Tuesday 16th January 2007

BMW completes Mini range

Entry-level and diesel model due in March

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Mini One Mini Cooper D

BMW's announced more details about the entry-level Mini, as well as a new diesel-powered variant. The company's getting its PR strike in first, as the machines aren't due for public unveiling until the Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. the new cars will, however, complete the range, said BMW.

The entry-level £11,595 One features a 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine with 103lb-ft of torque, while the £14,190 Cooper D houses an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant with 177lb-ft of torque. As you'd expect, however, performance is less than stunning. The petrol car gets to 60mph from rest in a leisurely 10.9 seconds, while the diesel does better with 9.9 seconds.

BMW's keen to stress the new technology in the diesel. Under normal conditions peak torque is achieved between 1,750 and 2,000rpm but, deploying the engine’s overboost function gives the Cooper D an additional 15lb-ft to deliver, said BMW, an torque figure identical to that of the new Cooper S.

The turbocharger system features variable turbine geometry, for improved smoothness, efficiency and response at low engine speeds. Second-generation common rail diesel technology operating at a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar is key to the new diesel engine’s combustion process. Additionally, refinement is achieved using a precise multiple-injection process for each operating cycle. The combustion chambers have been optimised in their shape and dimensions to prevent unwanted turbulence and maintain a smooth and consistent combustion process at all times.

As a result, the Cooper D promises to be the most fuel-efficient and cleanest Mini ever built, reckoned BMW. In comparison to the outgoing Mini One D’s combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg, the Cooper D gets 64.2mpg. A CO2 figure of 118g/km puts the car in tax band B. You would, however, have to do a lot of driving to justify the added upfront price.

The One also boasts improved fuel consumption and emissions over the outgoing model, with 49.6mpg compared to 41.5mpg from its predecessor, and emissions down to 138g/km against 164g/km produced by the previous model.

Both cars gets a six-speed manual box with a long top gear for economical cruising. An auto is optional as are a paddle-operated Steptronic system and a Sports button which delivers faster changes and throttle responses.

[hendry]

Article said:

You would, however, have to do a lot of driving to justify the added upfront price.

Really? Is the Cooper D much more expensive than the petrol engined Cooper? Some recent BMW Diesels have been cheaper than their more refined equivalents. I am not sure what the price of the Cooper is.