Despite making its Malaysian debut barely a year ago as the 2020 Mini Cooper SE, the Mini Electric is already at the receiving end of a few welcomed updates. This comes after the initial shipment of 30 units was quickly sold out upon the EV's launch, making up a notable portion of the 250-plus electrified vehicles the company has sold since the Countryman PHEV was first launched here in 2018. 

For 2021, the Mini Electric gets a quick makeover which includes a redesigned front bumper that loses the foglights for a set of integrated air curtains for better aerodynamics. Most of the bits that were previously grey – LED headlight housing and tailgate handle to name a few – have been refinished in high-gloss black while new S badges, filled in the Electric's signature neon yellow hue (obvs), round off the sportier persona of the once cutesy, compact EV. 

The electric motor remains unchanged, with 135kW (184bhp) and 270Nm of torque giving the Mini Electric the beans to complete the century sprint in 7.3 respectable seconds. Top speed is rated at a modest 150kph, which is more than sufficient for a city car. After all, you won't be doing too many interstate runs in a car that's only rated for 232 kilometres of WLTP range. 

What the Mini Electric lacks in long-distance abilities it makes up for in day-to-day ease of use. Its 12-module, 28.9kWh battery unit can be topped up to 80 percent from flat in just 36 minutes at a DC charging station. Recharging the same amount via a Mini Wallbox Plus at home or at a public AC station takes about two hours and a half, which is a great excuse for a quick movie. If you're curious, can monitor the charging progress can be tracked inside of the charging flap, on the digital instrument cluster or via the Mini app. 

Inside, the new Mini Electric gets an updated steering wheel design and piano black interior trim. An 8.8-inch Mini Navigation System with Concierge Services and Apple Carplay, as well as a 12-speaker, 360-watt Harman Kardon audio system are also part of the package. Camera-based driver aids, park assistant and a lane departure warning system that works at speeds of up to 210kph – yes, 210kph! – are among the safety highlights, while eco features such as the Green Driving Assistant and Range Assistant help drivers maximise their charge while keeping range anxiety at bay. 

For all its on-board tech, the 2021 Mini Electric is quite a steal on paper at RM217,471 on the road without SST and insurance. This is the cheapest price tag in Mini Malaysia's current catalogue, and it includes a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service, with an additional eight-year/100,000km warranty covering the high-voltage battery. 

This, or an old school Cooper S for an extra RM35k?