Latest news with #MINIAceman
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand discontinues its first and ONLY electric car that was hamstrung by short range & poor practicality
However, they plan to make another attempt at an EV next year END OF THE ROAD Major car brand discontinues its first and ONLY electric car that was hamstrung by short range & poor practicality MAZDA is pulling the plug on its first and only electric car, criticised during its four-year run for its limited range and cramped cabin. The MX-30, which made its world debut back in 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show, is a subcompact crossover SUV offered as an EV and as a plug-in hybrid. 4 Mazda's first EV, the MX-30, is being discontinued after four years of mixed reviews Credit: SUPPLIED 4 The MX-30's 124-mile range, due to its small 35.5kWh battery, was a key factor in its struggles against rivals Credit: Supplied 4 New EVs like the Jeep Avenger and MINI Aceman now dominate the subcompact electric SUV market Credit: SUPPLIED 4 Its awkward, coach-style rear doors were also criticised Credit: Supplied But now, it's electric variant has quietly reached the end of its production lifespan. Launched in the UK in 2021, the MX-30 was positioned against the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. However, it struggled to gain traction, primarily due to its short range and limited practicality. One of the most significant criticisms of the MX-30 - aside from its bizarre, coach-style doors - was its modest range of just 124 miles, thanks to its 35.5kWh battery. The smaller battery size, chosen to reduce the car's weight, improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, but also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. Indeed, today, rivals like the Jeep Avenger, Renault 4, and MINI Aceman offer ranges of around 250 miles - further highlighting the MX-30's shortcomings. WHAT'S NEXT? While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. This variant, equipped with a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, can cover more than 400 miles, according to Mazda. What's more, the brand is set to give electric cars another stab next year with the 6e saloon, which is poised to be in the same segment as the top-selling Tesla Model 3. A fully electric SUV is also in the pipeline, but the decision to temporarily pluck its only pure electric vehicle in its lineup is bold - particularly in light of the UK Government's ZEV mandate. EZ-6 Under the current mandate, at least 28% of manufacturers' new car sales must be zero-emissions vehicles by 2025, prompting many brands to prioritise EV production. As reported by Auto Express, a Mazda spokesperson said: 'Mazda will meet the requirements of the ZEV/VETS legislation through the various flexibilities within the scheme and the introduction of further BEVs.' This comes as Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill recently got to road-test the new Mazda 3, featuring a gutsy 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand discontinues its first and ONLY electric car that was hamstrung by short range & poor practicality
MAZDA is pulling the plug on its first and only electric car, criticised during its four-year run for its limited range and cramped cabin. The MX-30, which made its world debut back in 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show, is a subcompact crossover SUV offered as an EV and as a plug-in hybrid. 4 Mazda's first EV, the MX-30, is being discontinued after four years of mixed reviews Credit: SUPPLIED 4 The MX-30's 124-mile range, due to its small 35.5kWh battery, was a key factor in its struggles against rivals Credit: Supplied 4 New EVs like the Jeep Avenger and MINI Aceman now dominate the subcompact electric SUV market Credit: SUPPLIED 4 Its awkward, coach-style rear doors were also criticised Credit: Supplied But now, it's electric variant has quietly reached the end of its production lifespan. Launched in the UK in 2021, the MX-30 was positioned against the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. However, it struggled to gain traction, primarily due to its short range and limited practicality. One of the most significant criticisms of the MX-30 - aside from its bizarre, coach-style doors - was its modest range of just 124 miles, thanks to its 35.5kWh battery. Read more Motors News The smaller battery size, chosen to reduce the car's weight, improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, but also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. Indeed, today, rivals like the Jeep Avenger, Renault 4, and MINI Aceman offer ranges of around 250 miles - further highlighting the MX-30's shortcomings. WHAT'S NEXT? While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. This variant, equipped with a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, can cover more than 400 miles, according to Mazda. Most read in Motors What's more, the brand is set to give electric cars another stab next year with the 6e saloon, which is poised to be in the same segment as the top-selling Tesla Model 3. A fully electric SUV is also in the pipeline, but the decision to temporarily pluck its only pure electric vehicle in its lineup is bold - particularly in light of the UK Government's ZEV mandate. EZ-6 Under the current mandate, at least 28% of manufacturers' new car sales must be zero-emissions vehicles by 2025, prompting many brands to prioritise EV production. As reported by This comes as Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill
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 Guardian
21-03-2025
- The Guardian
Why road trips strengthen relationships – according to the experts
My first proper date with my now husband was a road trip. I borrowed my mum's car, and we chose our destination based almost entirely on where we could get to on the M4 in less than an hour. (The answer, if you're wondering, was Windsor.) Looking back now, it's not so much the destination or what we did there that stands out, but just how relaxed the journey was, despite the fact that we'd only known each other for a week. Somehow the setting made us feel more relaxed than a pub or a restaurant would have. Unbeknown to us at the time, this was in fact the perfect situation for getting to know each other. 'Short road trips create a unique environment that naturally facilitates deeper connection and intimacy between people,' says senior relationship therapist Sally Baker. 'The side-by-side seating arrangement in a car is particularly significant – it removes the intensity of direct face-to-face interaction.' These short road trips have continued to characterise much of our relationship, from piling into the car with friends after work on a Friday for a weekend away to spontaneous drives to the seaside. My car tells the tale of these trips: grains of sand cling to the grooves of the driver's seat, and there's still a handful of sweet wrappers stuffed in the seat pockets from our last weekend away. 'In our busy lives, we don't often get uninterrupted time together, but a drive removes everyday distractions and encourages conversation,' says Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic. 'There's also something bonding about shared experiences – exploring new places, making decisions together, and even handling small challenges like a wrong turn.' All of which is reassuring if you're like me and have a tendency to turn left when someone tells you to go right. Thankfully, having to rely on my own dubious grasp of directions is less of an issue with the all-electric MINI Aceman's intelligent navigation system, which calculates routes based on real-time traffic information – ideal if you're heading somewhere new to you, whether a restaurant across town or another city for the weekend. If you also have my habit of panicking when trying to parallel park in front of an audience, then you'll love the car's parking assistant, which can automatically manoeuvre the MINI Aceman into that small space you'd otherwise struggle with. Phew. For me, a road trip – however short – is as much about the journey itself as about the destination. Whenever I've headed off for a weekend away with a group of friends, it's the car journey that sets the tone for the days ahead; that feeling of leaving the little stresses of 'normal' life behind as we turn up the music and take to the road. In the car, we reminisce about other trips ('Remember when you took that accidental detour and we found that amazing pub?') and catch up on the nitty-gritty of our daily lives, adding to the feeling of really being able to kick back and relax when we get to our destination. And this time is valuable whether I'm travelling with a group of friends or just one other. I recently drove a relatively new friend out to a nearby town to introduce her to my favourite cafe – I'll admit that I had been nervous about whether we were good enough friends to be in a confined space for an hour, but if anything it was made easier by being in the car. And, of course, once at the cafe we were able to bond further over our shared love of cinnamon buns – and make plans to repeat the journey again soon. 'Short road trips provide a natural framework for deepening intimacy while maintaining playfulness and joy in the relationship,' says Baker. 'The informal setting helps us bypass our usual social masks, allowing for more authentic connection.' Music is another intrinsic part of road-tripping for me, and I love curating songs to match the mood and destination, not least because I know they will remind me of that trip long after it's over. But I'm also aware that what I love listening to might not be everyone's cup of tea. 'You can make the journey enjoyable by listening to a shared playlist, or a podcast that sparks an interesting conversation,' says Touroni. 'The key is to set expectations early, including what kind of atmosphere you both want, in terms of music, quiet time and chatting.' In the MINI Aceman, this can be further enhanced by its Experience Modes which, with the touch of a button, can change the lighting, soundscape and ambience of the car's interior. If you're heading off to a festival, you might fancy the bright colours of Vivid Mode, which lets your music take centre stage, while a spa day with your mates will be better suited to the soothing tones of Balance Mode. Many of us drive so regularly that we give little thought to the positive impact that taking a drive with friends or loved ones can have. I for one will be relishing that time spent together in the car next time I take a road trip – in fact, I might just plan one right now. Find out more about the all-electric MINI Aceman
The Guardian
19-03-2025
- The Guardian
Don't skimp on snacks and let the tech do the work: six smart rules for road tripping
When you think of iconic ways to travel, the road trip has to be up there. Whether you're travelling with friends or family, they are the perfect setting for self-discovery, bonding and, of course, adventure. But travelling long distances in a confined space with other people isn't always a recipe for a good time. Oh no. Sometimes you need to lay the groundwork with a little ingenuity and planning. So before you hit the road, here are six rules that will make your next road trip one to remember – for all the right reasons. Break it upA road trip isn't just about getting from A to B, it's about the journey. The problem is, long journeys can be monotonous, especially if you have restless kids in the car. The trick? Break it up along the way. Not only will this make your road trip safer, but by creating a series of mini-adventures you'll keep spirits high and repetitions of 'are we nearly there yet?' to a minimum. The Highway Code recommends drivers take a 15 minute break after every two hours of driving, so with that in mind, take time to pre-plan your stops. Not only will this be a weight off your mind, but it also means you can pick locations that offer the most bang for their buck – whether that's great views, clean loos, or somewhere to recharge or refuel. Once you've broken your road trip down, you should give each leg of the journey its own personality. If you're lucky enough to be travelling in the all-electric MINI Aceman, the MINI Experience Modes mean you can change the in-car vibe at the touch of the button. Each mode allows you to transform your cabin's colour scheme, lighting, style and soundscape, and with eight to choose from, you'll be covered for the whole day. Alternatively, try setting a different theme (such as game time or quiet time) or assigning a new in-car DJ or playlist for each part of the trip, and watch the hours fly by. Give everyone a roleNo one wants to feel like a spare part, so make sure everyone has a designated job – or two. This will help to create a harmonious team spirit, and ensure everyone in the car feels equally valuable and invested in the journey. Obviously you have the driver – or the driving team if you're splitting the job – but aside from that there are countless road trip jobs you could assign, from snack monitor (see below) to DJ, navigator to games coordinator. Don't skimp on snacksLike birthdays and holidays, and when you're flying or going through a break-up, calories don't count on a road trip – which means the more snacks the better. When it comes to nibbles everyone has their go-to treats, so make sure you load up on each crew member's faves. Then, simply bundle them all into a dedicated tote bag and place it next to the snack monitor for easy – and constant – distribution. After all, a sated road tripper is a happy road tripper. Plan for all eventualitiesAs with any adventure, the unexpected can always happen – like getting stuck in a traffic jam or having to make a last minute detour. This is where the MINI Connected Package, with its array of entertainment features, including access to music and audiobooks, comes into its own. It can even turn the central instrument display monitor into an AirConsole games console when the car is stationary or charging. Also coming with clever personalisation and navigation functions, such as flagging congestion in real-time and saving your active cruise control settings – it's the ideal road trip add-on. Let the tech do the hard workOnce upon a time, road trips involved dog-eared road maps and endless games of 'spot the red car' – but those days are long behind us. Now, canny road trippers let the tech do the hard work so they can sit back and enjoy the journey. Chances are, your car can do more than you know. For instance, the all-electric MINI Aceman comes with Spike, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, which can handle everything from providing live weather updates to adjusting the temperature inside the car, while the MINI app can help you find, and navigate to, the nearest public charging station. So before setting off, take the time to get to grips with your car's full tech capabilities. You might not bother using live traffic updates or cruise control day-to-day, but they will be a real asset on a longer drive. Choose your cruiser wiselyIt goes without saying that the right vehicle can make or break a road trip, so if you have a choice, choose wisely. For road trip purposes, your main considerations should be safety, space and style – get these right, and you'll be in for a smooth ride. Unsurprisingly, the all-electric MINI Aceman has all three in spades. From dynamic cruise control to lane departure warning, which immediately alerts you when you veer out of your lane, this smart car has your back. Space is no problem either. The MINI Aceman can comfortably fit five adults – along with 300 litres of boot space with all the seats up, and MINI roof rails (for fitting a MINI roof rack and roof box) as standard. Finally, style is a constant throughout, from innovative, leather-free interiors featuring knitted textiles, to its seriously playful handling and responsiveness. In fact, it's so ace, you might actually be upset when you reach your destination. Find out more about the all-electric MINI Aceman
