MOTORING REVIEW: MINI EV is a great drive but low range a problem

THEN Mini supermini brings a smile to your face before you even take off. The iconic car inspired passion for go-kart handling - that low to the ground feeling that gave us all such a thrill especially when fast cornering.

A major change for this fifth generation of the model is the addition of an electric version to the petrol line-up bringing the car into the world of electric mobility with emission-free driving.

In looks, the car mixes tradition with modernity with its sharper, chiselled update to the legendary Mini look, making it, I believe, look better than ever before yet still instantly recognisable as a Mini with its little round headlights and the whole shape of the car. However, it has grown from ‘tiny’ to a really big sized supermini and also offers a huge step forward in technology while focusing on a driver-centric interior cabin.

My car was the special edition of the electric performance model based on the Mini 3dr. The special Cooper S Resolute Edition is quite stunning in Rebel Green - previously reserved for the John Cooper Works models - with contrasting white roof and exterior mirror caps. Edition-specific bonnet stripes and 17ins alloy wheels in Electric Collection Spoke design come as standard while rimless windows add to the car’s sporty look. You’ll find no chrome elements on the exterior as instead the design features are finished in exclusive Resolute Bronze.

The interior continues the fun look with sports seats covered in fabric/leatherette finish with a colourful pattern scheme standard for all models. That wouldn’t be my personal choice but certainly added a fun element to the inside. Seats proved comfy and supportive. There are just two seats in the rear (with an ISOIX child seat system) and very little knee room behind a reasonably tall person in front. I liked the graphic design on interior surfaces with evenly curved lines in a light golden tone. A classy look.

The dash is dominated by the big circular 8.8ins touchscreen display that gives quick access to many of the car’s features, audio programme, communication, navigation and apps. It is a really attractive addition. Thankfully, you get knobs for the climate control - dual zone air conditioning and fan. There are buttons for the front seat heaters and switches for parking, a central Start/Stop button and Sport/Green modes.

The new driver’s instrumentation cluster shows your current speed large in the centre, and the remaining charge left in the battery. I’m always appreciative of a Head Up Display and the Mini’s pops up out of the dash and disappears back in when the car is switched off. By using an up arrow on the right stalk of the steering wheel, you can see your current radio station highlighted in the list on the Head Up Display, and can use the arrows to move up or down the list of stations all the while keeping your eyes on the road ahead.

A large panoramic roof comes in two sections. Sun protection glass is an optional extra at €335.86.

Typically Mini, the rear view mirror is located far down the narrow windscreen. When you indicate to turn, the front light on that side flickers or winks to alert oncoming drivers while just a line is lit up across the rear light on the side indicated. Cute round side mirrors have only very basic blind spot alerts.

Boot space is a reasonable 211 litres for this size car, extendable to 731 litres and there’s a tyre repair kit below the floor.

The spec included a reversing camera, parking assistant and front and rear sensors, some nice ambient lighting, a Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system, auxiliary cabin heating system.

Being a Mini fan, I simply loved driving this car. As with electric cars you get automatic transmission and instant torque. The fast acceleration, the car’s agility and superb handling, along with the beautifully weighted steering all contributed to a superb driving experience.

However, the car’s high price and poor range could put many people off purchasing the car. Mini claim a range of 270kms which they say is more than sufficient for most suburban commuters. I’m afraid I got nowhere close to that amount driving on suburban roads, motorways and country roads. And yes, the latter two didn’t help with battery regeneration to improve the range. When I recharged the battery, the screen showed a 90pc charge allowing for 165kms and a possible total charge available of 182kms.

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While the official combined consumption is 17.6 - 15.2kWh/100km WLTP, my car returned 15.5 kWh/100km on a good long journey.

Power is from a 32.6kWh battery pack which is way less than some electric rivals but I’m sure Mini would say that by using the smaller battery pack, they were able to keep the car’s weight down to improve range. Compared to the fun little VW e-Up at just €27,850 inclusive of grants and with a range of 253kms, this Mini version is an expensive motor.

Other rivals include the Fiat 500, Honda e (which also has cute little round lights), Ora’s Funky Cat, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208.

There’s also a petrol version in both 3- and 5door and a Convertible Cooper.

My car is priced from €42,440.00 (price includes VAT and VRT).