Mini Aceman

Exclusive: First images of the Mini Aceman JCW

Have we got a treat for you - first-ever images of the rumored Mini Aceman JCW! While Mini did release the JCW version of the Cooper version - which we tested not that long ago - the Aceman was only available in two trims. That changes now.

We spotted the JCW version during road testing in Germany. Initially, looking at the photos, this Aceman looks like nothing special. But closer inspection quickly revealed we have something going on here. First of all - those 19-inch rims are wrapped in performance tires, and behind those rims are hiding JCW brake calipers - you can just make out the checkered flag.

With that clue out of the way, we started looking closely at other details, and bingo! The front bumper is a carbon copy of the one found on the Mini Cooper JCW with the unique twin blade in the middle. The rear spoiler is again very similar - much longer than the standard Aceman item, and much lower with a built-in fin aerial.

www.arenaev.com

Exclusive: First images of the Mini Aceman JCW

The rumors were true - Mini Aceman JCW is ready for its official debut and we have photos to prove it.
www.arenaev.com www.arenaev.com

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Mini Aceman SE Review: It's really funky, but an ICE version would have widened its appeal

VERDICT

We can’t help but feel Mini has missed an opportunity by making the Aceman electric only, but it does present an interesting alternative to lower-end EVs such as the Volvo EX30 and GWM Ora 03.

The cabin is extremely funky, and built with many recycled materials, and there are plenty of fun experience modes to play around with. It’s a vehicle that can entertain, but perhaps not in the same way as Minis of old. It has certainly kept with the times though.

 
Driving impressions: the Mini Aceman combines classic design with cutting-edge electric performance

Different point of view

There was also an interesting conversation I had with a lady that clearly knows her stuff, while charging at a 150kW charging point at a shopping centre close to where I stay.

It was her first look at the Aceman, and she was impressed with how it looked and the interior setup.

Her biggest issue was range anxiety, not so much around town with her kids, but more so over long distances.

She knew that South Africa has a fairly good charging infrastructure, but the usual loadshedding, having to wait while it's charging, and all the other what-ifs came up, as it always does.

She baulked at the R892 000 price tag and said that she would rather spend less money on something similar, like the Mini Countryman (R810,774) or, as a BMW fan, a BMW X1 or X2 and not have to concern herself about EV challenges.

She’s not wrong.

The Mini Aceman is a decent overall package, but is a city-centric car and definitely aimed at a niche buyer looking for something different in the EV shopping cart while still having the characteristic Mini look and feel.

 
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