Mini Cooper SE review

Would it surprise you to know that, if you were feeling like giving combustion power the flick and jumping into an electric vehicle, you now have the choice of nearly 15 different models on sale in Australia?Surprising if you had listened to the skeptics, who once described EVs as ‘impossible’. But not long after, their sweeping aspersions gradually weakened to ‘highly unlikely’ then ‘unfeasible’ then ‘expensive’ and then ‘uncommon’. Sooner or later, everyone will realise that EVs are inevitable.

What is the Mini Cooper SE?

Until the Mini Cooper SE arrived, there was a glaring void in the list of Australia’s EV offerings if you were after a small hatch that’s geared as much towards the joy of driving as it was opposed to fossil fuel dependence.

It looks a lot like any other three-door hatchback Mini but behind its unique grille, subtle design touches and likeable design, the Cooper SE hides a pure electric drivetrain borrowed from the BMW i3.This is Mini’s first pure electric vehicle and it’s another exciting addition to the growing EV market available in Australia.

What is the Mini Cooper SE like to drive?

Unlike many other brands that put practicality, efficiency and price higher up the list of vehicle feature priorities, Mini’s mission statement always been more about looking good and offering a rewarding and fun driving experience.

What is the Mini Cooper SE like to live with?

From a practicality perspective, the electrified Mini is, for the main part, no different to live with than any other three-door Mini model.

If you’re not perturbed by its strange forward view caused by the uniquely raked windscreen, tiny boot and all-but-nonexistent rear seats, then you shouldn’t be put off the Cooper SE either.

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Rear seat cushions are actually made shallower to make space for the battery without further reducing occupant space.An odd digital screen perched on top of the dashboard pinched from the BMW i3, the beefed-up suspension to handle the extra weight of a battery which is inescapably firm, and a dusting of design features are the only clues to tell you you’re in an unorthodox Mini.

Is the Mini Cooper SE worth the money?

The Mini Cooper SE retails for $54,800 before on-road costs, or $59,900 driveaway, which may sound a little expensive for a small hatchback. If you’re simply after a small EV then it’s probably hard to justify that investment. Nissan’s Leaf, the Renault Zoe or Hyundai Ioniq are more the car for you.However, if you’re more like one of the Mini’s many thousands of fans in Australia, then you’re probably also far more likely to pay a premium for a car that is more fun, stylish and stands out, regardless of what it needs as fuel.