With it is a detachable, modifiable handlebar that allows parents to push kids. There also is an adjustable foot panel that will enable kids to move with their feet. Entry-level Mini Cooper Classic models are fitted with a 9.4in OLED infotainment touchscreen, which Mini claims is the first circular screen fitted to a production car. Plus,automatic LED headlights, a reversing camera, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and cruise control are included as standard. In terms of running costs, there’s little to choose between any of them. Mini quotes 49.6mpg combined for the Cooper S (we managed 53.7mpg on a cruise and 34.9mpg overall). Considered alongside its 133g/km CO2 emissions, that might make it the class leader, but the difference is so slender that it’s unlikely to sway would-be buyers one way or the other. As before, the potential for personalisation is good, but Mini’s rivals have long since cottoned on to this concept.

Despite the new platform, the Cooper E is about the same size as the Electric. It’s slightly wider and has a longer wheelbase, but it’s a tad shorter, too, with less of a rear overhang. It also retains the multi-link rear axle that’s very unusual for a car this small. The Mini Cooper Push Buggy ride on is designed for parents to push along, steering the toy car with the parent handle. The handle height can easily be adjusted for your comfort, while the footrest can be adapted to suit your little one. As standard, the Cooper S's and JCW'sbig petrol motor, together with the Mini's line-up of 1.2 and 1.5-litre three-cylinder engines, is mated to a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed auto is also available. It is worth noting that Mini is dropping the 1.2-litre petrol in the One for a de-tuned version of the Cooper's 1.5-litre unit. Overall the performance figures will remain the same and will be first seen in the limited edition 1499 GT - a homage to the 1275 GT. The rest of the three-door range is made up of three diesel variants - two 1.5-litre units and a 2.0-litre engine which powers the Cooper SD. The move from a 1.6 to a 2.0-litre engine has done this car a power of good. Accelerator response is cleaner at low revs and mid-range torque is much stronger, as evidenced by a fourth-gear 30-70mph showing of just 8.0sec – faster than a Vauxhall Astra VXR and, incredibly, the 6.2-litre Chevrolet Camaro.Little ones will love imagining road trips in their very own Mini Cooper Push Buggy ride on toy car. This Mini Cooper ride-on is so much fun – styled just like its full-size counterpart And this new Mini is not any prettier. The elongated nose is fussy and the rear lights have swollen, yet, with the hexagonal grille, clamshell bonnet, floating roof and upright windscreen in place, it’s likely that a layman would miss such minor differences. Dig beneath the skin, however, and more obvious newness abounds. The new UKL platform adds 28mm to the Mini’s wheelbase and, flush with high-strength steel, explains this car’s greater rigidity.

It’s way too early for prices, but it’s safe to assume that they will all start with a three. Between that, the final infotainment system, the range and the ride, there are still quite a few unknowns about the Cooper E. At the same time, there’s little evidence to suggest that any of those things is likely to be problematic, and I’ve been impressed so far with the style, character and driving experience. If the Mini Electric floated the idea of a hot hatch EV, this new one has a good shot at making it real. With no buttons and the gear selector relocated to a toggle under the screen, the centre console is left free for storage, while the dashboard’s round air vents have been ditched in favour of slimmer items, but some character has been added in with colourful woven materials on some trims. It also comes with a radio, Bluetooth, storage card, flash drive, etc., to let your child enjoy the ride.

It’s roomier, too. There’s greater shoulder room, better underthigh support from the seats and more kneeroom in a wider driver’s footwell. There’s a bit of pedal offset – annoying in a brand new car – but overall you feel much more comfortable here than in any previous Mini. For the second generation, Mini is doing things properly. This time, the car is based on a dedicated EV platform, which was developed as part of the Spotlight Automotive joint venture with China’s Great Wall Motors. Yes, of Ora Funky Cat infamy. While I’m speculating, it’s impossible to say anything conclusive about range yet, but the Mini Electric is very efficient in the real world, so there’s a good chance that this quality has been carried over. In any case, you will be buying the Cooper SE for the longer range rather than the extra performance. Kids are sure to enjoy this model with the spacious seating area and convenient steering that is easy to operate and handle for small drivers. Description