Tag Archives: electric-vehicles

MINI, Motoring, Performance, Supermini

Sporty MINI Cooper just gets better

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Mini Cooper S Exclusive 5-door

By Bill McCarthy

The MINI Cooper remains an iconic brand, a world away from the original Alec Issigonis-designed Minis of the mid-60s, which became a cultural icon. However, it still brilliantly leverages its 1960s heritage and updates it with modern technology and style.

Not cheap, but still aspirational, it comes in many forms: from the huge (relatively) Countryman for family practicality, to the iconic Cooper, with the extra driving appeal that harks back to its rally success and winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

So what’s new?

There are three versions – Classic, Sport and the Exclusive driven here – with a pricey, but not outrageous, sub-£30k starting price. Then there are the optional extras…

Following hard on the heels of the latest three-door model, this latest five-door S Exclusive offers more interior space and innovative technology while retaining the brand’s fantastic handling.

The extra doors transform it from a niche vehicle into a usable everyday car. With sharp performance and a high-end interior, the five-door is now more practical without losing its charm and desirability.

Bigger and more dynamic

This model features a wheelbase that is 72mm longer than the three-door version. This important change results in more legroom and greater comfort for rear passengers.

Iconic design for the 21st century

The model retains the iconic MINI silhouette, characterised by its short overhangs, long wheelbase, and large wheels. It retains the familiar round headlights and an octagonal grille, while the rear features clean surfaces and flush-fitting twinkling, patterned taillights. This helps deliver the Mini uniqueness.

High tech immersive interior

The cabin represents a significant leap forward, dominated by a familiar but updated 24cm, dinner-plate-sized circular OLED display that runs the MINI Operating System 9.

All major vehicle functions like infotainment, connectivity, and navigation are controlled via this touchscreen or by using the voice-activated “Hey MINI” Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The screen also features a myriad of secondary controls allowing targeted personalisation of the vehicle’s performance, including features like a dash cam.

An optional head-up display projects key information directly into the driver’s line of sight, minimising distraction.

For sustainability, the dashboard is made from recycled polyester using a special knitting method, and the car features the colourful MINI Experience Modes. The driver picks one of seven modes to alter the screen display to create a relaxed ambience.

On the road

This Exclusive model features a 204 bhp four-cylinder engine and atuo transmission. It hits 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. Quick, yes, but many EVs are quicker, though they lack the growl of the two-litre engine under acceleration and the sheer driving pleasure. Economy is decent as well, with a claimed 44.5mpg seeming pretty close to the mark.

The suspension and damping are tuned to offer both comfort and agile handling, making every drive feel composed and responsive. This is complemented by precise steering and powerful brakes.

The result is the quintessential Mini experience – engaging and surefooted, with a satisfying engine note and a trademark grip that makes navigating winding country roads a delight.

Practicality and safety

The five-door design enhances everyday usability. Two additional doors provide easy access to the rear seats, and the 278-litre boot – expandable to 941 litres with the seats folded – feels more spacious than it is.

This practicality is complemented by safety features, including a full suite of airbags, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure assist.

Are the options worth it?

This model comes packed with nearly £6k worth of options. Are they worth it, or is the standard car more than enough?

The Level 3 Pack is ideal for tech-savvy drivers or frequent commuters who will regularly use advanced driver aids, premium audio, and comfort features.

Overall, these options may be worth it if you value a fully-loaded, high-tech driving experience and intend to use the features. They may also enhance the car’s resale value.

Factfile

  • MINI Cooper S Exclusive Auto
  • Price: £31,465 (37,065 as tested)
  • Mechanical: 1998cc, 201bhp four cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via seven-speed auto transmission
  • Max speed: 150mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 44.8 WLTP
  • CO2 emissions: 143g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 25
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

BYD, Electric/hybrid, Estate/Sport Tourer, Executive saloon, Motoring

Is BYD helping shape the future of PHEV?

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SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon and Touring

By Bill McCarthy

Stepping on the accelerator – or perhaps charging up the battery – in the UK, Chinese car maker BYD’s models are arriving thick and fast. The brand is rapidly expanding its line-up and has now introduced the SEAL 6 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid designed to offer the best of both worlds.

It provides electric driving for daily commutes and leisure with a claimed range of around 65 miles, backed by a 1.5-litre petrol engine for longer journeys.

Plug-in hybrids and full hybrids are ideal for those attracted to the idea of an EV but not ready to fully commit, often due to range anxiety.

The advantage of this plug-in is its 65-mile electric-only range, which allows drivers to avoid congestion and clean air charges, with low emissions making it cheaper to run. The petrol engine can then kick in to recharge the battery while on the move.

The car is available in two body styles: a sleek saloon and a still stylish, but more practical Touring model, which marks BYD’s first estate car in Europe. Trim levels include Boost and Comfort.

Both models offer an upmarket, stylish design that belies their price, starting at £33,990 for the Saloon and £34,990 for the Touring. Considering the standard equipment, this seems to represent a good buy for the money.

Interior and comfort

The cabin is a comfortable, tech-filled space with a minimalist setup common to modern EVs. Key features include:

  • A large, rotating tablet-style infotainment screen that controls major functions like connectivity, infotainment, and satellite navigation. Both accessible via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
  • Leather seats and plenty of USB ports.
  • A genuinely roomy interior, particularly in the rear, ensuring comfort even for larger adults on longer journeys.
Boot capacity

The estate offers excellent, if not class-leading, boot space. It provides 560 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to a maximum of 1,460 litres with them folded. The saloon remains practical for its segment, with a useful 450 litres of cargo space.

Safety and driver assistance

Standard features include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a robust body structure.

It also incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), typically featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring to enhance driver confidence.

Powertrain and performance

BYD’s “Super Hybrid” system operates primarily on battery power. On longer journeys, the petrol engine acts mainly as a generator to recharge the battery, promising a claimed total range of over 900 miles.

When more power is needed, the system can combine the power from both the engine and the electric motor for maximum performance.

Like other hybrids, it also uses regenerative braking to capture energy and recharge the battery while slowing down. 

However, it is wise to be sceptical of this maximum range figure, which is likely achieved under ideal conditions.

Real-world factors like driving style, cold weather, high speeds, and hilly terrain will reduce that number. While 900 miles seems fanciful in practice, other BYD models have proven highly economical, and the Seal appears set to follow suit.

On the road

The test drive involved urban driving through busy towns as well as longer stretches on country roads and fast dual carriageways. Both cars felt refined and comfortable, with the leather seats providing good support. It’s not the quickest EV off the mark, but achieving 60mph in around 8.5 seconds provides enough pace for most needs.

Handling proved decent, though the ride felt a little firm. There was some wind noise around the door mirrors and road noise from the tyres on poorer road surfaces, though this largely disappeared on better roads. En route, the models’ design and branding attracted considerable attention, a sign that BYD has quickly established a growing recognition in the country.

Every model comes with a six-year or 93,750 mile warranty. The vehicle supports AC charging from 15-100% in three or 2.7 hours (depending on the model), and a DC fast charge from 30-80% takes just 23 minutes. A 3.3kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function is also standard.

Verdict

A technologically advanced PHEV, the SEAL 6 appears to offer a substantial electric range for a practical transition from combustion engines, in either saloon or estate form. Its real-world efficiency and long-term reliability in the UK are yet to be proven. But it looks good, feels premium and is keenly priced.