Latest news with #Aceman
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
‘This car just makes me smile' – a motoring expert checks out MINI's new all-electric Aceman
Smiling is good for us. According to scientists, smiling releases all sorts of happy chemicals, relaxes our faces and sends more blood to our brains. And if there's one car that makes me smile more than any other it's a MINI. In my view, MINI has done a stellar job of reinventing and developing the most famous of British car brands, producing cars that are like nothing else – they blend go-kart handling with fun features and a quality that belies the price tag. MINIs just make me smile – and I like that. Over the past 12 months, MINI has done something other carmakers would think impossible: it has reinvented its whole lineup. So, we've seen a new Cooper hatchback and a new Countryman SUV arrive. Now we've got the one that sits in the middle and which I reckon is the sweet spot of the newly rejuvenated range – the Aceman. 'I've been finding excuses to get the Aceman on the road whenever I can' For me, the Aceman is the MINI with the most attitude; it covers the most bases and it's the most fun, too. I've been living with it for a while now to see whether this new, all-electric model can put a smile on my face and keep it there as I drive in and out of London on a weekend away and on the country lanes near my home. My Aceman came in SE Sport trim with a John Cooper Works body kit (John Cooper fettled the famous rally-winning MINIs in the 1960s and his name has graced MINIs since then) with stunning and aptly named Legend Grey paintwork. It looks great on the outside, but I reckon it's even better inside, where a 9.4-inch circular infotainment screen with the latest OLED technology is like nothing else you'll find in a car. MINIs always had a round speedometer in the centre of the car, and this latest one not only has the speedo on it, but full-screen navigation and touchscreen controls for everything from music to adjusting the ambient lighting inside the car. I've also been getting some strange looks by talking to the car. Saying 'hey MINI' gives me a world of interactive opportunities, such as asking the car to change the air-con temperature or dial a phone number for me. However, the most fun with a MINI comes from driving it, so I've been finding excuses to get the Aceman on the road whenever I can. I live in Buckinghamshire, where the country lanes were made for a MINI, but I've had just as much fun driving around town. The electric motor's 218 horsepower gives an instant hit of acceleration when you press the throttle, which is totally addictive. Getting off the mark, the famous 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.1 seconds, but the excitement can come at pretty much any speed with a burst of power available just when you need it – like pulling out into traffic or for a quick overtake. Acceleration is accompanied by a really cool digital sound that changes note as you go faster, just as the sound in a petrol MINI would. I'd go as far as saying it sounds even better and is another thing that sends a buzz of excitement through me when I'm driving. What I love most is the Aceman's ability to hustle, whether that's in and out of city traffic or on tight and twisty roads out of town. We took the MINI into London for a weekend away, where not only was the Aceman congestion charge-free because of its zero emissions, but nipping in and out of city traffic was so much fun. You can put your foot down, get a quick hit of acceleration and you're still well within the speed limit. That famous go-kart handling means the car feels really agile, too. You can change direction quickly to swap lanes, while the Aceman's compact shape is perfect for city streets. Steve Fowler and the new MINI Aceman tackled the country lanes of Buckinghamshire, busy motorways and the buzzing streets of London on a weekend trip With some sporty cars, you get a rock-hard ride, but not in the Aceman – it's as comfortable as it is responsive. Visibility out is great, too, which helps around town. You know where the car's corners are and it's easy to park with cameras to help out. In fact, my car has Parking Assistant Plus, which means it'll park itself. For two of us, the Aceman was the perfect size – with a boot big enough for a couple of small suitcases and a load more squashy bags. We've also taken a couple of family members along for the ride and there have been no complaints about space in the back, but lots of compliments about the Aceman. Everyone was a fan of the panoramic sunroof that gives you a great view up; perfect when you're driving around a city with plenty to see. It hasn't just been about city driving for me, though. I've also used the Aceman on longer journeys on the motorway where Driving Assistance Plus makes driving more relaxing. I'm still in charge, but the system will take care of the accelerating and braking, while sticking to the speed limit and keeping the car in lane. I'm a big tech fan, so I love the augmented reality navigation system that overlays direction graphics on to the camera's displays, the interior camera that lets me monitor the inside of the car from the MINI app, and my favourite of all – the digital key that means I can use my phone to open and start the car rather than a physical key. There are loads more features that make life with the Aceman easy and more luxurious – I can even get a massage from my seat and I love the different modes the car has that can be chosen to suit your mood. You've got to try Go-Kart Mode that kicks off by playing a 'woo-hoo' sound. One thing I thought I might stress over but really didn't was charging the car. MINI says that the Aceman should go between 231 and 251 miles on a full charge, and that depends on the type of driving you do. When I'm driving around town in stop and start traffic, efficiency is at its best as the brakes send more power to the engine. However, I'm just as impressed with efficiency on the motorway, and with more and more public chargers around and the Aceman's fast charging, getting the battery full again is easier than ever. If there's one problem with the Aceman, it's that it seems to disappear from my driveway a bit too often. But don't worry, security is top notch – it's just my daughter deciding to leave her old MINI behind and take mine for a drive instead. To be fair, I don't blame her – the new Aceman is genuinely one of my favourite cars of the moment. Find out more about the all-electric MINI Aceman
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Mini Aceman SE Review: It's really funky, but an ICE version would have widened its appeal
Like it or not, the Aceman does add a unique flavour to the EV segment. Image: Supplied The Mini 'reincarnation' at the turn of the millennium was a stroke of genius on the part of BMW, even if it was really the fruit of a messy separation with MG Rover after years of fruitless investment from the Bavarian automaker. Trouble is, there are only so many times one can reinvent the Mini concept before it becomes a little tired and hence it comes as no surprise that BMW has introduced numerous variations over the years. The latest one could be something of an ace up the brand's sleeve. The new Mini Aceman capitalises on the market's obsession with SUVs and crossover-type products while also expanding its electric vehicle range in line with the brand's ambition to become electric-only by the early 2030s. The concept is well executed in my opinion, being smaller than the not-so-mini Countryman, thereby providing a fashionable alternative to those who would previously have considered the Mini hatch. It's also instantly recognisable as a Mini, although its frontal resemblance to Kermit the Frog might not be to everyone's liking. The new model is available in some funky colours. Image: Supplied Nonetheless, I can't help but feel they have limited its appeal by making it available in fully electric guise only, particularly given how slowly many markets are warming to EVs. The Aceman E, with a 135kW motor and 310km claimed range, is priced at R800,000 on the dot, while the 160kW Aceman SE, with 406km of claimed coverage, is yours for R892,000. That puts it into direct contention with the lower parts of the Volvo EX30 range, which starts at R835,500, and the upper end of the GWM Ora 03 line-up, which tops out at R835,950. What's the interior like? At 4,079mm in length it has a relatively compact footprint, and it's not exactly family-sized, with rear legroom being fairly limited and the boot only coping with about 300 litres of luggage. But the Aceman is more about being funky than practical and that shows up in one of the most stylish interiors that I've seen in ages. Everything about it shouts high-end boutique store, from the knitted material on the dashboard, through which the lower colour shines through the upper one, to the slim, circular OLED touchscreen display that's shaped like a record. And let's not forget the small but spunky details like the decorative straps on the driver's side of the dashboard and on the central storage compartment. Big ups to the interior stylists. Image: Supplied Mini's stylists get top marks in my book for making the interior look and feel really unique as well as special. But is it functional? The central screen impresses with its crisp graphics and comprehensive menu layout, and in a nod to the past, the console also has mechanical toggle switches for the gear selector, stop-start process, parking brake, volume control and Experience Mode selector. The Experience Modes are quite an interesting feature, offering eight 'immersive' experiences that change everything from the ambient lighting to the graphics, driving sounds and driving characteristics. Go-Kart Mode, for instance, paints the town red, while also sharpening the throttle response and stiffens the steering. A digital voice also shouts 'Woo Hoo' when you activate this mode. Most often I slotted it into 'Green' mode in order to maximise my driving range, but apart from the obvious colour scheme employed here, it annoyed me on numerous occasions by changing the radio station whenever I activated the mode. Besides those two, drivers can also select from: Vivid, Core, Timeless, Balance and Trail modes, and there's a Personal Mode that allows you to mix things up and upload a personal photo for the display background. While all this may have seemed rather hip when it was being pushed through the development process by that eager young design consultant with blue or pink hair, some normal and easily accessible driving settings would have made this car a bit more practical. For instance, activating the one-pedal driving mode, which is not quite that even in the most aggressive brake regeneration mode, requires extensive menu digging on the screen, and you have to do it a few times at start up before the vehicle learns that you actually want it on a regular basis. The climate system is also operated through the screen, activated via a small short-cut icon, but this set-up is less than ideal and can be distracting. What's it like to drive? Producing 160kW and 330Nm, the Aceman SE is brisk enough in town and holds its own on the highway. While its 7.1-second 0-100km/h sprint time is respectable enough, it doesn't push you back in your seat like a performance EV. It's not slow by any means. But for what's essentially trying to be the electric equivalent of a Cooper S, it could have been a bit more exciting. With a 54.2 kWh battery under its floor, the Aceman SE has a WLTP range of 406km. These claimed range figures are always a bit on the optimistic side, but I didn't feel too much range anxiety in the Aceman and the mileage correlated fairly well with what the on-board range prediction was telling me. A slight drawback though is the maximum charging speed of 95kW, which means it doesn't juice up at DC fast chargers quite as quickly as some other EVs. The driving characteristics are more or less what you'd expect from a Mini crossover vehicle with an electric twist. The ride can feel a little firm on harsher surfaces, as with most European cars with sporty pretenses, but the handling is certainly neat enough. 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. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL
Mid East Info
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
MINI Makes Its Electric Debut in the Kingdom at EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
MINI Charges Into the Future with Aceman & 3-Door SE at EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 We're thrilled to confirm that MINI will officially unveil two groundbreaking electric models—the bold Mini Aceman and the dynamic Mini 3 Door SE—at the EV & Mobility Show Saudi Arabia 2025, marking their much-anticipated debut in the Kingdom. Event Details: Dates: 4–6 May 2025 Venue: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre, Saudi Arabia Visitor Registration: Click here to register Book Your Stand: Reserve your space About MINI A beloved part of the BMW Group, MINI is known worldwide for its distinctive design and spirited performance. In Saudi Arabia, the brand is proudly represented by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, one of the Kingdom's most respected automotive leaders. MINI is now entering a bold new chapter—fusing its iconic charm with cutting-edge electric innovation and future-ready mobility. What to Expect Mini Aceman A bold, all-electric crossover that introduces MINI's next-generation digital ecosystem, reimagined design language, and smart sustainability—all in a compact, premium package. Mini 3 Door SE The electric evolution of a true icon. The 3 Door SE delivers zero-emissions driving and agile handling while preserving the driving joy that MINI fans know and love. Expert Insights Hear directly from MINI and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors about their electrification strategy in Saudi Arabia and how they're aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Why Attend EVS Saudi Arabia 2025? Discover next-generation EVs and smart mobility innovations Learn from industry pioneers shaping the future of transportation Build partnerships and explore investments aligned with Vision 2030 Don't miss your chance to be part of the Kingdom's most dynamic electric mobility platform. Learn more: Email: info@ Follow us: @EVSSaudi
The Guardian
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
‘The most fun I've had while driving': three MINI lovers on the new electric Aceman
'Growing up, MINIs always felt iconically British to me,' says Dean Blackstock from his home in East Peckham, Kent. 'As well as seeing them in films like The Italian Job, my mum owned a little black MINI, so I just knew I'd eventually own one myself.' Three years ago, Blackstock's MINI ambitions came to fruition when he bought a sleek silver MINI Clubman Cooper S. 'It's fun and nippy, but also big enough to ferry my three children to school and to do the family shop,' says Blackstock, 44. 'It's nice to be part of the MINI community – whenever I see another Clubman I always give the driver a little nod of recognition.' Like most MINI fans, chiropractor Blackstock keeps an eye on upcoming iterations of his beloved car, and he's had his interest piqued by the new, all-electric MINI Aceman. 'As a father who cares about his kids' future, the electric element really appeals to me,' he says. 'The design of the Aceman is very striking, and having five doors and plenty of room is also a bonus, especially if you have a family.' With the MINI Aceman already on his radar, Blackstock jumped at the chance to take delivery of a model for a week, so he could see what it could do. 'I was looking forward to seeing how it would handle and fit into family life, and it definitely delivered,' he says. 'It was super-comfortable, super-quiet, and the most fun I've ever had while driving. 'The Aceman has a lovely minimalistic design, and we all loved the panoramic sunroof. There's an almost sci-fi-type sound when you accelerate, so every time I put my foot down I couldn't help smiling. I also noticed some heads turning when I did the school run – it has that element of quirky uniqueness you want from a MINI.' 'We all loved the panoramic sunroof,' says Blackstock As well as enjoying the Aceman's design features – including a statement steering wheel, octagonal grill and angular contours – Blackstock experimented with some of the optional features, including music and video streaming, in-car gaming and Spike, the MINI's new digital assistant. 'Spike is a cute dog animation that functions as your personal assistant and appears on the OLED display,' he says. 'You can connect your phone to the car, say, 'Hey, MINI,' and ask Spike to do things like play music, turn on the radio or send a message, all hands-free. 'The kids particularly liked the games you can play when the car is parked up. As well as being all-electric, the Aceman has really embraced technology to make it a better drive.' Blackstock was equally impressed by the MINI Aceman's charging capacity. 'I put it on charge before popping into the supermarket, and when I came out it was borderline fully charged,' he says. 'With places like supermarkets jumping on board with EV charging, it's very convenient when you're out and about.' Having spent a week with the Aceman, Blackstock is now a firm fan of its charms – and he's not the only MINI owner excited about this new way to MINI. 'I'd always envisioned eventually upgrading to a MINI Countryman, but now the new Aceman is here, I'm reassessing,' says Jesse Edwards, 27. Having owned a MINI One for seven years, he recently traded it for a new orange MINI Cooper Sport. 'I drove my first MINI over 60 miles a day, five to six times a week, and it never let me down,' says Edwards, who is from Ebbw Vale in south Wales. 'I've always found MINIs to be incredibly reliable, but their iconic design is a huge part of the appeal, too. 'I believe everyone goes through a MINI obsession at some point in their life, and I fully intend to keep driving one until the day I hang up my keys, so the Aceman is definitely one to consider. Being all-electric, it aligns with my aim to be more environmentally conscious, and I'm particularly drawn to the use of recycled materials in the interior. It feels like a step towards responsible indulgence.' Jesse Edwards The Aceman certainly ticks all the boxes for young, eco-conscious drivers such as Edwards. Hitting the balance between drivability and sustainability, the Aceman is not just all-electric: it also offers leather-free interiors, using partly recycled materials (without compromising on comfort), and new-gen wheels made from up to 30% secondary aluminium. This nippy drive also merges its commitment to sustainability with the practicality that MINI owners, such as Dipti Tait, 51, have come to rely on. 'Although I love everything about my black MINI One, I like what I see with the Aceman,' says Tait, from Stroud in Gloucestershire. 'The fact that it's all-electric is very exciting, and I'd really appreciate the increased boot space. 'I call my current MINI a 'maxi,' because it fits so much into the boot, but the Aceman takes things even further. We managed to move my son to university in a single trip, but we could probably move a whole house with the Aceman.' Dipti Tait Tait is right about the impressive amount of space available – the cleverly designed boot can be configured to give up to 1,005 litres of room. And, with roof rails as standard, a MINI roof rack or box will give you even more room to play with. While Edwards and Tait explore what the MINI Aceman has to offer, a week behind the (sporty, two-spoke) wheel has shown Blackstock what his future as part of the all-electric MINI community might look like. 'Of all the EVs out there, I'd say it's right up there with the best,' he says. 'Now I've driven it, when I'm ready to hang up my MINI Cooper keys, the Aceman is definitely on my wishlist.' Find out more about the all-electric MINI Aceman
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BMW claims South Africa's premium segment crown in Q1
BMW has concluded the first quarter in South Africa on a high, claiming 40.6% market share of the premium segment. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! According to the latest figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa), the BMW brand claimed a dominant 40.6% share of the local premium segment in the first quarter of the year. Staying with the BMW Group, its Mini subsidiary, bolstered by the recent arrival of the new Aceman and Mini John Cooper Works, contributed a 6.2% market share, while BMW Motorrad continued its two-wheeled success story with an impressive 43.9% share in the motorcycle market. BMW credits this success to the popularity of the locally built X3. The fourth-generation model, built at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in Tshwane, began production in October 2024 and quickly attracted significant pre-order volumes both locally and abroad. In response, the plant reinstated its third shift to keep up with demand, now producing an average of 110 units per shift. BMW South Africa added that this reflects South Africa's strategic role in BMW's global manufacturing network. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring The X3's production ties into BMW's broader electrification ambitions. Globally, the group has delivered over two million electrified vehicles to date — half of which are full battery electric vehicles — and the Rosslyn-built X3 plays a central role in that electric future. Related: LONG-TERM WRAP-UP: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, commented: 'We are grateful for the continued trust and enthusiasm our South African customers and global partners have shown in the BMW Group, supported by our retailer network's firm commitment. Our strong Q1 results, marked by clear segment leadership for BMW and positive momentum across MINI and BMW Motorrad, reflect the compelling appeal of our diverse product range and the passion of our team.' Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post BMW Claims South Africa's Premium Segment Crown in Q1 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
