 160,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2023), full driver-assist suite.
- 210 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Boot is small at 200 to 210 L, this is a three door city car first. Pricing has climbed, with the JCW now $59,990 versus $52,500 for the previous generation.
- You need a five door body or a usable boot (Honda Civic or VW Golf both have more space), or you want a hot hatch with a longer warranty (VW Golf GTI runs 7 years).
- The Cooper E and SE are built in China by the BMW Great Wall Spotlight Automotive joint venture, while petrol Cooper C, S and JCW are still made in Oxford. Some buyers care about origin, so confirm which line your spec comes from before signing.
- Top trim climbs to $59,990 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Mini Cooper is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
