5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE... MINI ACEMAN CONCEPT
Mini’s next EV will be a crossover, because what else would it be?
1 THAT’S NOT A SPELLING MISTAKE
Remember back in 2012–2016 when Mini sold the 3dr Paceman SUV? This concept isn’t that, it’s completely different. Mini’s knocked the P off the front of its name and its got two extra doors. Plus it’s going to be all-electric, likely using the powertrain gubbins from BMW’s iX3.
2 IT’S THE DAWN OF A NEW DESIGN ERA
Not our words, Carol, but the words of Mini, which says the stylings of the Aceman concept will be translated through to the final car (don’t hold your breath too long), and that this is how all-new Minis are going to look from now on. Tell us, does the Queen get royalties every time the Union Jack is used? It’s even on the roof-rack.
3 IT’S A PROPER CROSSOVER
Everything gets called a crossover these days, when it’s just an SUV but slightly shorter. Mini has taken the concept to heart here though, and insists the Aceman is an actual blend of Hatch and Countryman. It’s supposed to have the agility of the former with the extra space and lifestyle-oriented practicality of the latter.
4 IT’S ALL MINIMALIST INSIDE
The designers said that they’ve gone right the way back to the 1959 Issigonis original for interior inspiration, which means the return of the bare dash and single central speedo. That’s not to say it’s austere, though – they say they’ve tried to chuck in a bit of fun too, with nifty LED welcome graphics on the grille and on the inside.
5 IT’S JUST A CONCEPT... FOR NOW
The Aceman isn’t getting a conventional unveil – its first public appearance will be at the Gamescom videogame fair in Cologne in late August. The production version of the perky little crossover will be revealed at a later date and go on sale in 2024. All bodes well for the next-gen Hatch, we reckon.