Mini Cooper SE Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Here are the full results of South Africa’s first open-road EV range test

vuyi on February 22, 2022

Exactly how far is an electric car able to travel on a single charge in real-world South African conditions at a steady 120 km/h?

A new benchmark evaluation answers this very question, putting three locally available electric vehicles (EVs) – the Jaguar I-Pace, BMW i3s and MINI Cooper SE – to the test in a first-of-its-kind, simulated open-road range assessment.

This inaugural test which took place at the Gerotek High Speed Oval in November 2021, sets a national benchmark for each of the three battery-powered variants. It lays down a historical reference point to look back on and allows consumers to evaluate battery performance advancements as more EVs are added to the local market each year.

While the maximum claimed range of any given EV is well advertised, the new test provides an indication of just how far consumers would be able to go on a single charge if they were driving non-stop at the national speed limit on a characteristically hot day in South Africa.

Whereas the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle that automakers use to calculate advertised range includes a combination of urban, suburban, rural and highway driving scenarios, as well as prescribed acceleration phases and a set number of stops, the Annual South African Electric Car Test, which was charged by AutoTrader, concentrates solely on open-road driving.

It thus removes regenerative braking – a recovery system that redirects what would otherwise be lost kinetic energy back into the battery during deceleration, boosting overall range and rendering EVs especially well-suited to stop-start city driving – entirely from the equation.

Considering it has the greatest net battery capacity at 84.7 kWh (this is effectively the usable portion of the standard 90 kWh pack) and a claimed upper-end range of 470 km, it’s little surprise the Jaguar I-Pace achieved the most impressive distance on the day, circling the Gerotek High Speed Oval in Gauteng for a total of 277 km, 311 m at a true average speed of 119.9 km/h.

This sort of range could be equated to driving from Johannesburg to Pretoria and back twice, with plenty of mileage to spare.

According to PlugShare, there are as many as 71 charging points within a 3.2 km radius between these two points, illustrating the fact that South Africa’s larger metropolitan areas are better stocked with charging options than many might believe.

The BMW i3s e-drive REx (the test was conducted with this derivative’s range-extender fuel tank emptied) finished on 168 km, 527 m, with its GPS-verified average speed settling on 120.02 km/h, while the MINI Cooper SE was just behind on 147 km, 730 m at a true average speed of 119 km/h.

With net battery capacities of 37.9 kWh and 28.9 kWh and advertised ranges of 285 km and 215 km respectively, these two new-energy hatchbacks are designed to excel at city driving rather than out on the open road, so their final results are by no means underwhelming, particularly when one considers the average daily commute for South African car drivers is a mere 22 km one way.

The three sub-R2.5 million EVs available to purchase in South Africa at the time of the inaugural open-road simulation were driven in their respective eco modes – Eco for the I-Pace, Eco Pro in the case of the i3s and Green for the Cooper SE – from a fully charged state, with each one’s air-conditioning system set at 21°C on auto (the ambient temperature at the track on the day was recorded as 28°C).

“While we believe it’s important to set an official benchmark in South African conditions rather than relying on typically cooler European testing scenarios, our broader aim is simply to educate local consumers.

Range anxiety is a hurdle many potential buyers face and this test will help them form a better understanding of the variations in range when it comes to EVs,” explains AutoTrader’s CEO, George Mienie.

“Owing to our familiarity with traditional petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles, we’re used to equating stop-start city driving with high fuel consumption, and highway cruising with better economy, but the opposite proves true for electric cars. This is the sort of interesting information the test highlights, helping inform consumers as EVs become more widespread in our market,” concludes Mienie.

We drive the newest members of the Mini Cooper family

vuyi on October 18, 2021

Guest Writer: Lulu Makhatini

Waking up daily at the crack of dawn to attend to your home and work tasks is not an easy thing to do but; waking up just as early simply to test drive and experience the new MINI Cooper range is such an amazing feeling.

I was pleased to be invited to attend the launch of one of my favourite cars, the MINI Cooper. I felt like a kid counting down the days till Christmas because, according to the invitation, I would be driving not one, not two but THREE new MINIs! This would probably be one of the most fun work days I’ve had in a long time.

Arriving at the start venue in Rosebank, I couldn’t help but notice the MINI Cooper range, glistening in the open parking area; not only because it is impossible not to notice a row of MINIs, but because the popping new colours and individual exterior for each MINI was unmistakeably head-turning.

After completing the registration and COVID_19 protocols, I was ushered to the buffet area, where a gorgeous gourmet breakfast awaited. Having gotten out of the house as early as I had, a piping hot cup of coffee was just what I needed if I was to make it through the day. Settling into the business section of the day, I learnt that the event (which marked the Twentieth Anniversary of the launch of the MINI), would showcase the highlights of the new Cooper range.

The range comprises:

the MINI 3-door Hatch
the MINI 5-door Hatch
the MINI Convertible

The highlights of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch, MINI Convertible are:

Purist look thanks to new front design
LED headlights now as standard
Redesigned rear apron, LED rear lights in Union Jack design
Multitone Roof
New body colours and light-alloy wheels
Newly-designed interior surfaces and air outlets
Redesigned steering wheels
Multifunctional instrument display with 5-inch colour display
Central instrument cluster with new Piano Black high-gloss surround
8.8-inch display and modern graphics display as standard
Sports seats in new Light Chequered colour
New Ambient Light option with extended features
Electric parking brake available for the first time
Active Cruise Control now with Stop & Go function
Greater safety thanks to new lane departure warning & bad weather light
Piano Black exterior with extended features
New equipment packages allow for targeted individualisation

Enlighted about the differences within the new MINI, it was time to put my foot to the pedal. My mind flashed to scenes from the Italian Job and I caught myself grinning at the thought of a high-speed drive in one of the chariots parked outside. Available in a choice of vibrant body paint finishes which include three new colours – Rooftop Grey metallic and Island Blue metallic – my heart had been set on getting behind the wheel of a Zesty Yellow MINI, a colour which in the past had been exclusive to the MINI Convertible.

I settled into the sporty seat of the MINI 5-door Hatch and inhaled the intoxicating scent of new leather. Running my hand over the leather on the redesigned steering wheel, my eyes took in the entirety of the remodelled cockpit and 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display. My eyes rushed over the interior and I soon noted that the new MINI Cooper range uses much less chrome in the interior than in previous models. I nodded in appreciation.

I pulled out of the parking area and pointed the petite nose of the MINI 5-door towards the highway. As expected, the MINI offered a smooth, fun, driving experience. With each tap of the accelerator, my heart skipped a couple of beats and I wanted to scream in childish delight but thought better of it, seeing as I was driving with someone I was meeting for the first time.

Having connected my phone to the car before leaving Rosebank, my driving partner and I enjoyed the sound quality (and volume level) through the premium audio system. Everything I needed as a driver was available at the tip of my fingers – Bluetooth, volume, radio station finder, cruise control, and trip information, leaving me to focus on traffic and driving safely.

My mind replayed a portion of the business presentation, relating to the optional Adaptive LED headlights. I had been fascinated that headlight technology had evolved to the point of including cornering lights and a bad weather light. Activated at the touch of a button, the bad weather light kicks in when visibility is limited, but I was unable to test it as we were driving on a bright summer’s day. I mused that it is a feature that could help reduce accidents that occur when driving in heavy rain, fog or snow.

Our route took us to the Union Buildings where we enjoyed a cool drink while taking in the view of the city. The brief rest stop allowed me to test a different car and I elected to steer the 3-door MINI to our next destination at the Cradle of Humankind.

The MINI 3-door Hatch was just as nippy to drive and I immediately experienced that wonderfully familiar go-cart feeling MINI drivers enjoy daily. Having said that, the 3-door MINI offered a different amount of engine power compared to the 5-door model. My mind revisited the presentation and I replayed the section about the availability of the different engines sizes.

The MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible are powered by efficient petrol engines fitted with MINI Twin the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible Power Turbo technology and three or four cylinders. The 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engines, are available in two versions with outputs ranging from 75 kW to 100 kW. However, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in the Cooper S, generates a whopping maximum output of 141 kW or 170 kW in the John Cooper Works models.

I am not technically minded but I do know that the higher the number of kilowatts (kW) the faster the car can go; and having driven 2 models within the refreshed MINI Cooper ranger, I can assure you that when I say fast, I mean near lightning quick! Speaking of which, I was alarmed at just how quickly one can pick up speed in any of the MINI Coopers. It was a struggle to maintain the legal speed of 120km/hr as the cars are so comfortable and silently quick. Each time I glanced at the dashboard I gasped and took my foot off the gas. I sheepishly forgave each and every MINI Cooper driver who had ever sped past me as the reality of what MINI TwinPower Turbo means.

Driving in convoy we reached our lunch venue and as I waited my turn in queue at its entrance, I realised I hadn’t given the rear of the MINI more than a glance. Now, posed in front of me and without much else to do, my gaze was transfixed on the British flag graphic designed into the rear lights of the MINI Convertible ahead of me, this feature is also a standard issue in the MINI 3-door Hatch and the MINI 5-door Hatch. The driver in the Convertible began to lower its roof and I watched the graphic of the Union Jack fold neatly away and disappear into the body of the car.

Having enjoyed an outstanding meal, it was time to drive back to Rosebank to end the day and sadly, return the cars. I made a beeline for the MINI Cooper SE and boy oh boy what a mindboggling experience. I had never driven an electric car before and was not prepared for just how quickly it accelerates. Apart from being a MINI, the environmentally friendly MINI proved to be my favourite of the day. At first, I wasn’t sure I had engaged the ignition because there wasn’t even a hint of sound emanating from the engine. One could have heard a pin drop in the MINI Cooper SE, it is that quiet. The only indication that the engine was ready to go was the lights on the dashboard. Giggling nervously, I took to the road.

I had heard a lot about electric vehicles. Queries about driving range, access to reliable electricity and cost of ownership had been the subject of many debates at chilled braais. I delighted at the thought that I would speak from first-hand experience at the next friendly banter. Fitted with a 135kW electric motor, the MINI Cooper SE provides pure emission-free driving fun. For someone who isn’t an expert on vehicle mechanics and grapples with understanding combustion engines, wrapping my head around the technicalities of a car that runs on a lithium-ion battery presents a challenge. To be honest, all I needed to know was that the Cooper SE’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery, (located deep in the vehicle floor), enables an estimated range of 215 kilometres. Satisfied that I wouldn’t run out of power to run the engine, I pressed the accelerator and my shoulders were simultaneously pinned into the backrest as the SE picked up speed. Suffice it to say it is very responsive and needs no coaxing at all.

Once again, it was a wrestle to keep the Cooper SE within the legal limit. Whereas I had managed to overcome my exhilaration when driving the MINI 5-door Hatch earlier in the day, I released all my politely pent-up elation when commandeering the all-new electric MINI. Whooping in delight and tapping my fingers to the music, the trip back to Rosebank was all too brief.

Making my way back home in my car, I reflected on how in the past, I had thought the price tag of the MINI Cooper was excessive. After a glorious day spent experiencing three of them my appreciation for the price versus value had grown. In my opinion, any one of the sexy, compact, powerful and eye-catching MINI’s suit the lifestyle of women at any stage of their life and are worth every hard-worked-for penny.

Additional information:

Three drive units are available for both the MINI 3-door Hatch and the MINI 5-door Hatch:

MINI One 3-door Hatch:75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, top speed: 195 km/h. fuel consumption (combined): 5.6 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 128g/km.

MINI Cooper 3-door Hatch: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, top speed: 210 km/h. fuel consumption (combined): 5.6 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 128g/km

MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 136 g/km.

MINI One 5-door Hatch: 75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds, top speed: 192 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 5.7 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 131 g/km.

MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, top speed: 207 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 5.7 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 131 g/km.

MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 136 g/km)

Two engines are available for the MINI Convertible:

MINI Cooper Convertible: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, top speed: 205 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km.
CO2 emissions (combined): 137 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Convertible: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, top speed: 230 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km

Also available:

MINI Cooper SE: 135 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, top speed: 150 km/h, energy consumption: 17.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range: 215 km.

MINI John Cooper Works: 170 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed: 246 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km.

Pricing:

MINI One 3-door Hatch	Priced from R420 000-00
MINI Cooper 3-door Hatch	Priced from R469 500-00
MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch	Priced from R530 000-00
MINI One 5-door Hatch	Priced from R530 000-00
MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch	Priced from R479 500-00
MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch	Priced from R540 000-00
MINI John Cooper Work	Priced from R615 000-00
MINI Cooper SE	Priced from R658 000-00

Meet the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa: The MINI Cooper SE

vuyi on September 8, 2020

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand.
-songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

I was invited by the PR team at MINI South Africa to review their first ever electric car – the MINI Cooper SE.

Having spent most of the national lockdown in my sneakers I wanted to grace the momentous occasion with a cross between a formal business look and environmentally fashionable dress sense. I would be meeting Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI) for the first time and as they say, first impressions count!

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand. Over a welcome mug of cappuccino, Hailey shared that the BMW Group has already lowered emissions per vehicle produced by more than 70 percent since 2006. Their next goal is to decrease emissions by a further 80 percent by 2030.

After discussing their other long-term strategic plans, which include introducing zero emission vehicles by year 2030 it was time for me to put the MINI Cooper SE to the Heels & Horsepower Magazine’s Green Mobility Test.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility
songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

First impressions

The first ever electric MINI looks like a standard MINI Cooper, with the exception of it being adorned with rather futuristic looking wheels – or heels as our editorial team prefers to call them. The look and feel of these 17-inch MINI Electric Power spoke 2-tone heels give the MINI Cooper SE its unique standing within the urban city environment. Coincidentally the yellow trim on the all new electric MINI matched my green stockings! Clearly green minds think alike.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility. While the new electric MINI does not scream for attention, it does effortlessly exude design elements which set it apart from any other MINI Cooper on the market. These include the embossed MINI Electric logo found on the front grille and on both front fenders. To the rear, the MINI Cooper SE boasts a yellow S which can also be found on the door sills. These small details tastefully differentiate the all new electric MINI from its siblings.

Inside, the all new electric MINI Cooper SE is as spacious as any other. Premium quality materials have been used throughout and give a welcome sense of familiarity to those who know the MINI brand.

I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.
– songo didiza, green mobility guru, driving in heels South Africa

The drive

To say I was excited to get behind the wheel of the all new electric MINI would be a gross understatement. It took a lot of effort, but I managed to curb my enthusiasm and remind myself of our publication’s criteria for the Green Mobility Test. These include driver-friendliness, technology, driving range and safety especially when navigating through bustling city traffic.

The MINI ticked all these boxes within the first 30-minutes of my powering it along the highway and within rather tight urban spaces. All the while, the grin on my face was a permanent feature. Not only did I arrive to all my different destinations safely and on time I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users.
– SONGO DIDIZA, GREEN MOBILITY GURU, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

Instead of a petrol or diesel, the MINI Cooper SE is propelled by a smooth flow of power courtesy of its 135kW motor. This explains how the engineers at MINI have managed to retain the fun factor of the tried, tested and much-loved MINI go-kart feel! It accelerates from standing to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and effortlessly keeps pace with conventionally powered cars.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users. That said it seems MINI’s engineering team skillfully addressed some of these safety concerns. All components of the electric drive are protected by means of model-specific structural features and that immediately switch off in the event of a collision.

Different driving modes increase the driving fun factor

The first purely electrically powered MINI also enables the driver to adapt the vehicle settings to the current situation on the road as well as to their own personal preferences. There are four driving modes to choose from in the electric MINI (MID, Sport, Green and Green+). As I toggled from one mode to the next, I was delighted that the dashboard lit up in different colours, in accordance with which ever mode I had selected. White is for MID, red is for Sport mode and green is for, you guessed it, Green and Green+.

In Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.
– songo didiza

I opted to drive in Green+ mode as this is the most environmentally friendly option. However, when in Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.

MINI’s one pedal drive feature is enabled by BMW’s regenerative braking technology that can be found in all its Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug in Hybrid Vehicles.

MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient
– Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI)

What is Regenerative Braking and how does it work?

Part of the characteristic driving experience in an electrically powered BMW Group model is the so-called one-pedal feeling. In urban traffic in particular, the vehicle perceptibly decelerates as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. This is called regenerative braking technology.

It is called regenerative because the energy is recaptured in the battery where it can be used again. The motor is directly coupled to the wheels, so when you lift your foot off the pedal, it works like a generator and lets the all-electric MINI slow down more quickly than a fuel-powered car would. You put some power back into your battery every time you come to a stop at the next set of traffic lights. A proper implementation of regenerative braking system extends driving range, improves braking efficiency, reduces brake wear, and improves energy conservation.

Ease of Charging – how to keep your electric charge while navigating through city effortlessly

South Africa is very much in the early stages of electric mobility compared to its US and European counterparts, however it is a first mover on the African continent.

“MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient. For instance, it provides useful details such as available range, charging status and the closest charging station,” Hailey said.

For a city executive, this makes the drive even more practical. The home charging is also a seamless and simple process (unless of course, you are experiencing load-shedding). One does not actually need any complex installation or unit to charge at home. All you have to do is plug into any conventional household power socket – and relax after a long busy day at the office. I can wake up, fully rested in the morning to a ‘full tank’ of 270km driving range to start the day which can be sufficient for a week’s drive of my daily 33km city commute.

For a faster charge MINI recommends a 3-phase 11 kW MINI Wallbox connection will generally give you up to 3-times faster charging time. So, your all-electric MINI can be fully charged within around 3.5 hours. These MINI Wallboxes need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

The MINI navigation system provided me with direct access to all charging stations in the MINI Charging network as well those of the broader BMW charging network since MINI is part of the BMW Group.

Leaping into the new decade we can anticipate greater amount of driving range between the Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in response to changing demands of the African city business executives looking towards making an affordable eco-conscious motoring purchase.

Pros and Cons of purchasing Electric Vehicles in South Africa

Before you rush off to your nearest MINI dealership to buy your favorite go-kart in greenie derivative, be aware that the South African government currently views earth friendly cars as luxury items. As a result, green cars attract an import duty of 25% whereas the duty charged on cars with internal combustion engines is much lower at 18%. This obviously creates a problem for both manufacturers and potential customers.

Presently there aren’t any EVs manufactured locally, even though South Africa is a major car exporter to markets in Great Britain and Europe. These countries are in the process of phasing out internal combustion engines and it is only a matter of time before the South African government finds itself in need of a more sustainable approach towards its efforts to support electric mobility – across the board – if not specifically for export purposes.

The good news though is that the introduction of the carbon tax is a move in the right direction as it acts as an incentive to sway city executives towards zero emission mobility. For this reason, I believe the introduction of an affordable vehicle such as the all new MINI Cooper SE will attract potential customers towards electric mobility.

So, did the Electric MINI pass the Green Mobility Test?

In order to pass the Green Mobility test, the Heels and Horsepower team looks at a number of elements including affordability, drivability and electric mobility features. Overall, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE tested well against our criteria as follows:

Pricing: Currently, electric vehicles aren’t cheap, but the all-electric MINI Cooper SE comes in at R642 000. This makes it the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa.
Drivability: My initial thoughts bordered along the lines that the MINI Cooper SE might be a bit of a snooze fest given that it is a plug in electric vehicle. Thankfully I was wrong. There is absolutely no difference between driving the MINI Cooper SE and any other MINI. None of the MINI fun factors have been compromised in the production of this new greenie.
Electric mobility features are available in abundance within the new electric MINI, providing the manufacturer with an opportunity to enter a new customer segment – the eco-conscious city executive that is looking for a little bit of everything at the right price!

Final thoughts…

The new MINI Cooper SE is the first model to combine electromobility in the urban setting with the hallmark brand properties of the original in the premium segment of small cars. This gives it an intergenerational edge over its competitors.

Based on these assessments we have confidently given the MINI Cooper SE a very high 8 heels out of 10!