MINI2

Brand new MINI range boosted by introduction of the frugal, but fun MINI One and first ever MINI Cooper D

The new MINI hatch line-up will soon be complete, when the new MINI One and MINI Cooper D models are unveiled to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. The entry-level One features a perky 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant.

A Cooper-badged MINI diesel hints at the sporty nature of the new model. MINI fans will be equally excited at the prospect of the Cooper D promising to be the most fuel-efficient and cleanest MINI ever built. In comparison to the outgoing MINI One D’s combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg, the Cooper D is capable of 64.2mpg. A CO₂ figure of just 118 g/km puts the car in tax band B.

MINI One also benefits from a significant improvement in both fuel consumption and emissions over the outgoing model. 49.6mpg is achievable from the One’s new 1.4-litre unit, compared to 41.5mpg from its predecessor. CO₂ emissions are now 138g/km, against 164g/km produced by the previous model.

Continue reading The new MINI One and MINI Cooper D

The new, second generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S go on sale in MINIs home market.

The new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S go on sale from November 18th 2006.

All 154 UK MINI dealerships are holding launch events to unveil the new car, but many customers will have to wait until the New Year to own one. The order books are almost full for 2006. Approximately 4000 orders have been taken for the new car, equaling the number achieved in the lead up to the launch of the first generation new MINI in July 2001.

With an all-new design and new engines, the MINI Cooper costs from £12,995 (on-the-road) and the MINI Cooper S is £15,995(otr). With the additional standard options, these prices have increased by a smidgen over two per cent over the first generation.

The unbeatable combination of grin-inducing driving dynamics, emotive design and solid engineering will lead sales of the new car. But the impressive cost of ownership adds strength to an enticing overall package…

Continue reading The New MINI Goes on Sale

110 bhp Unit for MINI Cooper Diesel on the Horizon?

The MINI2 inbox has had an increasing number of “rumour” emails over recent months, and our ears have been burning as we’ve heard various whispers and hints from numerous sources. Something we’ve heard from more than one source concerned a planned high performance diesel version of the MINI.

It would appear the MINI One D could be a thing of the past, as MINI furthers it’s co-operation with gasoline engine partner PSA Group, it looks as though the engine currently powering the 206 GTi Diesel (among other Peugeot, Citroen and Ford motor cars), will be the unit to pull along the next generation MINI Diesel.

Initially we were under the impression the new Diesel would be around 90bhp (still a possibility as there is a 90hp version of this engine used, for example, in the Ford Fiesta Zetec S Diesel), however latest information leads us to believe quite firmly a version of the 110 bhp unit will be installed in the new MINI diesel, which BMW expect to account for more than 15% of overall MINI sales at it’s peak.

Continue reading Next Generation MINI Diesel Engine Revealed?

“Conflicting” Reports, Decisions Not Yet Made?

Reading through reports online and in print, it’s very hard to tell what the future holds for MINI and it’s new BMW PSA Peugeot Group engines. What cars will have what
sized engine, and how much will the power ratings be changed.

Will the S be a 1.6, 1.8 or even 2 litre car, and is it true the Supercharger whine will become a thing of the past?

Continue reading Further Rumours on Future MINI Engines