An electric adventure for Mini

This is the Mini Electric, the car that lays claim to being the first mass-market electric Mini and what the firm is happy to describe as its biggest introduction since BMW took over the reins.

Of course, a major change to this Mini comes under the bonnet with its electric powertrain, but fundamental changes are minimal in a bid to keep the brand’s trademarks at its core.

Perhaps most impressively, the Electric is built on the same production line as petrol and diesel equivalents, which is currently a rarity in the industry.

Mini is launching the Electric in just one capacity, under Cooper S guise, though it remains to be seen if more come down the line.

For now, though, that sole option is a 32.6kWh unit sending 182bhp and 270Nm of torque to the front wheels. Zero to 60mph comes in 7.1 seconds, which is just a touch shy of the lighter petrol Cooper S.

While the powertrain itself is pretty impressive – delivery of its grunt is sharp and predictable – the whole thing is hugely compromised by its range.

Mini claims 145 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, though hopping into the freshly charged car (admittedly on a cold February day), we’re met with a readout of about 120 miles – and realistically you can expect to extract

“Mini has nailed it when it comes to keeping the Electric on point

90-100 miles of that before having to plug back in.

That may be fine for the urban dweller who covers very little distance but it makes the Mini Electric an unviable prospect if long journeys are a common occurrence.

Fortunately, the switch to electric hasn’t compromised what the Mini is so good at in the first place: driving fun.

Take it on a tasty-looking back road and the chassis feels remarkably playful, with all of its agility able to be exposed well thanks to its potent powertrain.

It’s just as at home around town, too. Tackling busy Oxford is a breeze thanks to its compact nature, nimbleness and strong visibility.

It should be noted that the Electric is only available as a three-door so reaching those back seats is a pain. Boot space isn’t compromised, though, as the batteries sit towards the front of the car, retaining the hatch’s 211-litre capacity.

Pricing for the Mini Electric kicks off at £24,400 (including the £3,500 government plug-in) in Level 1 guise.

Mini has nailed it when it comes to keeping the Electric on-point, with everything its internal combustion counterparts stand for.

If you don’t do many miles this could be the perfect blend of guilt-free driving and actual enjoyment.