There’s been a lot debate as to whether one should make the shift to electric-powered vehicles. While the hesitation among many buyers is valid, the reasons against making the shift are steadily dwindling. And if you are already considering to make the shift, easily one of the most interesting vehicles to make that leap with is a Mini.
Mini Philippines kindly lent us the all-new Mini Countryman Electric to experience why an electrified vehicle is the way to go.
Cheaper than petrol
Just last year, Mini Philippines unveiled the all-new Mini Cooper hatchback and Countryman. These two models are all-new and built from the ground up. That’s evident with their futuristic look and even more tech-integrated interiors. It’s offered in both petrol and electric versions, but believe it or not, the electric versions are cheaper.
Thanks to the new EVIDA law, the electric Mini models have less duties and, as a result, are offered for less than the gasoline versions. Yes, the electric car itself likely more expensive to produce because of the technology and batteries, but because taxes on it have been waived to encourage EV adoption, it’s more affordable than the taxed petrol version.
Cheaper to run
The acquisition price isn’t the only thing that’s cheaper. If used with the same frequency as a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the Mini is actually cheaper to run. On average ICE owners spend anywhere from P4,000 to P5,000 a month on fuel. With an electric, assuming you charge just once or twice a weak, you can expect a manageable P2,000 to P3,000 increase in your monthly electric bill.
An ICE vehicle also needs regular maintenance. That means regular visits to the shop for an oil change and replacement of other vital parts. With an electric Mini, you can expect this bill to be considerably lower as the oil, oil filter, air filter, and related combustion engine maintenance requirements are now out of the picture.
Better performance
A lower price isn’t the only advantage. Because the Countryman is fully electric, all-wheel drive, and capable of delivering all of its 300-hp and nearly 500-Nm of torque from the get go, it’s also immensely faster. The electric Countryman can accelerate from 0-100-kmh in just 5.6 seconds, which is easily supercar territory. Mind you, this is just the regular electric version. Even a JCW Countryman won’t be able to come close. One can only imagine what an electric JCW will be able to do.
It’s all powered by a 66.5-kWh battery. According to the WLTP test cycle, it can travel up to 433 kilometers in one full charge. The vehicle comes with a 7.4-kWh charger that can charge it overnight. However, it’s also fast-charging compatible, capable of regaining up to 80% in under 30-minutes.
Modern style
The new Countryman takes a minimalist approach to its design. The body is sleeker, incorporating the Countryman’s classic lines into its more future-forward look. It’s headlamps and taillamps can even be programmed to emulate the standard Mini look, complete with union jack taillights, a more futuristic look, or even the unique signature of the JCW.
Inside, the dashboard and door panels boast of knitted surfaces made of recycled polyester to create a pleasant atmosphere while at the same time setting specific accentuations with their two-tone design.
Interactive infotainment
The real treat to driving the Countryman is its large, central OLED display. This multifunction screen integrates all you could ever need into one display. The upper area contains relevant vehicle-related information such as speed and battery status. When the speed indicator is pressed, a large, striking display with full-screen speedometer appears that puts a clear focus on driving. In the Home menu, the other widgets are displayed in thumbnail view to the left and right of the current menu function. In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Phone and Climate can be selected directly at any time.
Instead of driving modes, Mini offers Experience Modes. Each of the seven Experience Modes lights up the dashboard with special light projections on the side, and splash screens on the display. Each mode has specially designed backgrounds that convey a vibrant and high-quality effect using subtle movements while remaining as distraction-free as possible. Nonetheless, my favorite was still the classic, with an art deco look to it, and the iconic vintage font and style of the 1960s Minis.
Driving impressions
Flash and performance aside, the Countryman was a blast to drive. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the vehicle was peppy, responsive, but also quiet and comfortable. It seemingly adapts to the driver’s behavior, driving smoothly when in heavy traffic and offering a worry-free drive. Step a little harder on the throttle and it quickly changes tact. In fact, a sci-fi spaceship-like zooming sound emanates from speakers when you floor it, making you feel like you’re a spaceship pilot rather than a driver. It’s accompanied by surprising speed too.
Making electric fun
Over the few days I’ve had it, I couldn’t contain the smile stretching across my face. It truly is a fun vehicle to have, whether it’s the quirky but cool Experience Modes, the always surprising speed and power, or the odd sound effects when you floor the throttle or even turn on the signal light.
Many car brands have made a conscious effort to make their electric cars as similar to conventional vehicles as possible. Most likely so as not to scare away conventional car buyers. Mini, on the other hand, has gone the opposite direction. And in truth, it’s the way electric cars should feel: unique, a little bit quirky, and practically alive. Because of that, I used every excuse to hop into the car, whether it’s to grab a bottle of soda from the convenience store, or pick up some package from the other side of town. Every drive was a delight.
The all-electric version is priced at P3.899-million. The twin-turbo 2.0-liter Mini Countryman is priced at P4.299-million. Each purchase of the new Mini Countryman electric comes with Partial XPPF Paint Protection Film, full windshield Vkool VK Series Window Film, and a 7.4kw charger.