14/03/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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powered by SCAN ME Ace in hand I CONS never die, they just become better with time. That cannot be truer for an iconic brand like Mini. Effectively under the BMW Group’s stewardship since 1994, Mini has come a long way. If you have been living in a cave for the past 40 years, you may be surprised to see what the brand has now become. Mini Aceman S offers good looks, but ride quality may not be for everyone Ű BY KESHY DHILLON FRIDAY | MAR 14, 2025

What’s the background of the Aceman? Despite popular belief, the Aceman is not a replacement for the Paceman. They might sound similar, but they are two entirely different cars. While the Paceman was a large coupe, the Aceman is a four-door variant that positions itself as a practical car. In terms of sizing, it sits smack in between the Cooper SE and the Countryman SE. That makes it perfect for those who find the Cooper too small and the Countryman too big. It is also priced at RM213,888 which also gets you a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. But if you are willing to spend RM221,888, you will get a four-year unlimited mileage warranty together with a service package. In comparison, the Cooper SE is priced at RM200,188 with the full warranty and service package. The Countryman SE on the other hand is priced at RM266,288 with the full package. So the Aceman has carved out a nice little spot in the entire Mini line-up. The Aceman is also built in China through a joint-venture with Great Wall Motors, though there are plans to build it elsewhere as well to help the BMW group manage hefty import taxes into key markets. What differentiates it from the rest? It is more similar to its siblings than different actually. Modern cars carrying the same brand badge tend to do that in the name of cost optimisation. So rather than have a different interior design, lighting design and such, it is easier to have their interiors and other bits look somewhat the same, but with different sizing. Modern car companies are all about pleasing members of the boardroom and keep buyers coming back because of the brand on the bonnet. But having said that, the Aceman S

Its cars are now Mini in name but not so much in size. They are also stylish and rather quirky at the same time – a combination which has made Mini cars a must buy, not only as a statement but because of their versatility. Over the years, Mini has expanded its line up of models. You don’t only get the iconic Cooper name, instead you get the Cooper S, Mini John Cooper Works – which is the high performance model. On top of that, you also get the Countryman, the Paceman, Clubman, Roadster, and many more. Some still live on while others like the Paceman have been discontinued. The most recent model to join the line-up is the Aceman, and for the first time in Mini’s history, it is only available with an electric powertrain. Other Mini EV’s like the Cooper and Country have been available with either an internal combustion engine, or with an electric drivetrain. Launched in Malaysia towards the end of last year, the Aceman is quite a special model, and we got to drive it recently.

No forward storage space.

Decent boot space. No automatic tailgate.