MINI Electric vs Honda e
We run the rule over these two important electric superminis
Price £24,400
THERE are three trim levels to choose from, but MINI prides itself on the fact this electrified model is cheaper than a like-forlike, petrol-powered Cooper S. It’s less expensive than the Honda e, too, but the trade-off is a more conventional cabin that does without any of the Japanese model’s cool quirks.
Range 145 miles
THE MINI can’t compete with the Renault Zoe for WLTP-rated range, but on paper it beats the Honda. You can use less energy by flicking the car into one of two ‘Green’ drive modes, the most eco of which switches off the aircon and limits throttle response.
Interior and tech
THE Honda has the MINI licked when it comes to interior tech. Some will like the fact that the baby Brit feels very familiar, but others will revel in the Honda’s cool cabin and multiple screens. Next to the Japanese car, the MINI feels just a little conventional.
Practicality
WITH the batteries mounted within the MINI’s transmission tunnel, there are no compromises on practicality. The back seats are small and there’s no five-door, but there are two Isofix points, and the 211-litre boot is big enough for a weekly shop.
Performance
FEW would suggest that the MINI Electric is slow. If anything, the car feels far faster than its numbers suggest – and that instant electric surge gives you confidence to nip in and out of gaps that you might otherwise question in a petrol-powered car.
Price £26,160
TWO versions of the Honda e are available. The entry-level car costs £26,160 and gets the three large screens, and cameras for mirrors as standard. This model also gets a less powerful electric motor. The £28,660 Advance model packs more power, but the range is shorter because of its larger wheel and tyre set-up.
Range 137 miles
TO get the most range, you’ll have to go for the entry-level edition, which can cover a claimed 137 miles. Step up to the Advance model and there’s more power, but the range drops to 125 miles – which will probably be closer to 115 miles in winter driving.
Interior and tech
HONDA says it has designed the e’s interior to resemble a lounge, and the dashboard looks like a wooden sideboard with TVs mounted on top. The three-screen set-up and camera mirrors are all standard kit, but the infotainment system isn’t the easiest to use.
Practicality
THANKS to the electric motor mounted at the back, boot room is pretty small. Its capacity is just 171 litres, but that should be enough for small trips to the shops. The high floor means there’s no boot lip to negotiate and the rear seats can fold flat.
Performance
THE entry-level Honda e packs 134bhp from its electric motor, while the Advance gets 152bhp. The more powerful car manages 0-62mph in a nippy 8.3 seconds (0.7 seconds quicker than the 134bhp car) and tops out at 90mph. Both cars are fitted with a 35.5kWh battery.