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48 Phonebox Magazine | November 2025Phonebox Motoringwith Tom JohnstonEver been go-karting? If so, you%u2019ll appreciate the fun and excitement of these little racing machines as they zip around their tiny tracks. Now MINI has brought that experience to the road with their clever allelectric Aceman. And it%u2019s great.STATE OF THE KARTIt%u2019s been a while since I squeezed myself into a go-kart. But I remember the great fun, exhilaration, sense of achievement and aching shoulders from those race nights.I wouldn%u2019t rush to get back on track in a go-kart, but recently I got quite close to the sensation off ered by the lightweight racers when I drove MIN%u2019s all-electric Aceman. Last year%u2019s addition to MINI%u2019s growing family features a clever driving mode called %u2018Go-Kart%u2019, which makes the car feel zippy and quick, with the addition of a sporty kart-like sound to add to the sensation.It%u2019s all clever stuff from this high-tech crossover that%u2019s larger and higher than a usual estate car but smaller than a regular SUV (sports utility vehicle). Designers have done a great job creating a car that, at fi rst sight, gives the impression of a compact town model befi tting of the %u2018MINI%u2019 badge, but off ers an interior making use of all available space.Off ered only in electric form, the Aceman introduces new levels of technology and digital know-how to give an interesting and exciting driving experience that%u2019s heading fi rmly into the future of driving in the UK and Europe. Its compact size and agile feeling lends itself perfectly to crowded streets and busy commutes while also off ering space and versatility for a growing family or someone with work equipment or sports gear, such as golf clubs, to carry around.The Aceman comes in two forms %u2013 E and SE %u2013 which come with diff ering levels of equipment and features but crucially, with two levels of performance, the SE bringing more power and range to the party courtesy of a bigger battery.On top of that, both versions have three diff erent specifi cation levels %u2013 Classic, Exclusive and Sport %u2013 allowing owners to create and build their car to their own personality and style. Diff erent fi nishes, options and features allow for a huge number of diff erent combinations to create your own bespoke model that won%u2019t be like anyone else%u2019s.As you move up the specifi cation levels, exterior paint options are introduced with enticing names such as Nanuq White, Sunset Blue, and Chilli Red, while all-black roof, bonnet stripes and an array of alloy wheel trims help to separate your car from the crowd.I drove the SE Sport version at the higher end of the spec level. SE cars get a 54.2 kWh battery to give 16kW (215 hp) performance that%u2019s good for 0-62 mph in just 7.1 seconds. Compare that with the E version%u2019s 42.5 kWh battery and 135 kW (184 hp) output for a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds.The SE%u2019s larger power source means range is a healthy 250 miles on a single charge compared with the E%u2019s 190 miles. So it%u2019s a bit more kit, a bit more fun and a bit more time to enjoy it all between electricity top-ups.Driving the MINI Aceman is a fun and enjoyable experience. The compact dimensions and zippy power plant give you the feeling of total control and excellent manoeuvrability. Real %u2018point it and go%u2019 stuff that leaves you with a smile on your face and a great feeling of joy. That driving mode option increases the immersion of the user experience. Choose from styles such as Vivid, Green, Timeless and Trail, and that Go-Kart option and watch the massive dial in the centre of the dashboard change colour and style to match the mode. In Go-Kart for example, the display matches MINI%u2019s racing heritage, turning a sporty anthracite and red and showing analogue displays for driving dynamics while introducing the racy go-kart engine sound into the cabin.It makes you want to press on, and you%u2019re helped by the MINI%u2019s nimble,