Automotive

The new Mini Cooper SD - D for Diesel

The new Mini Cooper SD - D for Diesel
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The MINI Cooper S name first graced the classic Mini back in 1963 and during the ensuing half century it has represented the ultimate performance Mini, having won the Monte Carlo rally three times plus countless other races and rallies around the globe. Now for the first time there’s a diesel version too – though not as fire-breathing as the petrol Cooper S, the SD’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel four produces 143 bhp at 4,000 rpm, and an almighty torque figure of 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm endowing it with rapid acceleration all the way to its top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). It’s the ecologically balanced nature of the pocket rocket which appeals most though, as despite this performance, it’ll return EU test cycle figures of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) with CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometre. The Cooper SD will debut in Geneva in March and hit showrooms in Q2.

The new 2.0-litre diesel fits the same template as the 1.6-litre units fitted in the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D. Its all-aluminium crankcase helps to keep the weight of the engine as low as possible, while the turbocharger with variable intake geometry develops the right level of power at all engine speeds. The engine in the MINI Cooper SD has a model-specific and extremely powerful turbocharger controlled by the engine management system, while common-rail direct injection with solenoid-valve injectors positioned centrally in the cylinder head ensure that the fuel is fed in extremely precisely and efficiently. The injection system works with maximum pressure of 1,600 bar and ensures optimum mixture preparation in the combustion chamber.

The new MINI Cooper SD is also fitted as standard with an extensive range of MINIMALISM technology. In addition to the engine’s efficiency, features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to produce outstanding fuel economy for this output class.

To ensure that its emissions are as clean as possible, the MINI Cooper SD is fitted with a diesel particulate filter and an oxidation catalytic converter. No extra injections of fuel are required to clean the particulate filter. And, as with all current MINI models, the new diesel variants meet the EU5 exhaust emissions standard. Comfort levels on the move, meanwhile, are aided by the four-cylinder engine’s low vibrations and harmonious acoustic properties; here, the particularly sonorous soundtrack of the MINI Cooper SD unit when pushing on through higher revs lifts it above its two diesel stablemates.

The new diesel powerplant come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox with short travel gear lever and what Mini claims is an impressively precise action, with ratios tuned carefully to the engine’s performance characteristics to enable powerful and silky smooth acceleration. A six-speed automatic gearbox will also be available from launch as an option. Its exceptionally short shift times and direct “target gear” finding capability on downshifts also allow the automatic to enhance the sporting character of the MINI Cooper SD.

The MINI Cooper SD also uses model-specific design features to show off its sporting credentials. The most powerful diesel model in the range stands out – like the flagship petrol model, the MINI Cooper S – with its extra-large air intake in the front apron and an air scoop on the bonnet. Like the MINI Cooper S, it also displays its model identity in its side indicator surrounds (in its case with “SD” lettering) and has twin tailpipes positioned in the centre of the rear apron.

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8 comments
8 comments
MadMaxx
As long as the Mini Cooper comes with a sealed, non-repairable transmission performance and engine will be a moot point. This car is a bad choice until that has been addressed and a tranny going bad isn\'t a $10,000 total swap out operation. We live in a disposable society but that is just a bit ridiculous!
Caimbeul
Go ahead. Break my heart!
Outside of VW, Mercedes, BMW [as BMW] - no one has the courage, smarts or leadership to bring a diesel-powered vehicle like this to my neck of the prairie.
William Volk
Will this get to the USA?
Of course not. Yet another car (like the Ford Festiva Diesel) that we WILL NEVER SEE HERE.
kj7u
Why don\'t they say that the milage is actually 54.8 mpg (US gallons)? We are using US Gallons in this country the last time I checked, not Imperial Gallons. 54.8 mpg is not that much better than the gas model and the diesel costs about 5% more. Don\'t get me wrong, I like diesel engines because they usually last much longer than gas pots. They should get much better milage than the gas engine.
G Craig Vachon
Too bad it won\'t be coming to the US. Shame really as we are in the market for such a car...
William Volk
54.8mpg vs. 32mpg?
I\'d say that\'s a vast improvement for a quicker car.
bradleydad
Good question Mr. Volk; Why so few diesels in the US? My old Jetta TDI plugs along at 47MPG hiway and gets 35 MPG \'round town.
Diesels compete with hybrids and have a lot lower purchase price and smaller \"carbon footprint\". (producing and disposing of batteries, etc.)
This Mini sounds like an economical diesel people might otherwise not consider except for the fun and cute factor.
Dave Myers
We should live in a society where a good local machinist can cut open a blown transmission and re manufacture it for less than it costs to make the damn thing. We\'ve got too many smart people working in business and finance and service to support centralized, big old money producers. Instead we need healthy, skilled, smart people who can deal with technology flexibly. Do it yourself, people.