Motor Journalist Koji Ozawa on the Allure of the MINI CROSSOVER PHEV | MINI
Presented by MINI
The Most Versatile MINI You Can Buy Today
Since it's a PHEV, I decided to test it not only in the city but also on long highway drives, winding country roads, and even unpaved forest trails.
As expected, after about 50 km, the charge depleted, and it reverted to operating like a regular gasoline MINI Crossover.
However, the MINI Crossover PHEV remains impressive because it maintains its characteristic MINI driving feel even after the electric range is exhausted. Of course, you can no longer enjoy silent starts or smooth acceleration solely on electric power. But the 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline turbo engine at the front produces 136 PS and 220 Nm of peak power and torque. This output is higher than the standard MINI Crossover's 1.5-liter gasoline turbo, providing ample power to propel the heavier body.
Furthermore, being a PHEV with regenerative braking, the initial acceleration always receives electric assistance, and to conserve fuel, the engine typically shuts off when you lift off the accelerator.
The signature MINI go-kart feeling remains intact even on winding roads.
On winding roads, and even more so on forest trails, you experience the MINI Crossover's stability and confident traction. Although its high center of gravity, at nearly 1.6 meters, might suggest a tendency to roll, there's no feeling of instability even in high-speed cornering. What was surprisingly good was its performance on the unpaved forest trails.
Because the surface was unpaved, I was particularly concerned about tire grip when initiating a turn. However, it exhibited MINI's characteristic sharp handling. Furthermore, during cornering, when accelerating, the rear motor engages depending on the charge status, providing 'e-boost' to assist with turning.
Even when the charge runs out, it reliably performs as a hybrid four-wheel-drive vehicle when needed.
The excellent off-road capability, inherent to the ALL4 system, is one of the MINI Crossover PHEV's strengths.
Admittedly, hearing about a PHEV version of the MINI Crossover might leave one wondering about its specific characteristics. While electrification is appealing, the benefits of it in a Crossover model might not be immediately clear.
That's not the case. Even setting aside the electric driving experience, it's the smoothest in the lineup, offers nearly equivalent practicality, and is suitable for a wide range of activities—from daily commutes and long-distance trips to outdoor adventures and winter sports. In essence, it's a model that complements an active lifestyle.
The price of the MINI Crossover Untamed PHEV starts at ¥5,470,000. As it qualifies for eco-car tax reductions, you can receive a tax exemption of ¥450,000.
The MINI Crossover PHEV is the most versatile MINI available today, and perhaps a compelling choice for the modern era.
