MINI is the latest car brand to add an electric model to its line-up in the shape of a battery-powered, three-door version of the Cooper S.
With a range of up to 145 miles and the capacity to take a fast recharge of up to 80 per cent in just over half an hour, MINI is hoping its zero-emission newcomer will hit the mark with Britain’s new breed of eco-conscious drivers.
It’s priced from £24,400 after the Government grant for low-emission vehicles and MINI is offering three different specs, with prices topping out from £30,400 including the £3500 subsidy.
Compared with a regular Cooper S with an internal combustion engine, the electric MINI is actually some £400 cheaper with the plug-in grant in entry-model Level 1 specification and MINI has made the electric vehicle true to form when it comes to handling.
Technically, the MINI Electric is the same at all three levels, with two settings for brake regeneration and four drive modes.
Those are selected from toggle switches familiar to all MINI drivers and, in the main, the electric model is pure MINI with the exception of a new-look to the instrument panel that is now a 5.5in digital display on top of the steering wheel.
Acceleration is brisk – especially from a standing start – with 0-40mph taking about four seconds and 0-62mph rated at 7.3 seconds. The top speed is 93mph.
While you can hear the electrical gubbins whirring away at times, noise levels are eerily quiet but, on the handling front, the car is pure fun and it drives just as a MINI should.
The balance is almost 50/50 and, if anything, the steering feels slightly heavier – though no less responsive. In its default settings, the MINI Electric is set up to deliver maximum regeneration, which makes single pedal driving almost the norm.
At 1.365 tonnes kerb weight, the electric car is just 145 kilos heavier than a standard Cooper S with an automatic transmission and its ride height is slightly higher – by 18mm.
The lower regeneration setting is less aggressive and makes for a smoother experience but is really best saved for cruising speeds to get the best from the 32.6kWh battery.
We tried the new MINI Electric in Level 2 and 3 grades and, on both drives, a full charge was showing a 129-mile range in icy weather.
After 75 mile runs, the battery gauge was showing 49 per cent capacity with some 45 miles range remaining. Recharging from a 7.4kW charger – the sort most EV users will fit at home – takes 3.2 hours to 80 per cent or 4.2 hours to full capacity.
Space inside on the electric model is identical to the regular Cooper S three-door and boot space at 211 litres is the same, with 731 litres available with the rear seats folded.
Externally, it is set off with special badges front, rear and on the wings, the charging point is in the same place as the fuel filler cap and the front grille is blanked off. There’s also a wheel design that MINI has created as an option exclusively for the electric model.
The powertrain develops the equivalent of 184PS and that’s very similar to that of the petrol-powered 2.0-litre Cooper S.
MINI says it has tried to create “a normal car for a changing market” and it certainly has. With sat nav, an electronic parking brake and LED headlights all as standard, it’s nicely equipped.
With the special driving modes for electric enjoyment, everything from genuine sporty performance to maximum efficiency without air conditioning and the like is possible.
The MINI Electric is very much a car of the times and, in Level 3 grade, comes fully fitted with a head-up display, a larger central screen and a high-end hi-fi system among its features.
It’s a zero-emission model that is true in every way to the vision first created by Sir Alec Issigonis more than 60 years ago – and one that is sure to keep the MINI spirit alive for many years to come.
