History in the making as the first electric Mini hatchback

The first electric MINI was displayed in Ireland recently. The MINI Cooper SE motor has three trim levels and costs from €27,765 on-the-road (after SEAI grant/VRT rebate).

Powered by a 184hp lithium-ion battery pack, they claim a range of 235km to 270km depending on model.

It's nippy: going from 0kmh to 100kmh in 7.3 seconds. They say its performance is close to that of the hot-hatch MINI Cooper S.

Standard spec includes a new digital dashboard, connected navigation and LED headlights and tail lights.

You can charge it at a household socket, wall-box or public charging station, with fast direct-current charging possible at up to 50kW.Based on the same bodyshell as the 3dr hatch, there are visual clues that this is different.

The front grille is closed and there are special 17ins MINI Electric two-tone wheels (optional).

The charging inlet is positioned above the right-hand rear wheel (where the petrol filler would normally be). The boot volume, at 211 litres, is not affected.

Mid-level trim has a cloth/leather-look upholstery, additional exterior body colour and wheel options, rear Park Distance Control (PDC)/camera, seat heating, etc - from €30,405.

The range-topping version adds front PDC, park assist, Harmon Kardon sound system, head-up display, panoramic sun roof, Matrix LEDs, upgraded 8.8ins infotainment touch screen, leather, etc. It costs €35,695.

The 12-module battery pack (32.6kWh) lies under the front seats and below the rear ones. Home and public charging cables come as standard.

Weighing 1,365kg, the MINI Electric is 145kgs heavier than the current MINI Cooper S 3dr auto. The centre of gravity is 30mm lower than the MINI Cooper S.

There are four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and Green+.

You can also set it for intense or low-level power regeneration from braking, deceleration.