Chinese version of UK Mini Cooper on sale for 10x less

A Chinese electric car that looks like an identical copy of a classic British Mini Cooper is on sale for 10 times cheaper. The Mini Cooper is one of the most recognisable British vehicles ever made, with classic vehicles now collector's items among petrolheads.

However, a Chinese electric car firm looks to have copied the model and is even selling the model for significantly less. An electric five-door hatchback built by Shandong Keyu is on sale for just £2,530 ($3,200) in Asia. The model’s TC-T design first hit the roads back in 2023, with the plucky hatchback turning back the clock.

The fees would make the model over £20,000 cheaper than classic 1960s Mini Coopers which are often available on second-hand car sites for around £25,000.

From the outside, it's almost impossible to tell which car is the original Mini and which is the new EV. Both models feature the same circular headlights, chrome-effect buffers, and even an almost identical front grille.

The TC-T model could be the perfect city runaround with the compact size ideal to throw around tight and twisty streets.

The model has been praised for being energy efficient with the vehicle able to reach a range of 100km on a single charge.

Experts have suggested the model could be ideal for older drivers, with the model providing a "controlled" driving experience

Alibaba said: “This mini electric car is suitable for people of all ages, including the elderly, with a low speed of 45hkm/h and a min steering radius of 5m, providing a safe and controlled driving experience."

Despite its small design, the TC-T still has a loading capacity of 435kg, offering a small amount of transportation space for owners to enjoy.

However, the TC-T is fitted with a range of modern luxuries not available to those buying a second–hand classic.

The model is fitted with electric front windows, central locking and an LCD display system.

There is not believed to be any attempt to bring the electric vehicle over to Europe or the UK at this stage.

However, an affordable vehicle available for just a couple of thousand pounds could be a coup for British drivers and a major headache for traditional manufacturers.