Starter and transmission are controlled on the same steering column stalk and the vehicle readies itself with a polymorphic dong. There’s no creep built into transmission and the throttle action follows a pattern set by electric Minis, with strong regeneration braking as you left off. With nifty right foot work, you can (almost) drive the i3 on the throttle alone but it’s easy to get caught out by a developing hazards requiring quick transfer to the brake pedal.

The 94Ah battery doesn't improve performance, in fact the 0-62mph time is slightly slower because of its extra weight, but the i3 is still a sporting car if not a full-on GTI. In the past, however, you'd always hold back for fear of draining the battery, but 94Ah means you can indulge in a quick squirt without contemplating an afternoon at the roadside.

There are three driving modes, Comfort, EcoPro, which dampens the throttle’s response, and EcoPro +, which turns off the air con and restricts top speed to 56mph. The rear motor/drive means you leave the motor whine behind and the i3 is quiet and refined, although there's a bit of wind bluster.