Posted on Tuesday 16 January 2007
MINI has released information on two new cars that it will add to its lineup positioned below the Cooper and Cooper S models. First up is a new sporty diesel called the Mini Cooper D. The previous generation MINI had a diesel model that was powered by a 1.4L four-cylinder motor sourced from Toyota. For the Mark II range, MINI has adopted a cleaner and more powerful 1.6L turbodiesel unit that will be shared by both Peugeot and Ford as well. The new engine develops 109bhp and 192lb-ft of torque on overboost and produces only 118g of carbon per km, while delivering mileage rates of up to 64.2mpg.
The second model introduction is a new entry-level model labeled the MINI One. This version drops the Chrysler sourced 1.6L engine in favor of a lighter, more economical and more powerful aluminum 1.4L unit. Output of the new engine is 95bhp and 103lb-ft of torque and a new six-speed manual gearbox comes standard across the MINI range. Both cars will be displayed to the public at March’s Geneva Motor Show with sales expected to start in April.
These aren’t new models. They have always been available in the Europe markets.
They are “new” in that they will be also updated to the R56 platform, like the Cooper and the Cooper S are for 2007.
I like their design and style. Even the headlights are cute. Plus, their are economical, both engines for the MINI One and Cooper D is coupled with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The MINI One comes with an optional six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic feature.
lighten up Jay sheesh.. and even if they’re not “new” to europe they are very new to the US since it’s only been the past few months there has been talks of making diesels a mainstay in the coming years as it already is in europe..