MINI made it official that from Spring 2011 they will launch the MINI Cooper SD, which is the most powerful diesel variant of the car yet. The SD range is powered by a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre engine developing 105 kW/143 hp available for the MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman.
They are also offering a new John Cooper Works Pack for the MINI and MINI Convertible.
The new SD engine has 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm and 305 Newton metres (225 lb-ft) available between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm, so it’s not really a high performance model but it’s a good compromise between the power and excellent fuel economy you expect from a diesel.
This engine makes use of sophisticated turbochargers and 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. Furthermore, it gets 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.
As for the performance, it should be able to satisfy your day to day expectations with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). The more important factor with the Mini SD is fuel economy and it really does well in that sense at 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometre.
That was for the coupe, the MINI Cooper SD Clubman reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 8.6 seconds and also has a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). The average fuel economy of the MINI Cooper SD Clubman is 4.4 litres per 100 km (64.2 mpg imp), while CO2 emissions stand at 115 g/km. The MINI Cooper SD Convertible, meanwhile, highlights its sporting potential with a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 8.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Its extra dose of driving fun combines with average fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100 km (62.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 118 g/km.
If you want a bit more sportiness with your efficient Cooper SD, then you should go for the John Cooper Works optional factory-fit pack. It enhances the car’s appeal by a unique body kit with black border around the lower part of the body, honeycomb radiator grille, and side skirts. As part of the aerodynamics package features, the powerfully formed rear apron includes prominent cut-outs at its outer edges which mimic the appearance of the positioning light and foglamp surrounds integrated into the front apron.
The highlight of this package is the 17-inch weight-optimised light-alloy wheels. This being a sporty model, it comes as standard with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) added to the standard-fitted stability system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), as well as EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control)
Inside the cabin John Cooper Works Mini gets bespoke door entry strips and the John Cooper Works sports leather steering wheel with red contrast stitching. Cars with a manual gearbox are also kitted out with a John Cooper Works gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering and a leather gaiter with red contrast stitching. Customers specifying a manual gearbox will also find the handbrake gaiter featuring red contrast stitching.
This package is not limited to the SD models and you can have it with all the engines in the range. The aerodynamics package included as part of the John Cooper Works Pack can also be ordered on its own for the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.
In the MINI Countryman this extra-sporty diesel engine teams up with either front-wheel drive or the all-wheel-drive system MINI ALL4. The MINI Cooper SD Countryman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, the MINI Cooper SD Countryman ALL4 in 9.4 seconds, on the way to top speeds of 198 and 195 km/h (123/121 mph) respectively. The front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper SD Countryman has fuel economy of 4.6 litres per 100 km, the all-wheel-drive variant achieves 4.9 litres per 100 km. CO2 emissions are 122 and 130 grams per kilometre respectively.
but John Cooper Works kit is not just about visuals, you can also order performance upgrades. With a performance-optimised engine management and a specifically designed air filter system enable the twin-scroll turbo engine to develop even greater power, th e2.0 liter four-cylinder engine 147 kW/200 hp at 5,700 rpm. Plus, the driver can call on maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm.
It even has an overboost function that rises the torque up to 270 Nm (199 lb-ft). With this kit the MINI Cooper S can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.8 seconds and record a top speed of 234 km/h (145 mph).
