MINI Cooper D
The success of the MINI caught even paymasters BMW on the hop. As fast as they could turn the cars out, the queues grew even quicker. Some models though, were more popular than others. While there was soaring demand for the petrol derivatives, the diesel was always a bit more of a sticky seller.
The reason why isnt too hard to work out.
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This means things are different when it comes to the amount of power customers get. Very different. Where the old One D used a Toyota-sourced 1.4-litre diesel that was good for a mere 75bhp, the latest car offers a massively punchier 110bhp unit with fully 240Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,000rpm.
Deploying the engines overboost function gives the Cooper D an additional 20Nm of torque, meaning the driver will experience 260Nm at 2,000rpm. MINI enthusiasts will recognise this torque figure is identical to that produced by the new MINI Cooper S. The turbocharger system features variable turbine geometry, while second-generation common-rail diesel technology operating at a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar is key to the new diesel engines combustion process. The MINI Cooper D will accelerate to 60mph in 9.
9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 121mph - 1mph more than the 1.6 petrol model. The MINI Cooper D both comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. With its long transmission ratio, the sixth gear allows optimum fuel economy, even at high speeds, making motorway cruising more relaxed.
Undeniably similar looking to the old BMW MINI, the latest version nevertheless shares barely any componentry with its predecessor. The philosophy this time round has been to ruthlessly excise all the parts that users felt werent up to par and to keep the aspects of the MINI that original customers loved, styling manifestly being one of them.
"As with any diesel sportster, its not about the power, more about the torque"
The stance remains much the same but theres been a loosening of the belt. Its around 50mm longer, the front grille is tidier and the indicators are now housed in the headlight pod. The cars shoulder line is 18mm higher than on the former model, giving the latest version a more hunched, powerful appearance. The Cooper D can be identified by its pronounced power dome on the cars bonnet.
A discernibly larger air intake than on other MINI models features on the Cooper D, as does a crossbar in body colour on the lower intake. Its inside the MINI that more obvious improvements have been wrought. Gone are those indicators that felt like you were snapping a biro every time you used them. The centrally-mounted speedometer now houses entertainment and, if specified, navigation functions.
The slimmed-down centre console offers more space in the footwells, while the key has been replaced by a round signal sensor that slots next to the steering wheel. A start/stop button is also fitted as standard. Although the £14,190 asking price might at first seem a little steep for a car that fronts up with 110bhp, the MINI Cooper D seems to offer a lot of car for the money, especially in £15,400 Clubman estate guise. For a start, its a good deal bigger than most superminis and it feels a good deal better built than the usual hatchback suspects.
One of the most intriguing, albeit frivolous, aspects of the interior is the optional lights package which features custom ambient illumination. A panel of toggle switches in the roof lining allows the driver to switch the colours of the lights in said roof lining, the door storage pockets and the grab handle recesses. These can be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on personal taste - quite mad, but undeniably funky. Also fitted as standard on Cooper models are run flat tyres.
These tyres have a range of at least 90 miles in the event of a puncture and also mean that valuable space in the car isnt taken up with packaging a spare wheel. Buyers will often specify their cars to their own tastes and spend a good deal more, indulging themselves with options like the Colour Line trim packs or DSC+ stability control. While you wouldnt expect any diesel-engined supermini to send you to the wall with its cost of ownership, getting behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper D is even so surprisingly painless. Though its doubtful youll be able to twist your dealers arm for any meaningful discounts (demand is just too strong at the moment), very low depreciation helps to reduce the crucial pence per mile figure quite significantly and also means that the Cooper D is a very tempting target for leasers.
Fuel shouldnt be too much of an issue either. In fact, you might just forget what the inside of a filling station looks like, given that the Cooper D has an average fuel economy of 72.4mpg around 25mpg more than the equivalent petrol model. Insurance is also fairly reasonable, although it will pay to shop around for a decent quote as some insurers have taken to loading MINI Cooper quotes rather unreasonably.
Servicing is an area where the MINI excels as the ground-breaking MINI tlc service pack for 5 years or 50,000 miles is still available on the new car, at the same £150. After driving the original MINI One D, I was left a little underwhelmed, finishing off with the observation "What price a Cooper D with BMWs 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel? Now that would really be something." Were not quite there yet but this Cooper D is a big step in the right direction, the 110bhp powerplant bringing a new level of power and sophistication. While the day of the Cooper S D might be some time off, this will do very nicely for now. As with any diesel sportster, its not about the power, more about the torque and this Cooper D features more muscle than a Lotus Exige S, so carrying speed from corner to corner wont be a problem. Youve just got to like changing gear to keep pace.
Its hard to think of a more desirable cross-country performance car for less than £15,000. Thats recommendation enough for me.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: MINI Cooper D
PRICE: £14,190-£15,400 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 109g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 72.4mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and CBC, runflat tyres
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length 3686mm
