New MINI Cooper D Review by WhatCar

WhatCar magazine got the chance to take the face-lifted version of MINI  Cooper D with a new 1.6 liter engine to a test drive.

The face-lifted MINI Copper D with the new turbo-diesel shows some really promising numbers.  Maximum output of 82 kW/112 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. It dashes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 9.7 seconds. Top speed is at 197 km/h (122 mph). The average fuel consumption is just 3.8 litres per 100 km (74.3 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are at 99 g per km.

Here’s an excerpt of their review:

As part of the ongoing changes to the Mini range, there’s now a new diesel engine in Cooper versions of the hatchback, Clubman and convertible.

Derived from the unit in parent company BMW’s 1 Series, the turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-litre engine has more power and torque than the unit replaces, but is also more economical and has lower emissions.

At low speeds, there’s no hiding the tell-tale sounds of a diesel engine, but once you pick up the pace, things quieten down nicely. The unit combines well with the standard stop-start system, too, although again there’s no disguising the engine’s cough and splutter as it kicks back into life.

Petrol vs diesel
Generally, performance is strong, and the strong pull in the mid-range (much more than in the old engine) means you don’t need to rev the unit as hard as you do with the petrol alternative.

That means the two engines have very different characters. The petrol model is the more exciting and sporty because it needs to be worked hard, whereas you can be a little lazier with the diesel, relying on its mid-range pull to haul you along at a perfectly acceptable rate.

The only problem comes if you let the revs drop much below 1750rpm. Amble round a tight turn in town in second gear, for example, and there’s a distinct lull in proceedings until the turbocharger kicks the engine into life.

Source: WhatCar Magazine