• Interior is funky and feels well built
• Circular infotainment screen is unusual
• Option pack is required for speedo in front of the driver

How’s the quality and the layout?

Plenty of the materials and almost all of the technology is the same as that seen in the Cooper hatchback and Countryman SUV.

Again, like the Cooper, the funky materials and quirky features inside are dialled up to the max despite there being few buttons inside. The steering wheel has an extremely thick rim, which isn’t so great on a small car, but the smartly laid out centre console has some good storage options and an armrest for the driver.

It’s an interesting and fun interior with lots of upmarket and modern materials being used throughout. It feels like a premium car – more so than a Fiat 600e or Smart #1. A woven dashboard finish is made from recycled plastics, which extends to the door cards and looks fantastic. Different colour trim and seats are also available depending on the spec. Pictured is a ‘Sport’ car, but the ‘Exclusive’ is the most interesting with a blue dashboard with contrasting orange accents.

Infotainment and tech

The Aceman’s infotainment system will be a little Marmite if you’ve not seen it or been close to it. It has extremely fast-acting response times and super crisp graphics as two massive positives, and it feels like MINI has at least taken some care to make sure some of the most used features are quick to change or set.

But the menus can be a little confusing to navigate on the entirely circular screen at first and, if you mirror your phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto show up as a rectangle within the circle. The lack of physical buttons will also annoy some, though it must be said MINI’s new-generation interior is one of the easiest to get your head around.

We strongly recommend you opt for the £2,000 Level 1 option package too, which brings a head-up display. Without this, there is no speedo in front of the driver, and you are reliant on looking at the speed on the main touchscreen and therefore are looking away from the road.

Comfort

While we do not rate the Aceman for its ride, the seats themselves are comfortable. They’re well shaped with plenty of adjustment – and look great in various interesting upholstery. For maximum comfort, you will want the optional active driver’s seat, which brings massaging and electric front seats, though are only included as part of the expensive £6,500 Level 3 options pack.

While we like the Aceman’s low seating position, if you want an SUV where you sit on a higher perch, this MINI is not for you as it doesn’t feel as if you sit much higher than a Cooper hatch.