Clearly, there’s no engine noise, but it does have an electric whirr that increases in pitch as you speed up. I’m not always sold on artificial noises, but it seems right for the car.
As somebody brought up on nights out in the north-east in an old friend’s original Mini Clubman, I know what to expect in terms of character. The size, sound and speed of our Countryman may be worlds away, but they’re closer in feel in the electric model than I found with the petrol version.
Hitting the boost button is a real crowd-pleaser. The nav-screen switches to a red, black and white chequered countdown from 10 to one and boosts acceleration. I’m not sure it’s quicker than popping the car into Sport Mode and flooring it, but it’s fun.
Despite the enthusiastic demands of my grandchildren, the rule has become that it’s only to be used on motorways, because it’s not suitable for built-up areas with 20mph limits. Plus it wrecks my efficiency. I’ve gone from 3.0 miles per kWh on collection to a more respectable 3.4 within a month. However, I have seen improvements in predicted range when charging. Figures change according to temperature, but the best was 265 miles, and the average is 240 miles, although that may well drop with the cold – and the boost button!
| Model: | MINI Countryman SE ALL4 JCW |
| Price new: | £46,600 |
| Powertrain: | 2x e-motors, single-speed auto |
| Power/torque: | 302bhp/494Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 5.6 seconds/112mph |
| Options: | 20-inch John Cooper Works Flag Spoke two-tone alloys (£600), Level 3 option pack (£5,300) including electric active heated massage and memory driver’s seat, Harman-Kardon surround sound audio, 22KW High Speed Charging, panoramic sunroof, Parking Assistant Plus, head-up display, driving assistant professional, Sport Pack (£3,700) |
| Insurance*: | Group: 32 uote: £1,106 |
| Efficiency: | 3.4 miles per kWh |
| Range: | 251 miles (WLTP) |
| Any problems? | None so far |
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