What's the difference?
Mini and electricity were always destined to be together. Of course a sporty, prestigious and quirky little car favoured by urban dwellers was going to be the perfect match for an electric powertrain.
And while the Aceman SUV isn't the first fully electric vehicle for the brand it is a welcome addition that's quintessentially Mini, even if it is made in China.
The Aceman fills the gap between the Mini Cooper hatch and Countryman SUV and rivals a range of small electric premium SUVs such as the Alfa Romeo Junior and even the Volvo EX30.
The variant of this four-door, five-seater Aceman we are testing is the SE.
Kia is no stranger to vans, nor electric cars. The very successful Carnival and the family of EV-named models from 3 to 9 have proven that.
But the 2026 Kia PV5 is the first time Kia’s launched a model that fits in both categories, and it comes with a futuristic design, low price, and competitive electric driving range.
It’s clear Kia hopes those looking at rivals like the VW ID.Buzz, Renault Kangoo E-Tech or Peugeot E-Partner will consider a PV5, but can it lure away buyers of diesel stalwarts like the Toyota HiAce or Ford Transit?
The Aceman could be the perfect Mini - bigger than a Cooper, smaller than a Countryman. It’s also surprisingly spacious and practical. The price is about right compared to rivals, and so is the battery size and range.
What the Mini has that others don’t is its unique and playful design and ‘attitude’. True to the Mini ethos it's not a restrained car, it’s whimsical in its design but serious in its ability. It's a great car to drive both dynamically and in terms of comfort.
Kia isn’t expecting the PV5 to light the sales charts on fire, but it is hoping to get in on the ground floor when businesses start looking to EVs to replace their diesel fleets.
In that sense, Kia seems onto a winner here, given the PV5 feels wholly suited to short-distance courier or call-out trade work.
It’s cleverly designed and pleasant from the driver’s seat, and its low outlay and running costs will surely place it high on fleet buyers’ lists.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.