Mini Aceman: test, power, autonomy, dimensions, price

Mini Aceman it is the electric crossover from the English company, positioned halfway between the battery-powered variants of the Mini Cooper and Countryman. From an industrial point of view, it represents an important step in the creation of a complex strategic plan of the BMW-Mini group, aimed at respecting the constraints imposed by the community legislator and at the same time introducing new hybrid, plug-in and electric models. The English crossover is available in 184 and 218 HP electric engines, while prices start from 32.100 euro. Below is the test of the Aceman in the Favoured version, equipped with the DA engine 218 Cv.

External

—

Mini Aceman, with a length of 4.079 mm, it is placed right in the middle of the urban SUV segment, while the design recalls the shapes of the larger Countryman. In the front area we find a generously sized bonnet, with two pronounced ribs and angular-shaped full-LED headlights. The lateral line summarizes the DNA crossover of Aceman, identifiable in the protections positioned in the lower part of the bodywork and around the large wheel arches. The rims, from 17 to 19 inches in diameter depending on the trim level, are made using 30% recycled aluminium, coming from manufacturing waste. The flat roof, equipped with two roof barscan be equipped with a glass cover which increases the brightness in the passenger compartment. The rear design of the Mini Aceman is striking. The optical units are spectacular and, once turned on, offer a play of lights designed to recall the flag of the United Kingdom.

dashboard

—

The interior of Mini Aceman is made with quality materialsembellished by the presence in the upper part of the dashboard, the doors and the front armrest of upholstery in a fabric made of 90% polyester fibres. One is placed in the center 9.4 inch Oled circular screenwhich performs the functions of the instrument panel and infotainment. The top part of the display shows information relating to the battery status, the power supplied by the engine, the kilometers traveled and the gear engaged. The lower area of ​​the screen shows temperature data and four icons that refer to climate control, radio, navigation, telephone and home screen. Switching between the various infotainment functions is quick, but requires a minimum of effort from the driver habit before being able to move deftly between the various submenus of the system. There is also the possibility of activating the voice assistant by pronouncing the words “Hey Mini!”or using the “push-to-talk” button on the steering wheel, located on the right side.

passenger compartment

—

Mini, under the 9.4-inch circular screen, has positioned several physical controlsincluding the automatic gear lever and the start and stop, volume and radio buttons. The steering wheelcomfortable in the grip, is equipped with effective BMW controls. On the right side there are the buttons dedicated to the adaptive cruise control and the speed limiter, while on the left are the volume and radio buttons. Upon request, ahead up displaylocated in front of the steering wheel, which projects useful driving information onto the windscreen, such as speed, navigation directions and activation of driving assistance systems (Adas). Il central tunnel It boasts two cup holders and a compartment large enough to store commonly used objects. THE seatscovered in recycled fabric, effectively support the weight of the driver and passenger, without being excessively rigid. After a 120 km journey that alternated city stretches, fast roads and curves along Lake Oggiono, we got out of the car without reporting any fatigue in the shoulder blade and lumbar area. THE rear passengersgiven the ample space in all directions, they can easily tackle long journeys. The only negative note is the narrow central seat, which forces the third occupant to a sacrificed position. The trunk capacity of Mini Aceman is 300 literswhich become 1,005 by breaking down the back row. A value in line with the main competitors, even if not at the top of the category. Folding the rear seats is possible with the 60:40 scheme.

Technology

—

The Mini Aceman is equipped with advanced technological equipment, starting with the circular screen Oled 9.4 inches in diameter and 24 centimeters in circumference. Positioned in the center of the dashboard, it performs the functions of the instrument panel and infotainment. Navigation is quick and intuitive thanks to the presence, in the lower part of the Oled display, of the items dedicated to navigation, media, telephone and climate. Mini Aceman, in addition to the technologies already mentioned, can count on advanced control systems level 2 driving assistancevery useful both in urban traffic and on long motorway journeys. Among these are adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, active lane keeping detection system, rear camera, blind spot sensor, recognition of pedestrians, cyclists and traffic signs, hill start assist, traffic sign reading and descent assistant.

Engines and autonomy

—

The crossover is available in “E” and “SE” variants. The first adopts a 1000cc engine 184 HP and 290 Nm of torque, and is powered by a 42,5 kWh which, according to Mini, guarantees autonomy of 310 kilometers (Wltp) and consumption between 14.9 and 14.1 kWh/100 (Wltp). This electric engine covers 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h. The Aceman SE has 218 HP and 330 Nm of torque, and is powered by a 54,2 kWh which, according to Mini data, guarantees the car an autonomy of 406 km (Wltp) and a consumption between 14.8 and 13.9 kWh/100 km (Wltp). The maximum speed is limited to 170 km/h, while the 0-100 km/h sprint is carried out in 7.1 seconds. The batteries can be charged in alternating current at a maximum power of 11 kW, and fast charging, in direct current, is to be 75 kW for E and from 95 kW for the SE. At a fast charging station, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes.

How is it going

—

Mini Aceman has proven to be a comfortable car suitable for both city use and motorway and extra-urban travel. In the city the compact dimensions (4,007 mm in length), theprogressive disbursement and never abrupt of the 218 HP electric motor, the powerful braking and the light steering, which, when parking, combined with the sensors and the rear camera, facilitates maneuvering. In extra-urban and motorway sections, the Aceman confirms the comfort for the driver, given the correct ergonomics of the controls, the prompt response of the engine and the effectiveness of the level two driving assistance systems. In motorway transfers, the adaptive cruise controlworking in synergy with the active lane maintainer, effectively keeps the car in the center of the road, adapting its speed based on the vehicle in front. On the motorway the system is quick to detect vehicles that overtake on the right or left with dangerous maneuvers, avoiding possible accidents. Mini Aceman is also comfortable for passengers, thanks to the wheelbase of 2,606 mmthe good padding of the rear sofa and the considerable space both in height and laterally. The trunk It’s sufficient for daily errands, but may not fully meet the loading needs of a family of 4. At motorway speeds the passenger compartment, thanks to the electric motor, proved to be silent, allowing you to converse in a normal tone of voice. Between 120 and 130 km/h, we found some aerodynamic noises in the driver’s side mirror area. Along the roads that run along Lake Oggiono, the combination of the chassis, suspension and promptness of the electric motor made it possible to tackle the brio the curves that followed one another. Along the round trip test Milan-Oggiono (Lecco), a consumption of approx 14.7 kWh/100 kmlow value for a 100% electric car.

Equipment and prices

—

Mini Aceman is available in four trim levels: Essential, Classic, Favorite and John Cooper Works. The entry level starts from 32.105 euroand includes the driver assistance package and 17″ aerodynamic wheels as standard. The Classic, from 33.165 euroalso adds fabric and eco-leather interiors and a heated steering wheel, the Favored brings 18″ wheels and perforated Vescin sports seats and starts from 39.175 euro. At the top of the range, the dynamic John Cooper Works version from 41.005 eurowith more aggressive bumpers and extractor and interiors with sporty details.

Pros and cons

—

Here is a short list of strengths and weaknesses that we identified during the test.

• Merits: streamlined bodywork; interior quality; comfort of the front seats, thanks to the 2,606 mm wheelbase, rear passengers enjoy plenty of legroom; fluidity of use of the infotainment system; soundproofing of the passenger compartment; rear visibility
• Defects: rustling sounds in the mirror area above 120 km/h; the load capacity of 300 liters limits the use of the car for families