Should you buy one?

This is a tricky question to answer succinctly, which ultimately boils down to the image you want to portray to the outside world. There are statistically better small electric cars out there – the Peugeot e-208 has a bigger boot and a better range, the MG 4 is cheaper to but and has more spacious cabin, while the Fiat 500 Electric is cheaper.

But the MINI Electric is great fun to drive (for an EV) and arguably one of the most fashionable small electric cars on the market. It’s certainly on level footing with the cutesy Honda e – but there’s no getting around the practicality drawbacks of its three-door body style. Its tiny range figure will also limit its appeal to those locked in urban jungles.

The MINI Electric is an ideal runabout if you’re either single or in a childless couple, but the second you ask it to start performing like a family hatch, it’ll struggle. The rear seats are difficult to get into and the lack of space in the cabin means you can’t really transport any more than three people at a time unless you’re prepared to take an intensive course of family yoga lessons.

What we like

The MINI Electric is entertaining to drive (again, for an EV). It’s quick in a straight line and fun in the corners, providing you don’t overstep the capabilities of the chassis. It’s also very well made, is available with a broad range of customisation options and has a great image.

What we don’t like

The interior is very cramped. The door cards stick out too far into the cabin and the seats seem very close together, so you’ll find yourself constantly fighting for elbow room with your passengers. The range could have been a little longer, too, and it’s not particularly comfortable over scabby urban surfaces.

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