China’s version of the MINI Cooper is £20,000 less

China once built an almost identical version of the iconic British MINI Cooper with second-hand models now available for up to £20,000 less. The Lifan 320 supermini was launched at the Beijing AutoShow back in 2008 with the model hitting the market just a year later.

The Lifan is fitted with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, which is capable of producing up to 88hp. However, the model isn't exactly the fastest with the Lifan reaching 0-60mph in around 14,5 seconds with a tip speed of just 96mph (155 km/h). Although the comparisons are obvious, the Lifan is slightly longer than the MINI Cooper with the model measuring at 3745mm in length, 1620mm wide and 1430mm high.

In comparison, the MINI Cooper is around 3635mm long, 1688mm wide and 1408mm in height. Despite the almost carbon copy nature of the China model, Lifan stressed the model was not simply a knock off.

Although aware of the recitation to the model, the brand states clearly that the work is their own. Speaking previously to Autocar, a spokesperson for Lifan said: “​​Yes, we know of the similarities, but this is an independent design of our own work.

“I think that perhaps the management of Lifan and MINI shares some ideals that have drawn them to this very classical and fashionable shape." The Lifan was not just sold in China with the model emerging in export markets including Peru and even Russia.

A search online shows Lifam models being sold for under £5,000 within many examples available for just over the £3,500 mark. In comparison, a brand new MINI Cooper would set road users back almost £23,000, just under £20,000 more than the Lifan.

Although second-hand MINI's are available for under £5,000, examples in better condition can still hit the market for over £ 15,000. Lifan released an updated facelifted model a few years later in 2013.

However, a more upmarket version dubbed the Lifan 330 was also revealed the same year. But, the 330 looks and feels different with the model equipped with a completely redesigned front end.