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By
EWAN KENNEDY
26 January 2009
In an interesting move, MINI has decided to bring its optional
turbo-diesel engine to Australia. Though the economy powerplant
has been available for years in Europe the feeling was that
Australian drivers wouldn’t understand the concept of diesel
power in a sporty car.
That
mindset has gradually changed, with some of the European importers
of upmarket models gradually weaning Aussies off petrol-only cars.
MINI
Cooper D comes with a turbo-diesel engine displacing 1.6 litres
and developing up to 240 Newton metres of torque under normal
driving. However, it can produce an extra 20 Nm for short bursts
to make for safer overtaking. Not to mention the ability to sprint
hard off the line in traffic-light grands prix. Simply put the
pedal to the metal and the turbo boost is lifted beyond its usual
level.
Also
beyond the normal level is the fuel economy of this turbo-diesel
MINI. Measured to official Australian standards, fuel consumption
is an incredibly low 3.9 litres per hundred kilometres. Making it
the leanest, most economical car on our roads.
One
of the many fuel saving features in the Cooper D is the ability of
the engine to shut itself off when the car is stationary, such as
in heavy traffic, or even at the red lights.
Yet,
the MINI people tell us the engine retains the sporting feeling
for which the marque is know.
The
bad news is that the MINI Cooper D won’t be in Australian until
close to the middle of the year. Prices and final specifications
will be announced closer to the release date. We will drive and
report on the car as soon as that happens.
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Marque Publishing Company
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