This $8,000 Chinese EV riffs off the Mini Cooper and musters a respectable EV range

Wuling has launched the updated 2026 Hongguang Mini EV in China, and it’s exactly the kind of car that makes US buyers crave Chinese EVs. Priced between 44,800 and 54,800 yuan (roughly $6,500 to $8,000), this tiny four-door, four-seater is back with a fresh look, a smarter cabin, and a range that’s finally worth talking about.

Does the design look good?

Not going to lie, the 2026 Hongguang Mini seems to have taken a lot of inspiration from the Mini Cooper, bringing over the iconic name, the same small car design with circular headlights, and the compact style. 

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That being said, it also features subtle design changes that set it apart. Where the Mini Cooper keeps things sleek and sporty, the Hongguang Mini leans into a boxier, more upright shape that Wuling calls “sweet square.” The result is a car that looks friendlier than its

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