21st January, 2009

Mini will reset the emissions benchmark for a sporting passenger car when the new Mini Cooper D Hardtop arrives in Australia mid-way through 2009.

It will be Australia’s cleanest car (based on data available today).

The new Mini Cooper D demonstrates the potential of modern diesel. It produces fewer CO2 emissions than the over-rated petrol/hybrid cars on sale in Australia, yet provides reasonable 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, and a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The Mini Cooper D is also fitted with several "Minimalism" features (Mini’s version of BMW EfficientDynamics), including the Auto Start Stop function which means the engine switches itself off in traffic jams or at the lights, instead of idling, wasting fuel.

Further Minimalism features are Brake Energy Regeneration, previously only available on the BMW M3, 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 240 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,000 rpm, 70 per cent 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'.

The Mini Cooper D is the fastest accelerating 1.6-litre diesel powered car in the class in Australia, and the most frugal.

In addition to the fuel economy, the Mini Cooper D delivers very low exhaust emissions of carbon dioxide.

The combined cycle fuel consumption figure is 3.9-litres per 100 km, with 104 g/km of CO2 emitted.

Never before has a Mini been so economical and low on emissions.

With a maximum range of 1,025 km from a tank, a Mini Cooper D could possibly 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 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 current Euro 4 emissions standard, but not the Euro 5 standards which many European car now meet.

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.

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 specify a car to their exact requirements with a big choice of interior and exterior trim and colour options. The full range of Mini factory and dealer fitted accessories will also be available.

Full specification and pricing information will be announced closer to launch in mid-2009.