The Countryman offers a mixed experience when it comes to running costs.

The car starts from just over £42,000 – cheaper than an entry-level Skoda Enyaq 85. That said, the SE All4 pushes the starting price up to £47,180. 

While those basic prices look attractive, there are three trim levels of Classic, Exclusive and Sport to choose from, which slightly increase the cost depending on which you choose. 

You’ll likely pay more with optional extras, too. There are three option packs to choose from: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, which add varying degrees of technology. 

Level 1 starts at £2500 and comes with adaptive LED headlights, comfort access, heated front seats, a head-up display and wireless phone charging. Level 2 adds an excellent Harman/Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof and sun protection glass, at £5000. 

The all-singing, all-dancing Level 3, priced at £7800, adds 22kW high-speed charging, active front seats with electric memory functions, an interior camera, sat-nav and parking assistance. 

For context on how high the price can rise, our SE All4 test car, in Sport trim and with the Level 3 equipment pack, came in at over £56,000, 

Economy-wise, the Countryman E achieved an average economy of 3.4mpkWh – creditably close to the official figure of 3.6mpkWh – on a mixed route that included highways, mountains and urban streets.

In the UK, our drive returned a much less impressive 3.0mpkWh – equivalent to around 222 miles of range in the real world. 

Worthy of that hummingbird on the Eco display, we reckon, but still, another Top Trump stat that’s beaten by other EVs on the market today.

It makes us wonder whether the single-motor E, which costs some £5000 less and offers 18 miles of extra range, might be the better buy.