What's the difference?
If you’re someone still convinced the newcomer Chinese brands don't have what it takes to shake up the Australian new car market, this might just prove you wrong.
It’s the 2025 XPeng G6 Long Range, and it’s a lot like the Tesla Model Y, only cheaper – and, in some ways, much better.
Don't believe me? Read on and I'll prove it.
Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini?
Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.
Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six.
The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.
Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.
Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.
More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out.
You never know quite what to expect when you jump into the first model from a brand-new brand, but the XPeng G6 was a pleasant surprise. And at this price, with these features, it should really give Tesla Model Y shoppers something to think about.
The new petrol Cooper range very gently evolves the upmarket Cool Britannia cliché BMW invented with the R50 back in 2001 and fostered with every iteration since.
More of the same, only slightly updated and just improved enough to justify trading the old one in. If this appeals to you, then go for it. This is the best petrol version yet. Probably.
But the Cooper’s real spark literally and metaphorically lies within the EV version.
Two very different Minis indeed.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.