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By Jonathan Crouch

The MINI Hatch is as engaging as ever in its latest form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the Cooper Electric version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 62

The fun-to-drive MINI formula is alive and well in this, the fourth BMW interpretation of the brand's iconic small hatch. Though petrol power continues, here we focus on the EV variant, now with a dedicated platform that improves packaging and allows for the bigger battery required for greater driving range. But the looks and the drive experience will both feel satisfyingly familiar.

Backgroundword count: 179

The latest version of the marque's iconic little hatch is the fourth since BMW reinterpreted the Issigonis original at the turn of the century, but it's the older British design that it draws on most for this visual update. The underlying technology of course is anything but retro, this being a design that must straddle MINI's transition into being an EV-only brand. Which is why, though a differently-platformed F66 petrol version of this MK4 model is being offered, it's the electric J01-era variants that were launched first and are our focus here. Unlike its predecessor, this new-era MINI Electric gets a bespoke electrified platform, the development of which came from Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW and Chinese giant Great Wall Motor (who also make a key competitor to this car, the GWM ORA 03). That shared development approach is important because it's enabled MINI to keep the cost of this car at reasonable levels. An essential if it's to better the sales performance of its EV predecessor, which accounted for a fifth of all the brand's production.

Driving Experienceword count: 310

The original MINI Electric was a bit of a bodge job - essentially a combustion-powered MINI Hatch with batteries installed instead. Forget about that now. Thanks to its purpose-designed Spotlight Automotive platform, this is now a properly dedicated EV, though it retains the kind of sophisticated multi-link rear axle that's still unusual to find on a car this small. The feeble 32.6kWh battery that so restricted the driving range of the original model gets replaced by a choice of two gutsier battery packs. Either a 40.7kWh unit for the base Cooper Electric E, which powers a 182bhp motor and provides for a range of up to 190 miles. Or a 54.2kWh battery for the top Cooper Electric SE, which powers a 215bhp motor and provides for a range of up to 250 miles, a previously unheard-of figure for an electric MINI. The 62mph from rest sprint occupies 7.3s in the E, en route to 99mph; or 6.7s in the SE en route to 106mph. A faster John Cooper Works version offers 258hp and makes 62mph in 5.9s en route to 124mph, with an EV range of 251 miles. MINI hopes that whatever your choice, you'll be up for the usual 'go-kart' handling feel at the wheel; this still isn't the small EV you'd choose if you wanted anything approaching a cosseting standard of ride, so try before you buy. The driving experience you get is dictated by your choice between six so-called 'MINI Experience' modes, some of which are about drive dynamics (like 'Core', 'Green' and 'Go-kart'), while others are about cabin audience ('Personal', 'Vibrant', 'Timeless' and 'Balance'). Each 'Experience' mode gets its own soundtrack, with 'Go-kart' the sportiest and 'Balance' the silliest (with a 'soundscape' based on forest noises like the rippling of the stream and the chirping of crickets). The settings correspond to individual cabin lighting themes too.

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