Steve from Australia built himself a Honda VTEC-powered classic Mini a few years back and was proud of the job he’d done. However, it was a bit of a torque-steering monster and wasn’t great to drive.

Many would argue that if a car like a classic Mini is to be modified, it should be done so in a way that respects its history as a tiny, combustion-powered hatchback that’s all about driving pleasure.

The Mini Cooper SE revealed last week and the planned electric Mini Rocketman city car represent a new push from the official owner of the Mini brand, BMW. While neither of those models has arrived ...