The Mini, which is easy to customize and enjoyable to drive, has been regarded as a UK symbol since the initial model was unveiled in the summer of 1959.

Some drivers yearn for the time when the Mini was among the most reasonably priced models available, even though the most recent iterations are regarded as high-end options when compared to other superminis.

However, a new model that looks a lot like the original Mini but costs a fraction of the price of the most recent official version has been produced by a Chinese automaker.

The Shandong Keyu TC-T is a five-door electric hatchback that costs just $3,200 (£2,530). As a result, motorists could buy nine TC-Ts for the same price as a new Mini Cooper.

Yet, the Chinese car shares a number of styling cues from the 1959 original, including a trapezoid-shaped grille, circular headlights, and even a set of chrome-effect bumpers.

Much like the original Mini Cooper, drivers interested in buying a Shandong Keyu TC-T are also able to choose from a wide range of colours, with many examples featuring two-tone paintwork.

Nevertheless, the TC-T's low price means it hardly has a lavish amount of standard equipment. Shandong Keyu states that the model comes with a electric front windows, central locking, and an LCD display.

However, compared to the recently-introduced Mini Electric, the Chinese EV has an even larger flaw that could put Brits off the model.

Featuring a 72-volt 3.5kW electric motor and a 120ah lithium battery pack, the Shandong Keyu TC-T has similar capabilities to a quadricycle like a Citroen Ami or Microlino bubble car.

The model's top speed has been limited to just 45kph (28mph), meaning it can only be used in towns and cities. In comparison, the Mini Cooper Electric has a top speed which is limited to 99mph.

The Chinese car's range is also much lower than the real deal, with Shandong Keyu stating it can cover a total distance of 62 miles per charge. Whilst the range is sufficient for commuting across a city, it is a stark contrast to the new Mini Cooper Electric's ability to cover 250 miles per charge.

Whilst the Chinese car industry is growing rapidly in popularity thanks to a wide range of companies making original designs that feature cutting edge technology, a small number of brands still make unusual vehicles inspired by western models at particularly low prices.

These vehicles have gained the nickname 'Old Man's Joy' in China, with many being bought by older drivers who want something that looks like an expensive car on a limited budget.