Should you buy one?

It feels a little like the MINI Aceman is a case of design being put ahead of functionality. This is one of the least practical small family cars of its size – something that will put off the kinds of people that usually shop for a car like this.

That said, the Aceman oozes the same subjective charm that drips off the rest of the MINI range – which might be enough to pull you back in again. If this is what you’re looking for, it’s going to beat a Volvo EX30 or Vauxhall Mokka Electric for you, no questions asked.

What we like

The Aceman excels at driving just like a MINI Cooper Electric, with sharp and accurate steering and a general eagerness you’d expect from a model wearing the badge. It’s a fun thing to zip around city streets in. It’s also comfortable, striking a great balance between feeling like a fun car to drive without the suspension being too hard or jittery over bumpy roads.

Its interior is also a major strength, too, feeling like a well-put-together place to spend your time. Interesting and colourful materials can be had, and the Aceman has a good amount of equipment as standard.

What we don’t like

Some elements of the interior will not be to everyone’s taste. If you buy an Aceman E, you need to pay extra for the Level 1 option pack that includes a head-up display, allowing you to have a speedometer right in front of you.

This is also one of the least practical small electric SUVs of its kind, with a small boot area and only acceptable second row. Yes, this is still a small car, but the Aceman doesn’t feel competitive here.