FIRST DRIVE: New Mini Cooper SE 215bhp, 38k Hot Hatch

In recent years, the hot hatch has become rather rarefied. Both literally and figuratively: RS Renaults and GTi Peugeots are dead, while the likes of Audi and Mercedes chase outputs of 400bhp. The Mini Cooper though, was always a little more grounded. And now theres a new one This generation of Mini threedoor hatch comes with a choice of petrol or electricity driving the front wheels, with two variants of each. Pick from Cooper C and Cooper S if you like pistons, while Cooper E and SE are the battery and motor offerings. The Cooper SE starts at 34, 500, rising to 38k if you want the butcher body of the Sport model were driving, and offers 215bhp, 062mph in 6. 7 seconds, and a WLTP range of nearly 250 miles. Is it a good hot hatch Does it still offer go kart handling. Over to Top Gear Magazines Tom Ford Subscribe to Top Gear for more videos: WATCH MORE TOP GEAR: First Looks: Fir