Why The New Mini Cooper EV Is The Best Mini Since The Original

Sure, it had no safety features, but I told myself that I was willing to die like a man. Like Paddy Hopkirk, I’d put it all out there, and if I died, so be it.

At this point, you’re probably thinking that I’m going to say that I eventually discovered it was a bad idea, but no. The 1,275cc engine was extremely reliable. Its only bad habit was burning through starter solenoids during the cold months, but that’s 100% on me.

But it had trouble keeping up with modern traffic, and that’s when I decided electrification was a good idea. The engine, while good, wasn’t that important to the overall experience. Finding parts was becoming problematic, and EV conversion kits weren’t expensive. And the end result would be an even faster and more responsive powertrain, perfect for my 35-mile daily commute.

But then I sold it, and it’s all the Editor-in-Chief’s fault. Noting my penchant for classic cars with no electronic nannies, he suggested a drive in his pristine NA Miata. A month later, I had my own NA, and my wife said I couldn’t keep both. But I promised myself I’d buy an electric Mini as soon as Mini made a good one.