The interface itself can be a little fussy, and we’re less impressed that you have to prod the screen once before getting access to the temperature controls. The voice command system, complete with its personal assistant ‘Spike’, can help perform functions like this, but it takes an age compared with twiddling a physical knob left or right.
Most functions are easy enough to use once you get used to the sheer number of graphics, icons, and on-screen buttons. It also helps that the system quickly responds to your inputs.
“We’ve found MINI’s current OLED round touchscreen a point of contention, as it’s both a uniquely interesting screen design but a faff to use, with Apple CarPlay not being integrated very well and hard to use. Android Auto uses much more of the screen” – Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter.
Unfortunately, this MINI lives up to its name in terms of practicality
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The MINI Cooper is the traditional three-door hatchback in the brand’s line-up, so it’s inevitably less practical than the larger MINI Aceman and MINI Countryman.
Certain details about the driving position remain familiar to anyone who’s driven the previous three-door hatch, such as the steeply raked windscreen that sits far forward of the driver, a low header rail, and thick A-pillars that can obstruct your view at roundabouts or when exiting junctions. The seats are wider for comfort, though, and the armrest is now mounted on the seat.
Dimensions and size
In keeping with its name, this MINI is shorter than both the Renault 5 and Peugeot E-208, and is just as wide as the latter. Mind you, it’s still more than 20cm longer overall than the Fiat 500e, so if your overriding priority is a tiny EV then the Italian car may be a better option.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | MINI Cooper Electric | Renault 5 | Peugeot E-208 |
| Length | 3,858mm | 3,922mm | 4,055mm |
| Width | 1,756mm | 1,774mm | 1,765mm |
| Height | 1,460mm | 1,498mm | 1,430mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,495mm | 2,540mm | 2,540mm |
| Boot space | 210 litres | 277 litres | 309 litres |
Seats & passenger space
The MINI Cooper Electric’s cabin is probably a bit closer to being a genuine four seater than you might expect; you can fit four adults in there. There’s quite a bit of pitch in the rear seats, admittedly, so your knees are higher and your backside lower than you’d like, but this in turn means that there’s enough headroom for six-footers.
