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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 64

It was always natural that there should be a MINI Electric variant. The 'R56' version of the brand's little Hatch model very much lent itself to full-battery motion and quick-step EV pulling power. The driving range possible between charges wasn't a particular strongpoint from this first generation model, but it'll probably be fine for urban folk, who'll appreciate this car's enthusiastic take on life.

Modelsword count: 3

3dr Hatch (EV)

Historyword count: 131

It's curious that it took BMW's MINI brand so long to bring us an all-electric version of its iconic little hatch model. The Bavarians were, after all, experimenting with battery-powered versions of this model for years - MINI E prototypes were first produced as long ago as 2008. Following that, it was always assumed that BMW's first battery-powered car would wear MINI badging but time drifted on, nothing happened and in fact it was the BMW i3, launched in 2016, that reached the EV market first. Following that, we had an electrified MINI - the Countryman PHEV - but no full-battery model. Until Spring 2020 and the launch of this car, the MINI Electric. It sold until late 2023 in first generation form. Let's check it out as a used buy.

What You Getword count: 475

The MINI Electric is based on the same body shell as the 3-Door Hatch, with a number of specific differences. An embossed MINI Electric logo appears on car's side scuttles, as well as on the tailgate and front radiator grille. There was no five-door model. The front grille - often embellished with 'Energetic Yellow' finishing also applied to the mirror caps - features the hallmark hexagonal shape but is closed, as the car requires less cooling. The powerpack was just about crammed in beneath the bonnet; you can certainly see why a bigger battery simply wasn't possible. The visual changes over the standard car are of the detail sort, which means that unless you happen to notice this large charging flap in the rear driver's side flank, the dinky, power-packed profile remains completely familiar and, as on the standard car, came with the no-cost option of a roof that could be either body-coloured, white or black. Inside, again, the differences over the normal MINI Hatch are minimal, so there's a reasonably premium feel with supportive seats and a rather charismatic ergonomic layout. This digital instrument screen you view through the steering wheel offers a 5.5-inch colour display with a digital speedo in the centre. A battery charge meter flanks this on the right, with a 'Performance Display' to the left, via which you can see whether the car is replenishing its energy or using various degrees of 'E-Power'. Anything else you'll want to know can be found on the dinner plate-sized central circular 6.5-inch infotainment screen, the outer rim of which lights up in various colours depending on your choice of drive mode. It works either by voice, by touching the screen or by using the lower iDrive-style controller between the seats. Whatever your preference, you'll be navigating around a circular menu with Nav, Phone and Audio options on the right, 'MINI Connected' media options on the top left and a further 'MY MINI' section on the bottom left, which is where you'll find 'Driving Information' drive data, 'Technology In Action' e-data and an area allowing you to plan charging times. In the back, there's good and bad. Despite the scalloped-out seat backs, leg room remains very cramped indeed if there's an adult of more than average height in front of you. Most sports coupes have more knee space than this. It's some compensation though, that you do at least get reasonable levels of head and elbow room. And the boot? Well on a little three-door MINI Hatch, you won't be expecting it to be very big - and it isn't. But at least its capacity isn't compromised over that of the combustion model - which isn't always the case with EVs. Get over the rather high lip and you'll find it to be quite deep, with a good square shape and 211-litres of capacity.

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