MINI D Day. Australia’s Most Fun and Fuel Efficient Car Arrives>
MINIMALISM achieves new heights with the advent of the diesel-engined MINI D which can cover 100 kilometres on just 3.9 litres of fuel. This result in the official fuel economy combined tests enables the MINI D to claim the title of Australia's most fuel-efficient car, a most welcome accolade in these troubled times.
Small has been beautiful at least since the original Mini-Minor made its debut in 1959, but it has never been as efficient in terms of the world of motoring as the new MINI D. As well as a most moderate thirst for fuel, it emits just 104 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Other contributors to the environmental cause are an innovative Auto Start Stop feature and Brake Energy Regeneration. So whatever exterior colour you choose, your MINI D will always be green.
Owners who travel 15,000 kilometres per year can expect to pay only $15 or so per week for fuel based on current prices.
All this fantastic economy and environmental friendliness does not come at the expense of performance. The MINI D zips from zero to 100 km/h in a lively time of 9.9 seconds , thanks in part to the diesel engine's excellent torque.
Not only does the MINI D enjoy a fuel-efficiency advantage over its hybrid rivals, it also a lower entry fee into the ranks of the most economical cars. Pricing starts at just $33,750*
MINI Australia national manager, Justin Hocevar, is confident Australians will recognise the twin benefits of fuel efficiency and excitement in the new MINI Cooper D..
'For the first time in Australia, buyers will be able to buy an extremely fuel efficient car, with very low emissions, without having to sacrifice excitement and performance,' Mr Hocevar said.
'Thanks to MINIMALISM, buyers do not have to forgo typical MINI levels of driving fun, premium quality and safety and a host of personalisation opportunities when they decide to purchase an efficient car,' he said..
The new MINI Cooper D demonstrates the great potential of modern diesel engines more impressively than ever before and will be the first overtly sporty diesel car in this segment.
It produces comparable CO2 emissions to hybrid cars on sale in Australia, yet provides very perky performance from its 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine.
The MINI Cooper D comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission.
The MINI Cooper D is also fitted with several MINIMALISM features (MINI's version of BMW EfficientDynamics), including an Auto Start Stop function (manual transmission only) which means the engine automatically switches itself off when the vehicle is stationary, instead of idling and wasting fuel.
Further MINIMALISM features are Brake Energy Regeneration, previously only available on the BMW M3 and BMW 7 Series, and a Shift Point Display that prompts the driver to make upshifts at the most economical time.
In addition, the MINI Cooper D has a streamlined underbody aerodynamic panel for reduced drag, and on-demand functioning ancillaries, such as Electric Power Assisted Steering, a switchable water pump, and volume flow regulated oil pump.
All these features serve to reduce fuel consumption.
The 80 kW diesel engine delivers a punchy 240 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,000 rpm, 70 percent of which is available at just 1,250 rpm.
This is the third turbocharged MINI engine, joining the petrol-fuelled MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works models, both of which feature twin scroll turbocharging.
Like the MINI Cooper S engines, the lightweight (123.5 kg) MINI Cooper D engine also offers a torque 'Overboost' feature. This injection of an extra 20 Nm of grunt punts peak torque to 260 Nm at short notice, for even swifter overtaking. The 'Overboost' is accessed by pressing the accelerator pedal to the metal.
In addition to incredible fuel economy, the MINI Cooper D delivers very low exhaust emissions of carbon dioxide.
The combined cycle fuel consumption figure is a miserly 3.9-litres per 100 km, with only 104 g/km of CO2 emitted. That means the average range per tank is over 1,000km and for the average consumer covering 15,000km per year a weekly fuel bill of under $15 per week (based on average metropolitan diesel fuel price of 1.19 per litre).
Never before has a MINI been so economical and low on emissions - and never before has so much driving fun been available combined with such low fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.
With a maximum range of 1,025 km from a tank, a MINI Cooper D could comfortably travel from Sydney to Melbourne without refuelling its 40-litre tank.
The 1.6 litre four-cylinder power unit has common rail direct injection (operating at 1,600 bar) and a turbocharger that uses variable turbine geometry which ensures perfectly matched power delivery at all engine speeds, and extremely responsive performance. The turbocharger was developed specifically for the MINI Cooper D.
The degree of turbo-boost is increased at higher speeds for more power and performance, giving the new engine superior torque all the way to the red line, thus enhancing its sporty character.
Precisely controlled injectors ensure a super smooth multiple-injection process for each operating cycle, enhancing engine refinement. The six intake ducts in the new injectors are only 0.135 mm in diameter, and the combustion chambers have been optimised in their shape and dimensions to prevent unwanted turbulence and maintain a smooth and consistent combustion process.
This extremely precise fuel injection process minimises both fuel consumption and emissions from the start.
The exhaust system is fitted with a particulates filter and meets the Euro 4 emissions standard.
The MINI Cooper D Hardtop is identified externally via a more muscular curve to the power dome on the bonnet to accommodate larger induction plumbing-work and rear badge. Additionally a large intake below the bumper, which feeds air to the heat exchanger, has a unique patterned grille, and is bisected by a slim, body coloured bar.
As with all MINI models, the MINI Cooper D customer will be able to customise their very own vehicle with a multitude of interior and exterior trim and colour options. The full range of MINI factory and dealer fit accessories will also be available. And underneath all its glamour, the MINI D will always be earth-saving green.
