The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 Preview

Here’s the Mini brand’s first petrol/electric coupling, the Cooper S E Countryman All4, to use its full name. Charging the 7.6kWh battery from the mains provides a 25-mile pure electric range, in theory. Once your e-juice runs dry, there’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine to keep you motoring, and recharge the battery in combination with kinetic energy captured from braking. Mini claims it’s the perfect car for zero emissions urban commuting during the week, and long-distance cruising at the weekend.