THE fastest accelerating diesel in its class will soon be zipping past you amid Gold Coast traffic clutter.
Mini has reset the emissions benchmark for a sporting passenger car with the new Mini Cooper D Hardtop.
It is Australia’s cleanest car, as well as the first overtly sporty diesel car in its class.
The new Mini Cooper D demonstrates the great potential of modern diesel engines and produces fewer CO2 emissions than hybrid cars on sale in Australia. But it also provides very perky 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 80 kW diesel engine delivers a punchy 240 Nm of torque between 1750 rpm and 2000 rpm, 70 per cent of which is available at just 1250 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.
Bruce Lynton Mini garage specialist Anna Mack, says the new Mini D is creating plenty of interest.
“Everyone is so much more conscious of environmental issues these days and it’s pretty exciting for us to have the new Mini D as an addition to our model range,” says Mack.
“It has reset the fuel consumption benchmark with 3.9L per 100km, and also sets a new benchmark with regard to CO2 emissions of 104 g/km. I think people would also be surprised as to how well priced it is — especially against some of the more expensive hybrid models”.
The Mini Cooper D is fitted with several features including the auto start stop function which means the engine switches itself off in traffic jams or at lights, instead of wasting fuel. Other features include brake energy regeneration, a shift point display and on demand functioning ancillaries such as electric powered assisted steering, a switchable water pump and volume flow regulated oil pump – all serving to reduce fuel consumption.
“The Mini D likes to keep its playground clean and I’m sure the Gold Coast will embrace it,” says Mack.
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