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Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
A super Cooper by Mini — but is it too expensive?
The fifth generation Mini Cooper I have blurred memories of the Mini 1275e that my parents owned back in the Nineties and the early 2000s. All I remember is that my mum piled up her students in the back to give them a lift to and from her tuition. To get an image of what that looks like, you might have to picture Mr Bean putting a few passengers in his Mini. That Mini cost my parents R2 500 back in 1991 and, when they eventually let go of it, they were able to sell the car for R6 000. If only we could buy cars for R2 500 now. If only we could make a profit on vehicles after piling on years of mileage. Thirty-five years on, it costs 238 times the price to get into a brand-new Mini Cooper. For those who are bad at maths, that means the new fifth-generation Mini Cooper starts at R595 000. If you need the five-door variant, it will set you back R617 000 and the Mini Cooper SE, which is electric, is rather reasonably priced at R802 000. At an entry price of just under R600 000, I was expecting big things from the little Mini. The exterior For starters, Mini has never lacked style. This one does not disappoint. The front has a striking grille that ties into the headlights well. The headlights also have a very cool animation and wink at you when you unlock the vehicle. The daytime running lights run around the oval-shaped headlights and it just looks distinctive in every aspect. The three-door Cooper sits on 17-inch black alloy wheels that add to the stylish exterior. The brand has also built itself by making vehicles customisable. For example, I had a bright yellow version on test with black alloy wheels, a white roof and white exterior mirrors. Mini is the one brand that could tie those colours together and make it look fun. The rear of the vehicle is just as exciting as Mini has brought a completely new design to it. The weirdly shaped triangular tail lights are connected by a black strip with the 'Cooper' lettering across it. Ultimately, the exterior of the vehicle embodies fun and gives you an idea of what the vehicle is about. The interior The interior of the fifth-generation Mini Cooper amplifies the message you are given on the outside. Once you jump in, you are greeted by a superb leather and cloth interior. Majority leather on the seats means that the driver and passenger are comfortable. For those wanting to squeeze into the back, the room is very limited — that's why I used the word passenger in the singular above. It is a three-door, so I did not expect much room for backseat passengers. The boot space is also very tight. After a short experiment, I realised this is not the vehicle to take on your monthly grocery shopping trip. The boot isn't able to take more than exactly three Checkers packets. The dashboard gets some lovely cloth which has ambient lighting projected through it. For me, this was aesthetically pleasing but also subtle enough to not be distracting. Unlike most vehicles with their large rectangular screens, the Mini Cooper has a circular screen that is 240mm in diameter. That screen has all your driving information, so you don't get an instrument cluster. It is a touch odd to not have an instrument cluster, because there's nothing behind your steering wheel, but Mini has taken a minimalist approach and decided to just push everything into that one screen. The infotainment system can be changed to different experiences: Core, Go-Kart, Green, Vivid and Timeless. The Timeless experience set the infotainment screen into an elegant and classic format with an analog clock that made me feel like I was back in that Mini 1275e again — but with some technology. The car just gets more unique as the stop-start button is shaped like a key that needs to be twisted to start the vehicle. The gear shifter is also tiny and placed under the infotainment screen next to the stop-start button. That timeless experience: The mode that took me back in time in the new Mini Cooper The drive I was surprised by the drive. For a small vehicle, on the poor roads we have, it was exceptionally smooth. Mini has given the Cooper a three-cylinder 1.5 litre turbocharged engine that delivers 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque. This was more than enough power to get you by. In a vehicle this small, those numbers are impressive. There was also no turbo lag and the car gave an instant kick whenever you needed the speed. Because the car is so tiny, and has a good amount of power, it is really fun to drive. Navigating bendy roads becomes exciting and it's the type of car that makes you want to drive it all the time. The new tailights really bring the back of the Mini together Safety The 2025 Mini Cooper E has earned a five-star safety rating from both the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and its counterpart the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (Ancap). Euro NCAP tests show it achieved an 89% score for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant protection, 77% for pedestrian protection and 79% for its active safety systems. It also has safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. Blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warnings, rear automatic braking and an exit-warning system are optional. Verdict Easy to park, fun to drive and with great manoeuvrability, the Mini Cooper is a gem on the road. The exterior and interior both embody the fun nature of the car and it has a personality that very few manufacturers can match. And, while it is no longer the Nineties, where you could purchase a car for under R10 000, the hefty price tag of R595 000 is just about the only downside of this little vehicle.
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Eeco ‘half-loaf' panel van gets job done at half the price
Honest little workhorse ready to swallow a whole South African pallet in the rear. The gap left by the discontinued Nissan NP200 is being absorbed by a motley crew of alternative solutions like one-tonner single cabs, converted SUVs and cargo hatchbacks. But the most interesting of the lot is undoubtedly the unique little Suzuki Eeco. The Eeco is the spiritual successor to the Japanese manufacturer's iconic Carry van. Many of them found their way to Mzansi alongside the Samurai-badged third-generation Jimny via private importers in the 1980s. Affectionately dubbed the 'half-loaf', the Carry van was a mini-minibus with a second-row bench seat and a decent amount of boot space behind it. The Suzuki Eeco is only sold as a panel van. Like its Super Carry pick-up sibling, it prides itself on offering fuel-efficient point-to-point transport of goods at a low price. ALSO READ: 'Half-loaf' returns as Suzuki prices tiny new Eeco panel van Oodles of space Don't let its size fool you, though. While its dimensions of 3 675mm in length and 1 475mm in width make it hardly bigger than Mr Bean's Mini, its cargo space is no laughing matter. The loadbed is 1 620mm long, 1 300mm wide and offers 1 070mm from the floor to the roof which is large enough to accommodate a full South African pallet. A foldable steel-grid partition separates the Suzuki Eeco's loadbed and cabin. Two sliding doors and a large rear door provide easy access to the cargo hold. Unlike standard panel vans, the glass rear window enables rear-view mirror vision behind the Eeco—a welcome feature in the absence of a rear-view camera. The cabin is a very humble affair, with highlights being standard air-conditioning and seats clad in perforated PU leather. The latter is in sharp contrast to the bare steel wheel arches and cardboard-like door inserts. Adjusting the side mirrors requires some elbow grease in the form of winding down the windows and tilting the mirrors with your hand. A full South African pallet can fit in the rear of the Suzuki Eeco. Picture: Suzuki Suzuki Eeco easy on the juice The Eeco's small and simplistic instrument cluster does not have a rev counter, but then again, neither does my Kawasaki cruiser. I've come to the realisation that my hearing can be just as effective as a needle and a gauge. A digital speedometer has a tiny LCD screen below it displaying the fuel level and the option to toggle between the odometer and two trip meters. That's it. As there was no indication of fuel consumption, we'll just have to take Suzuki's word that the Eeco only sips 5.1 litres per 100km. This will ensure a range of over 600km on its 32-litre fuel tank. Although a radio is not standard, the Suzuki Eeco is prepped for one, along with two speakers, an antenna, and a 12V socket. ALSO READ: Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Swift lead new vehicle sales in April As simple as you can get Apart from the aircon controls and steering wheel stalks, the only other buttons in the van are the hazard lights, a rear-window demister, cabin light switch, front light adjustment and electronic stability control (ESC) switch. The Suzuki Eeco is bereft of luxuries such as remote or central locking, and the driver's door, rear door and fuel flap are opening with the key. Locking the sliding doors and passenger door is a manual process through the fob on the top of the door. ESC comes standard alongside two airbags and ABS with EBD. Suzuki Eeco easy to maintain The Suzuki Eeco features a 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that sends 59kW of power and 104Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. Spark plugs, engine oil and filters are easily accessed underneath the driver's seat. Creature comforts are hard to come by. Picture: Suzuki Driving the Suzuki Eeco was a welcome break for The Citizen Motoring from modern-day cars, which have become smartphones on wheels. The petrol mill is perfectly capable of its intended purpose and works a charm, along with an easy clutch and old-school manual box. It reaches the national limit without too much fuss, but don't expect too much after that. The rack and pinion steering system is reminiscent of pre-power steering says, but a turning circle of only 4.5 metres makes it ridiculously easy to manoeuvre. While the 13-inch wheels might seem tiny, the Eeco does feature decent ground clearance of 160mm. 'Half-loaf' not half-baked Cost-cutting means that noise insulation inside the van is non-existent, but it should improve with more cargo in the rear to muffle sounds projected from the road surface and engine. You can poke fun at the 'half-loaf' all day long, but you can't beat its brutal honesty and unmatched capabilities. Especially at a very attractive R227 900 price tag, which will work out to less than R200k without VAT.
Metro
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
British TV star fuels fresh hope most iconic character could return
An icon of British television has fuelled fresh hopes for his beloved character to return after 30 years. Rowan Atkinson has become synonymous on our screens for playing hapless individuals, such as Johnny English and in Blackadder. But perhaps his silliest and most absurd role has to be none other than Mr Bean. Last month, it was revealed that Blackadder writer Ben Elton wants to revive the classic sitcom. A fourth Johnny English film was also rumoured to be in the works. Now, the 70-year-old actor has refused to rule out a live-action return to Mr Bean. The original ITV sitcom for Mr Bean came to an end back in 1996. However, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Rowan discussed the possibility of reprising his role. Presenter Richard Arnold asked the famous actor: 'What price to have you back doing a live-action version again?' Rowan replied: 'Occasionally, I think about it. Is it worth it? Is there any need?' 'It probably won't happen. Almost certainly won't happen. But I have to say, it's not an impossibility.' Would you like to see Rowan Atkinson reprise his role as Mr Bean? The 14 episodes of Mr Bean on ITV were broadcast in 245 countries, and from there are more than 23 billion views of clips on YouTube from the series and its animated spin-off. Rowan went on to say that the reason for this success is because Bean is 'a child trapped in a man's body and that's always fun to watch'. Rowan has appeared as Mr Bean in two separate feature films, Bean (1997) and Mr Bean's Holiday (2006). He also surprised fans when he showed up as Mr Bean during the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, as well as doing sketches for Comic Relief. In December last year, Love Actually writer Richard teased that some exciting plans for Blackadder could be in the pipeline. In 1989 the very first episode of the farcical British series was released, in which Rowan Atkinson's Edmund Blackadder was introduced for the very first time. Co-created by Rowan and Richard, the historical comedy went on to become a cultural phenomenon, spawning 24 episodes over a six-year period. More Trending As well as this, four specials were created, the last of which aired in 1999. Speaking to Metro's Tori Brazier, Richard addressed the prospect of Blackadder returning in the near future. He said: 'Rowan and I have a plan for something we might do which would just be a bit of fun sometime in the next few years,. View More » 'I'd love to work with Rowan one more time on something.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Genius Game rules explained as ITV viewers dub David Tennant show 'impossible' MORE: Coronation Street legend, 95, comes out of retirement after 27 years MORE: ITV viewers are sobbing over new series that's 'television at its best'
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Rowan Atkinson speaks out on Mr Bean return rumours – 30 years after hit series ended
Keep scrolling to see what Rowan had to say about his beloved character bean again? Rowan Atkinson speaks out on Mr Bean return rumours – 30 years after hit series ended ROWAN Atkinson has addressed Mr Bean return rumours - 30 years after the hit series ended. The actor and comedian, 70, first appeared on television as hapless Mr Bean in 1990. Advertisement 4 Rowan Atkinson discussed Mr Bean return rumours Credit: ITV 4 The character originally appeared on TV from 1990 to 1995 Credit: Thames Television Archive 4 Mr Bean has reappeared in numerous media over the years Credit: Alamy However, the character's original ITV sitcom came to an end back in 1995. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Rowan discussed whether he would revive his classic role. It saw Richard Arnold ask him: "What price to have you back doing a live-action version again?" Rowan replied: "Occasionally, I think about it. Is it worth it? Is there any need? Advertisement "It probably won't happen. Almost certainly won;t happen. But I have to say, it's not an impossibility." Since the initial sitcom concluded, the character Mr Bean has reappeared in other forms. This includes two feature films - Bean (1997) and Mr Bean's Holiday (2006), respectively. Mr Bean featured at the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, in TV ads and several sketches for Comic Relief. Advertisement Rowan has also reprised the role for an animated series which has existed in three iterations. First from 2002 to 2004 followed by another run from 2015 until 2019. Inside Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson's jaw-dropping car collection including £400k Rolls Royce & Bentley with built-in TV The cartoon will return again this year, releasing in the UK on ITVX and Boomerang. Last year, it was reported that Rowan would be starring in a brand new Netflix comedy. Advertisement Titled Man vs Baby, it is a follow up to the actor's 2022 series Man vs Bee and sees the actor reprising his role as lead Trevor Bingley. Man vs Bee followed Trevor's disastrous experience housesitting a luxurious mansion filled with expensive artwork and classic cars. A new employee at House Sitters Deluxe, it's Trevor's first big job but it is hampered by a rogue bee that he can not catch. Not only does he injure himself while trying to overcome the bee, he causes destruction to the million-pound home he's been paid to look after. Advertisement The nine-part comedy series saw Rowan return to the small screen in a role similar to that of global hit Mr. Bean. Man vs Baby will see Trevor looking after a luxurious London penthouse, but this time he is faced with an unlikely foe - a baby. The new series consists of four 30-minute episodes and has been created and written by Will Davies & Rowan. 4 Could we see a live action Mr Bean once again? Credit: Getty
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Rowan Atkinson speaks out on Mr Bean return rumours – 30 years after hit series ended
ROWAN Atkinson has addressed Mr Bean return rumours - 30 years after the hit series ended. The actor and comedian, 70, first appeared on television as hapless Mr Bean in 1990. 4 4 However, the character's original ITV sitcom came to an end back in 1995. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Rowan discussed whether he would revive his classic role. It saw Richard Arnold ask him: "What price to have you back doing a live-action version again?" Rowan replied: "Occasionally, I think about it. Is it worth it? Is there any need? "It probably won't happen. Almost certainly won;t happen. But I have to say, it's not an impossibility." Since the initial sitcom concluded, the character Mr Bean has reappeared in other forms. This includes two feature films - Bean (1997) and Mr Bean's Holiday (2006), respectively. Mr Bean featured at the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, in TV ads and several sketches for Comic Relief. Rowan has also reprised the role for an animated series which has existed in three iterations. First from 2002 to 2004 followed by another run from 2015 until 2019. The cartoon will return again this year, releasing in the UK on ITVX and Boomerang. Last year, it was reported that Rowan would be starring in a brand new Netflix comedy. Titled Man vs Baby, it is a follow up to the actor's 2022 series Man vs Bee and sees the actor reprising his role as lead Trevor Bingley. Man vs Bee followed Trevor's disastrous experience housesitting a luxurious mansion filled with expensive artwork and classic cars. A new employee at House Sitters Deluxe, it's Trevor's first big job but it is hampered by a rogue bee that he can not catch. Not only does he injure himself while trying to overcome the bee, he causes destruction to the million-pound home he's been paid to look after. The nine-part comedy series saw Rowan return to the small screen in a role similar to that of global hit Mr. Bean. Man vs Baby will see Trevor looking after a luxurious London penthouse, but this time he is faced with an unlikely foe - a baby. The new series consists of four 30-minute episodes and has been created and written by Will Davies & Rowan. 4
