MINI Aceman - Design, interior & technology

The MINI Aceman’s interior will feel familiar to anyone who has sat in the latest MINI Cooper hatchback or Countryman SUV. It really does set the benchmark for small-car cabins, with first-rate material quality, design and layout. 

Some may lament the lack of a proper instrument cluster, but at least all versions come with a head-up display – so you’re not forced to glance at the central screen to view your speed or trip information. It feels pretty natural, in fact, and gets a big thumbs-up from us.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

There’s no arguing that MINI’s latest infotainment system is a bit of a party piece. The big, circular screen in the centre of the dashboard looks great, and it’s responsive enough to not require multiple prods like you might find in some rivals’. Yet we really didn’t find it all that intuitive to operate; sure, you might get used to the layouts, but setting a destination or changing the radio station should be simpler.

That said, it’s full of functionality, and as always, the fitment of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto means you can bypass many of the tricky submenus if you’re happy to use your phone’s apps instead. It’s a shame it doesn’t fill the entire screen, but this isn’t an issue exclusive to MINI – and a challenge only made harder by the shape of the Aceman’s circular screen.