Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01

Welcome to the all-new Mini Cooper which now comes in two distinct flavors; the electric (J01) and the ICE-powered one (F66). Whichever Mini you choose, these new versions fit the "new normal".

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

The "new normal" MINI Cooper starts at £23,135 plus additional costs while the electric version, imported from China, starts at £30,000 plus additional fees, making them the must-have bargain of 2024 and beyond. These new models still boast the classic MINI design while incorporating new and interesting ways to make them suitable for the "new normal" lifestyle.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Beginning with the design, the all-new Mini Cooper retains the iconic design fans love but for the sake of MINIMALISM, pun intended, the new model sheds away the predecessor's fender flares and side scuttles while retaining the signature three-part paint scheme and flush door handles for better aerodynamics. Although the front view is as MINI as it should be, the new triangular taillights are a radical departure from its predecessors. Kind of a sacrilege, I dare say.

To differentiate the two models, they've been given different bonnet mechanisms. The J01 MINI Cooper E uses a conventional bonnet, while the F66 MINI Cooper uses the same clamshell bonnet as its F56 predecessor.

2024 Mini Cooper E interior

2024 Mini Cooper interior

True to the new model's character is the all-new interior that is as minimal as you can feel. Again, pun intended. On the driver's side, you are greeted by the new round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen on the dashboard that works as a speedometer also, backed by MINI Operating System 9. This OLED touchscreen features an onscreen mascot named Spike and he pops up upon using the rather annoying and Alexa-ish MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant feature.

There are switches below the screen that can control the power, the volume, the air conditioning, and of course, seven MINI Experience Modes that each have a specific user interface design that also affects the lighting inside the vehicle.

Spacing issues, the petrol-powered MINI Cooper can accommodate up to 725L of boot space with the rear seats folded down while the Cooper E can do up to 800L, which is surprisingly more.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Behind the wheel, both the Mini Cooper F66 and the Mini Cooper E J01 have different driving experiences judging from how they're made. The F66 model feels more of an improvement from its F56 predecessor while the J01 model, the electric one, is about as exciting as an ORA Good Cat. Thank you, BMW Group-Great Wall Motor joint venture.

The Mini Cooper F66 has two versions; the C and the S. The Cooper C has a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 181HP of power and it will go from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. The range-topping Cooper S, meanwhile, has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 215HP of power. 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and flat-out in 150mph seconds. All are mated to a 7-speed DCT.

The Mini Cooper E J01, meanwhile, features two battery packs; a 40.7kWh one for the base Cooper E and a 54.2kWh one for the Cooper SE. The latter produces 218PS of power, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and a top speed of 112mph. The driving range is around 250 miles on one full charge.

For safety, the all-new Mini Cooper range features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that take advantage of its Parking Assistant and optional Parking Assistant Plus systems. It even comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Remote 360, among others.

Love it or hate it, the Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01 are two different all-new Minis built for the new normal. From its revamped iconic looks, new interior, dynamics with different variables per Mini, and an array of safety features, not to mention a run for your money, the "new normal" Mini sends a clear message to the motoring world that this legend has turned.

Photo: MINI