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There is a new MINI Cooper SD, which will be the most powerful diesel variant in the MINI line-up, yet in Hatch form it will still manage 65.7 mpg and emit just 114 g/km CO2.
The new 2.0-litre, 143hp unit is available in all MINI body types – Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman – and it will deliver more power, excellent fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.
We’ve already awarded the MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 our first ever Green-Car-Guide 10 out of 10 rating. If there was one area where we thought it could improve, that was by more performance, without huge sacrifices in the area of economy, and the SD promises exactly that.
With 57.6 mpg and 130 g/km CO2, the Countryman Cooper SD ALL4 has identical economy and emissions figures as the D, but with a 121 mph top speed and a 0-62 mph time of 9.4 seconds it has significant improvements on the 112 mph and 11.6 seconds of the D. The Countryman Cooper SD ALL4 starts at £23,190 before options.
With the MINI Cooper SD the Cooper S badge will grace a new diesel model for the first time. Not only will it be the most performance-oriented diesel MINI, the MINI Cooper SD will also feature the largest displacement power unit ever to grace the engine compartment of a MINI model in the marque’s 52 year history.
The two-litre four-cylinder power unit follows the design philosophy of the familiar 1.6 litre engine but produces 143hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28 per cent more than the Cooper D and nearly 60 per cent above that of the One D.
It also has a relatively huge torque figure of 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm – the highest torque value of any MINI engine – even the engines within the John Cooper Works family. This results in a top speed of 134 mph, and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds for the Hatch.
The new diesel engine features an all-aluminium crankcase to keep weight down while a powerful turbocharger with variable intake geometry is controlled by the engine management system to deliver significant thrust at all engine speeds.
All Cooper SD models are equipped as standard with a new super light six-speed manual gearbox. The 22.8 kilo transmission is the lightest gearbox of its kind and offers well-matched ratios and a precise, short shift gear lever action. A six speed automatic transmission is available as an option and includes shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The new diesel engine features the same torque steer management software that was added to the petrol portfolio in September last year.
The MINI Cooper SD models also get new design features including a front apron with an extra large air intake and air scoop on the bonnet. At the rear each SD model sports twin exhaust tailpipes exiting in the centre of the rear apron and a roof spoiler.
All five MINI Cooper SD models are equipped with MINIMALISM technology including Brake Energy Generation, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator.
The resultant 65.7 mpg and 114 g/km CO2 for the Hatch SD means a zero VED rate and a company car benefit tax rate of 13% including the 3% diesel surcharge. Prices start at £18,750 for the Hatch.
