What You Get
The MINI Cooper D is a vehicle whose existence shows much the world of motoring has changed. Simply, a diesel-engined compact sports sedan would have been almost inconceivable 20 years ago. Not only is this a radically new style of car, but it uses the very latest technology, which includes a stop-start function on the six-speed manual version.
Not only does the diesel MINI handle pretty much like a Cooper S, but it will sprint to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds, climb most highway hills in sixth gear and use as little as 3.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. It is one of the few smaller cars with diesel engines that will please driving enthusiasts as well as those whose automotive enthusiasm is confined to minimising running costs. At a starting price of $33,750 it represents a lot of little car for the money.
Under The Hood
The MINI Cooper D's 1.6-litre engine delivers an impressive 80 kW of power at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque. It is the latter figure that is the key to this car's outstanding overall performance. All 240 of Sir Isaac Newton's metres are available between 1750 and 2000 rpm, but more than 160 are on tap at just 1250 rpm. What this means is that you can keep the tachometer needle between 1000 and about 2300 almost your whole driving time.
The car will pull effortlessly from 1000 rpm on sixth on a flat road. Under full throttle there is even an overboost function which briefly yields 20 more Nm. So, while this is not a high performance car in the same manner as a Cooper S, it always feels strong and effortless thanks to the abundance of low- and mid-range torque. On my standard 160 kilometre test drive, the car's computer showed an average consumption of 3.6 litres per 100. The official combined cycle figure is 3.9. CO2 emissions are 104 g/km.
Even driven without a particular view to obtaining maximum economy, it was hard to use more than 4 litres per 100 kilometres. A shift indicator advises the driver when to engage the next higher gear, another feature which contributes to economy. The car is also equipped with Brake Energy Regeneration and there is a streamlined underbody panel.
The Interior
What a joy is the MINI interior with its almost caricature-huge central speedometer as homage to the original Mini-Minor and the tachometer mounted on the steering column right behind the chunky little sports steering wheel which houses cruise control, audio and telephone functions. (Rarely can I get into any of BMW's MINI models without fondly recalling a Mini-Cooper S I once owned and even the Morris 850 my father bought brand new in November 1961, despite the fact that both were so rudimentary by comparison.)
The interior is every millimeter as extroverted as the exterior and this is one car where the round starter button does not seem like a gimmick. You can even change the interior illumination in five steps between orange and blue. Comfortable seats, a commanding driving position with good all-round vision, and a sense of wearing the car are key aspects of the Cooper D's great appeal.
Exterior & Styling
Although the BMW MINI is much larger than the 1959 original, the overall proportions are similar and, parked in isolation from other traffic, the Cooper D looks smaller than it actually is, although at 1090 kg, it is no heavyweight.
This diesel variant boasts a larger dome on the bonnet to make space for the additional induction plumbing and there is an intake below the bumper to feed the heat exchanger. By fitting larger wheels, you can make a MINI D look as hot (and simultaneously cool) as a Cooper S.
On The Road
Apart from the effortless torque and top gear tractability of the diesel MINI, its road behavior is exactly what you expect. The electrically assisted power steering is quick and this is as close as you can get to a motorised skateboard, but with comfortable room for four. Stability is outstanding with none of the dartiness of the old BMC Mini.
The ride is firm to hard. Brakes are superb. The gearchange is precise and a delight to use, but so great is the torque that you find yourself often skipping a ratio (or even two). Naturally the MINI D is the beneficiary of numerous BMW safety features, including a plethora of airbags, Corner Brake Control and traction control, to name only a few.
Challenges
With the rear seats upright, boot space is at a premium.
Verdict
Interestingly, the MINI D almost makes the standard MINI Cooper redundant by equalling its performance while delivering much better economy. The magnificent torque and the smoothness of the engine mask the fact that is no big revver. In summary, the MINI D is a true twenty-first century hot hatch.
The Competition
In functional terms the MINI D's closest rival is probably the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Volkswagen Beetle TDI is cheaper, slower and less funky. In terms of image and appeal, that much dearer cousin, the BMW 120d is arguably a contender but, really, the MINI D is that rare machine, a car without peer.
Likes
Outstanding engine gives monumental torque, great dashboard, nifty gearchange, skateboard dynamics
Dislikes
Limited boot space with rear seats upright
