With electric cars making the headlines, JACK EVANS tries out MINI’s new Countryman Cooper S E Hybrid
WHAT’S NEW?
With diesel cars in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, it’s understandable manufacturers are bringing more alternatively-fuelled options to market.
MINI’s Cooper S E Countryman All4 is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. It’s capable of a claimed 134.5mpg and able to run on electric power for up to 25 miles at up to 78mph.
It’s a car for those who want to keep running costs down and all for a smidge under £30,000.
LOOKS AND IMAGE
The exterior is relatively unchanged from the standard Countryman. Its chunky styling and oversized light units remain, supplemented by large yellow ‘E’ badges on its flanks and boot.
MINI’s image is riding high with all its cars exhibiting the build quality and look buyers want in this premium price bracket. The Cooper S E is no different - inside and out it feels solidly built and smartly designed.
Inside, the changes are even less visible. The starter button has changed from the usual red to yellow, mirroring exterior styling touches.
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Somerset Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Somerset Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Shop until you drop
It’s Somerset’s county town, it’s the place to go for the big shops, but Taunton is also home to a thriving independent scene, discovers CATHERINE COURTENAY
Creatures of the night
Have you ever had something swoop past your ear, almost unseen? You may have had a brief encounter with a bat, says BERNARD BALE
Bowled over
Now that we can return to skittle and bowling alleys - albeit with new rules BERNARD BALE reveals that the sport of bowling has many Somerset links
Trackway through time
In the Somerset Levels SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE discovers a place where our Neolithic heritage rubs shoulders with the present day
Decorative art
Not simply functional, treat your walls like an extension of your personality
Age-old advice
Just become a grandparent for the first time? Perhaps you need a little guidance, so here are some top tips about how to embrace your new family role
12 Things To Do This Autumn
Summer may have faded away, but now’s the time to celebrate everything that makes Somerset a unique place to explore in the autumn months, says Catherine Courtenay
On The Trail Of King Arthur In Somerset
Many legends surrounding King Arthur have become synonymous with places in Somerset as author Andrew Beattie explains
THIS MONTH WE VISIT Rickford
In our special series Catherine Courtenay takes a look at village life in Somerset
Sun & air
SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE brings us a walk deep in the woods and high in the hills of the fabulous Mendips