Honda e vs MINI Electric: verdict and specifications

The impressive Honda e can't match the MINI Electric for sportiness, but it's the better car overall

Honda e vs MINI Electric

While seemingly closely matched in many ways, the Honda e and MINI Electric offer two different approaches to the small electric-car recipe. MINI has taken its existing, well loved hatchback model and added electric power while retaining much of that car's playful character; Honda, meanwhile, has gone for a ground-up approach and created a more comfort-orientated city car that's thoroughly modern and forward-thinking. We'll hope for more range from future versions of these cars, but in both cases this is countered somewhat by pretty speedy charging times for topping up around town – more so in the 100kW-capable Honda.

1st: Honda e

The Honda e is one of the best small cars on sale, electric or otherwise. Modern, stylish and desirable, it's cheaper to buy than its rival yet offers more standard equipment, (slightly) better efficiency and is more comfortable to drive. Its interior is fantastic and boasts a very impressive infotainment system, while four doors mean it's more flexible than the MINI, despite a smaller boot.

2nd: MINI Electric

The MINI is more fun from behind the wheel and remains a quality product that feels well engineered and solidly built. It runs the Honda close on the running costs front, but it's more expensive to buy, has less standard equipment and its interior simply can't match the Honda's for appeal. Its boot is slightly bigger, but a lack of rear doors and tighter rear seats mean it isn't as practical overall.

Specifications

CarHonda e AdvanceMINI Electric Level 3
On-the-road price£29,160£30,900
EngineElectric motorElectric motor
TransmissionSingle-speed auto, rear-wheel driveSingle-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Battery capacity (total / usable)35.5 / 28.5kWh32.6 / 28.9kWh
Power / torque152bhp / 315Nm181bhp / 270Nm
0-62mph8.3 seconds7.3 seconds
Top speed90mph93mph
100% charge cost at 14p/kWh£4.10£4.16
Charge time (socket / wallbox)18hrs 48mins / 4hrs 6mins12hrs / 3hrs 12mins
On-test electric range108 miles104 miles
Road tax / BiK rate £0 / 0%£0 / 0%
Length / width / height / wheelbase3,894 / 1,512 / 1,752 / 2,538mm4,940 / 1,852 / 1,452 / 2,939mm
Boot capacity (seats up/down)171 / 861 Iitres211 / 731 litres

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