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- 2 months ago
KIA EV3 vs MINI Aceman is a sharp electric car comparison that asks a simple question: range or design exercise, and why not both? Two affordable EVs go head to head in winter conditions, with exterior design, luggage space, rear seats, cockpit layout, handling and real-world range all put under the microscope.
The Kia EV3 is presented as a compact electric hatchback with SUV styling, while the MINI Aceman is MINI’s small crossover take on an electric five-door hatch. The review compares their dimensions, boot space, charging, driver aids and everyday usability, including how the EV3’s larger cabin and frunk stack up against the Aceman’s premium feel and go-kart handling. Cold-weather driving matters here too, because both cars are tested around freezing temperatures without preconditioning.
If you are cross-shopping compact electric SUVs, affordable EVs, or want a practical EV range test and design review, this comparison gives a clear picture of where each car shines. It is especially useful for buyers looking at Kia EV3 review, MINI Aceman review, electric hatchback comparison, winter EV range, and real-world family EV practicality.
The Kia EV3 is presented as a compact electric hatchback with SUV styling, while the MINI Aceman is MINI’s small crossover take on an electric five-door hatch. The review compares their dimensions, boot space, charging, driver aids and everyday usability, including how the EV3’s larger cabin and frunk stack up against the Aceman’s premium feel and go-kart handling. Cold-weather driving matters here too, because both cars are tested around freezing temperatures without preconditioning.
If you are cross-shopping compact electric SUVs, affordable EVs, or want a practical EV range test and design review, this comparison gives a clear picture of where each car shines. It is especially useful for buyers looking at Kia EV3 review, MINI Aceman review, electric hatchback comparison, winter EV range, and real-world family EV practicality.
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MotorTranscript
00:00This is a Kia EV3, a compact electric hatchback, which, in its product presentation, Kia calls an SUV.
00:07And this is a Mini Aceman, an electric version of the five-door hatchback, which is now called the Cooper.
00:12And Mini claims that this is a small crossover, whose all-electric drive opens up a whole range of fresh
00:18possibilities in terms of vehicle design.
00:20Now, depending on the configuration, these cars can have a similar price, similar range, similar performance.
00:25Hence, does Kia's technology and design stand up against a premium brand like Mini?
00:32When I booked these models for test drives, I was very curious about the result of the comparison.
00:38I already know the outcome, and I'm about to share the results of my observations with you.
00:56You can find reviews of both of these cars on my channel, links in the description below the video.
01:02Also, if you're here for the first time, subscribe, press the bell icon to get notifications about new reviews and
01:07comparisons I make.
01:09And I make them every week.
01:10Now, channel members get to watch new videos weeks and sometimes even months in advance.
01:17So, that's before everyone else and without any ads.
01:21So, perhaps you might want to consider becoming a channel member.
01:25It's not very expensive and all this and more early.
01:32In this video, we'll compare the exterior design, luggage space, rear seats, cockpit, ride-on handling and range.
01:39Just in case, if you haven't noticed, I'm recording this in the winter.
01:44So, this is going to get even more interesting because today it's about minus 11 degrees Celsius.
01:51Find out what's that in Fahrenheit.
01:53It's pretty cold.
01:55As far as design is concerned, the Kia EV3 looks modern.
01:58It resembles a miniature version of the EV9 seven-seater SUV.
02:02In terms of dimensions, the EV3 is close to the Dacia Duster,
02:06but unlike the Romanian crossover, Kia only pretends to have a high ground clearance.
02:10That's what the black plastic cladding around the sills and the fenders is for.
02:14The EV3 has less than 15 centimeters of ground clearance, which used to be normal in hatchbacks back in the
02:19day.
02:20Mini, with a ground clearance of just over 14 centimeters, uses the same tricks.
02:25Lots of black plastic along the sills and the fenders.
02:28While the EV3 is 430 centimeters long and has 268 centimeters wheelbase,
02:35the Aceman is about 22 centimeters shorter and has a wheelbase that is about 6.5 centimeters shorter.
02:41Measuring 157 centimeters tall, the Kia is also more than 6 centimeters taller than the Mini.
02:48At 185 centimeters wide, the EV3 is nearly 10 centimeters wider than the Aceman.
02:55In addition to creating an illusion that we are dealing with a crossover rather than a hatchback,
03:00from the front, the Aceman resembles a miniature countryman.
03:04Also, from every angle, you can see a mile away that it's a Mini.
03:10Mini sells because of its image and not much can be done about the design.
03:15Kia, on the other hand, has a clean slate and I think its cars are interestingly modern,
03:19but at the same time, not over the top.
03:22Which one of these two cars do you like better?
03:25Leave a comment below.
03:27I'll start with the frunks.
03:29Kia has a small frunk, just 25 liters, but it's enough for a charging cable.
03:34Not all AC charging points have a charging cable.
03:38Sometimes you have to bring your own.
03:40And you don't want to look for it at the bottom of the boot under,
03:44hmm, I don't know, maybe luggage that you're carrying in there.
03:48For a model that, according to the press release, features clever use of space,
03:53while, and I quote here,
03:55the all-electric drive opens up a whole range of fresh possibilities in terms of vehicle design,
04:02Mini has little to show for it here.
04:05And yet, speaking of clever use of space and opening up a whole range of fresh possibilities
04:10in terms of vehicle design,
04:11the larger Kia EV3 has a smaller turning radius than the Mini-Aceman.
04:17The tailgate on the EV3 can be electrically operated.
04:21And the boot volume is, lo and behold, 460 liters.
04:27I'm trying to make this as interesting as I can.
04:30By the floor, the boot is 105 centimeters wide and 80 centimeters deep to the second row backrests.
04:37When the backrests in the second row are folded, these split 40-60,
04:42and the front passenger seat is moved all the way forward, there is 180 centimeters of space.
04:47The height to the cargo cover is 37 centimeters, with the floor in the upper position,
04:52which gives us a flat loading area when the seats are down.
04:55And when the floor is lowered, there is 52 centimeters to the cargo cover.
05:00Under the floor, in the lower position, there is still a styrofoam tray with compartments
05:06for a repair kit, tools, fire extinguisher, etc.
05:10When the floor is in the upper position, the cargo cover fits underneath it.
05:16The tailgate in the Aceman opens manually,
05:19and that's regardless of the equipment version.
05:21There is no electrically operated boot lid.
05:25The boot lid, however, is shaped in an awkward way,
05:27so that mud collects not only around the release button,
05:31but also all the way here,
05:32and then it runs down the boot lid and drips inside the boot,
05:36and on whomever is trying to reach into the luggage compartment.
05:45Not a very good job.
05:48The Aceman's boot has 300 liters capacity,
05:51the width is 95 centimeters,
05:54and the depth to the backrests in the second row is 60 centimeters.
05:57With the backrests folded down,
05:59there is 150 centimeters to the front passenger's seat,
06:02slid all the way forward.
06:04The height to the parcel shelf is 38 centimeters,
06:07with the floor in the upper position,
06:09and 45 centimeters when the floor is lowered.
06:12A charging cable fits under the floor in the lower position,
06:16and the parcel shelf fits under the floor in the upper position,
06:19and a flat cargo space is created,
06:21with the second row seats folded.
06:25The rear seat in the EV3 is fairly flat.
06:29The advantage is that it's easier to sit three people across,
06:35and the third person will also appreciate the flat floor.
06:38For now, the downside is that two people can slide around.
06:41Fortunately, they have a center armrest to keep them in place.
06:45Also, the seat width is 125 centimeters.
06:49However, at elbow level, there is about 150 centimeters.
06:54There are pockets in the doors and in the front seat backs.
06:57There is an air conditioning vent.
06:59There are two USB-C ports in the front seat backs.
07:02I'm 175 centimeters tall.
07:05Behind the driver's seat, set to my driving position,
07:07I have about 12 centimeters legroom.
07:09I also have about 7 centimeters headroom,
07:12though I'd rather sit more upright.
07:16The rear seat in the Aceman is also 125 centimeters wide.
07:20However, at elbow level,
07:22there is 10 centimeters less than in the EV3.
07:25The seats are contoured for two passengers,
07:28even though this is a five-seater car,
07:31and the press release mentions an ampli-sized rear of the vehicle.
07:35I guess someone asked Chad GPT to write something positive about the car,
07:39because no sober person would write such rubbish.
07:42Instead, MINI could resume posting specifications for its models,
07:46from which prospective customers would learn that the MINI offers
07:50not only two rear Isofix anchor points,
07:52but also one on the front passenger seat,
07:55something that Kia doesn't,
07:56because Kia only has the two rear Isofix anchor points,
07:59which you can learn about in the specification,
08:01which is publicly available online.
08:05Unless I've shrunk because of the freezing temperature,
08:08I'm still 175 centimeters tall,
08:10and behind the seat, set to my driving position,
08:13I have about 10 centimeters legroom.
08:15I also have about 5 centimeters headroom,
08:17more where the panoramic roof starts.
08:20USB-C ports and the only cup holder is between the front seats.
08:25And there is a tunnel running through the middle,
08:27because a whole range of fresh possibilities in terms of design.
08:30The door pockets are tiny.
08:34In front of the driver, there is a wide display,
08:38which stretches three quarters of the cockpit
08:42and is divided into three zones.
08:43The first one is the odometer, trip computer, etc.
08:48The second, smaller zone is your climate control panel.
08:51It's partly, or mainly, actually entirely,
08:55obstructed by the steering wheel.
08:57And then there is the infotainment system
08:58in the center of the cockpit.
09:00But the driver also gets a heads-up display.
09:05Kia kept a lot of physical buttons,
09:07both on the steering wheel and above the driver's left knee,
09:10plus the basic switchgear in the middle of the cockpit.
09:13Although the drive selector joystick is behind the steering wheel,
09:16it is visible through the spokes.
09:18In the middle of the cockpit,
09:20under the screen and the air conditioning vent,
09:22are buttons for temperature control,
09:24USB-C ports,
09:26a 12-volt outlet,
09:27as well as a wireless charger
09:29that does more heating than charging,
09:31even during the winter.
09:33Then there are cupholders,
09:35a cubby for your everyday stuff,
09:37and a sliding console,
09:39presumably for placing a laptop on it
09:42to work while you're charging.
09:44Don't try to put anything underneath it, though,
09:46as it will be swallowed.
09:48I made a mistake of putting the car registration papers there
09:50and I had to use a multi-tool to retrieve them.
09:54There is a medium-sized glove box
09:56and the door pockets are decent.
09:59The seats are electrically operated,
10:01but without memory function.
10:02The lateral support is insufficient
10:04and I slide around too much in the seats in the corners.
10:09The Aceman's cockpit, or Mini's,
10:11in general is minimalist.
10:12Mini? Minimalist? Get it?
10:15There is only a head-up display in front of the driver
10:18and everything else happens
10:20on the 24 centimeters round display,
10:2424 centimeters across.
10:26Most of the settings are controlled from the screen,
10:28however, there are some physical buttons
10:30here and there around the cockpit,
10:32so basic functions can be accessed
10:34using muscle memory
10:35rather than nervously searching them
10:39on the screen,
10:40because things change on the screen.
10:43There is a wireless charger,
10:45USB-C ports,
10:47way too large cup holders.
10:49No one in the States will buy this
10:51and Europeans don't drink from buckets.
10:53The armrest is attached to the driver's seat,
10:56there is a small storage compartment
10:58between the seats
10:59and the glove box is on the small side.
11:02The pockets are, let's say, adequate.
11:05The seats in the Aceman are comfortable
11:07even despite the integrated headrests.
11:09I sit more comfortably than in the Kia,
11:11although I appreciate the extra space in the EV3.
11:14However, I do like mini's ambient lighting.
11:17At night, I can see easily where I put my stuff.
11:20In the Kia, everything below the screen
11:22is a dark hole.
11:24Ambient lighting is only available
11:25on EV3's top trim.
11:39The Kia EV3 is available
11:41with a standard or extended range,
11:44which means a traction battery
11:45with net capacity of 50, 5, or 78 kilowatt hours,
11:49respectively,
11:50and WLTP range of 436 or 605 kilometers.
11:53In the winter, when I'm recording this comparison,
11:57the daytime temperature hovers around freezing,
11:59and at night, it drops to as low as minus 10,
12:02minus 15 degrees Celsius.
12:03I park both cars outside,
12:05plugging them in only for charging,
12:07no preconditioning.
12:08In such conditions,
12:09the Kia EV3 with extended range
12:11and an optional heat pump
12:13is able to drive about 400 kilometers
12:16on a single charge.
12:18Now, Kia does offer some recuperation options.
12:22You steer them with those paddle shifters
12:26here by the steering wheel.
12:27There is automatic radar-based recuperation,
12:30or there are a couple of recuperation levels,
12:33including full self,
12:35not full self-driving.
12:36Nobody offers full self-driving.
12:38One-pedal driving,
12:40and that's called I-pedal.
12:44Like, I-pedal, not I-pedal.
12:51The EV3 peaks at 127 kilowatts DC.
12:55The charging curve is fairly flat.
12:57There is also 11 kilowatt AC charging,
13:00with plans to bump it up to 22 kilowatts in 2026.
13:05The EV3 gives the impression
13:07of being much more nippy
13:09than the data would suggest.
13:10The handling is not as engaging as in the Mini,
13:13but sufficiently fun
13:14to make me consider the Kia.
13:16The suspension is rather stiff.
13:18I also have a problem
13:20with the falling roofline,
13:21which limits visibility
13:22in the rearview mirror.
13:23I can only see cars close behind me,
13:25but not those further away.
13:28There is a decent 360 camera.
13:30Navigation with route planning is okay.
13:33The EV3 can tow up to 500 kilograms
13:36in the standard range version
13:37and up to 1,000 kilograms
13:39in the extended range version.
13:55The ACEMAN is a joy to drive,
13:58provided that the road surface
14:00is completely flat.
14:01Even the smallest bumps
14:03expose the harsh ride.
14:05Also, some unfortunate combination
14:07of the wheelbase length,
14:08weight and firmness
14:10makes the car jerk back and forth
14:12on some bumps.
14:14And it's a shame
14:15because otherwise,
14:16the ACEMAN is ace at handling.
14:19The Mini ACEMAN is available
14:21in an E version
14:23with 38.5 kilowatt hour
14:25traction battery
14:26and 184 horsepower
14:27and an SE version
14:29with 49.2 kilowatt hours
14:32net traction battery
14:33and 218 horsepower.
14:36This is the latter.
14:41The range of the E version
14:43is about 300 kilometers
14:44and the SE will do
14:46about 400 kilometers.
14:47In the summer,
14:48I reviewed a Cooper SE,
14:50which also had a claimed range
14:51of around 400 kilometers.
14:53It was achievable
14:54in the extra urban cycle.
14:55The range dropped
14:56to about 300 kilometers
14:58around the city
14:58and around 250 kilometers
15:00on the motorway.
15:01That's assuming you start
15:02with a full charge
15:03and drive to empty
15:05rather than in the
15:0610 to 80% state of charge range.
15:08In that review,
15:09I said I would be testing
15:10the ACEMAN
15:11in the autumn or winter conditions
15:12and indeed,
15:13that's how it turned out.
15:15The conditions were identical
15:16to those of the Kia EV3,
15:18i.e. near zero during the day
15:20and around minus 10 degrees
15:22Celsius at night.
15:23Parking outside,
15:25no preconditioning,
15:26on a test route
15:27that was about 60 something
15:28kilometers around the city,
15:2960 something extra urban
15:31and 60 something
15:32on the motorway,
15:32the ACEMAN barely covered
15:34200 kilometers.
15:36Nothing to write home about.
15:41Same with DC charging,
15:43which peaks at 95 kilowatts.
15:45This is not a car
15:46you're going to be road tripping,
15:48especially not in the winter.
15:49Sure, the bigger mini battery
15:51is smaller than that
15:52in the standard range Kia,
15:54but the EV3 also has a heat pump
15:56and is there for at least
15:58two, three kilowatt hours
15:59per 100 kilometers
16:00more efficient on cold days.
16:06Mini uses radar-based
16:07recuperation by default.
16:09There is also a B mode
16:10for reasonably strong recuperation,
16:12good for long hill descents,
16:14but it's not full one-pedal driving.
16:17Visibility is good
16:18and there is a wide range
16:19of adjustment
16:20of the position
16:21behind the steering wheel.
16:22Like the brand's other models,
16:24the ACEMAN also has features
16:25such as a 360 camera,
16:27augmented reality navigation
16:29and parking assist.
16:37Prices of the Kia EV3
16:39started 35,990 euro
16:41for the base spec
16:43with standard range.
16:44It costs more than 5 grand
16:46to get the long range model.
16:47This test example with options
16:49costs 48,260 euro.
16:52Prices of the Mini ACEMAN
16:54start at 30,650 euro
16:57for the E
16:58and 34,150 euro
17:00for the SE.
17:01This test car is an ACEMAN SE
17:03in John Cooper Works trim.
17:06With options,
17:07it costs 46,446 euro.
17:13The Kia EV3
17:15is a very competent car
17:16which also looks funky.
17:18The Mini ACEMAN
17:19drives better
17:20and has better calibrated
17:21driver aids
17:22but in everyday use,
17:23the EV3 is just a more sensible choice.
17:26Also, because if you don't care
17:27much about range,
17:28you can have a fully loaded Kia
17:30for way less than a Mini
17:32with comparable performance.
17:34And which one of these two cars
17:36speaks to you?
17:37Are you focused on the range
17:38or maybe the go-kart handling aspect
17:40is what you're all about?
17:42Let me know in the comment section
17:44below.
17:46If you like my sarcastic,
17:48down-to-earth
17:49and possibly mildly amusing
17:51car reviews,
17:51join me every Friday
17:53at 3 p.m.
17:54Central European time.
17:55And don't forget to subscribe
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18:01Thanks for watching
18:01and I will see you in the next one.