I'm fascinated by the uniqueness of MINI, which is popular in Japan

MINI is widely recognized as a cute car. Many people wait for delivery as if they were raising a pet. When you put the pop-colored body in the garage, it brightens up the surroundings. This is true of modern MINIs, but it has not changed since the days of the classic MINI. At the end of the model's run in the late 90s, it was so popular that most of the production was for Japan.

MINI is not only cute, but has also set trends in a self-centered way. Starting with the FF package with a transversely mounted engine, the go-kart feeling and the center meter, etc. The same goes for categories. Since the beginning of the 21st century, MINI has not stuck to existing concepts, and has produced the two-seater Roadster and the Paceman SUV coupe. And now, the Aceman has appeared. It is a dedicated model of BEV (short for Battery EV), which runs on batteries only without a gasoline or diesel engine.

hereMINIWhen you organize the lineup, you will find the familiar3DoorhaThe main focus was on the back of the car, and it was stretched.5Door hatchback,then,The open-top convertible model will begin deliveries next year,3One"MINICooper", compactSUV Of"MINICountryman", this time "MINIAceman"Becomes
Incidentally, Countryman is the original Crossover name. The issue of the domestic trademark was resolved, and the original name can now be used.

Looking at the power sources, the 3-door hatchback, Countryman, and Aceman are all available with BEVs. These models have been made available amid the global trend toward electrification, particularly in Europe.

Enjoy the MINI world to the fullest

Now let's move on to Ace Man. His name is exactly "ACE", and it is said that we hope that he will become the ace of the team. It also seems to mean the ace of a deck of cards, so maybe that's the position he has within the MINI family.

The size is easy to handle, with a length of 4080mm, width of 1755mm, and height of 1515mm. The 5-door hatchback is 4035mm long, 1745mm wide, and 1470mm high, so it's almost the same. However, the height is slightly higher, giving it a stronger crossover feel. This is probably because it was necessary to fit the battery cells under the floor.
The basic structure, called the platform, is shared with the 3-door hatchback BEV, but the development team decided that it would be better to do so because the size has increased and to extend the driving range. Even though it has become taller, it can be parked in mechanical parking lots with a height limit of 1550mm, which are common in Tokyo, so there is no problem. On the other hand, the eye point is higher and the field of vision is wider, making it an easier driving position.

The exterior design is very MINI-like. The narrow width of the windows makes it look both cute and sporty. The headlights are pentagonal rather than round, which is also new. The taillights at the rear, which resemble the British flag, are also a new design that is fresh. This freedom of design is what you would call the MINI world. Still, incorporating the Union Jack design into the taillights is a good idea. This method, which started with the previous hatchback, has now spread to all models.

And that good sense is on full display in the interiors of the new generation MINI. The Aceman is no exception, with a pop and happy atmosphere. Specifically, there are seven types of "experiences" displayed on the center monitor. This time, I listened again to the engine-like motor sounds created for each mode, and they were really well done. Some sounds are futuristic, like a spaceship, while others sound like a somewhat classical engine sound. The "experiences" appeal not only to the driving modes, but also to the senses of sight and hearing.

There are two grades, Aceman E and Aceman SE. Both are front-wheel drive, and are distinguished by the motor output and equipment. The maximum output and maximum torque are 184ps/290Nm for the former and 218ps/330Nm for the latter. The cruising range per charge is 327km and 414km, respectively.

Of course, these specifications are important, but the most important thing about a MINI is the body color and options. This is where your taste comes into play.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''