[monkey_majick]

Hi everyone,

I just got back from the mini dealer in Perth who's told me that it's unlikely that AUS will see the Mini D. Does any one have more information as to why?

I was expecting to drive away with one today.

Ta.

[Mike Clarke]

I've been asking the dealer about the diesel MC since it was announced.

The usual response is that MINI Australia does not see a market for it

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I also think it is rather odd that they don't market it. BMW is selling large volumes of diesels at the moment. Apparrently the new X5 is selling 75% in diesel version. The 320d and 120d are also selling in decent numbers. The VW golf diesel is by far the largest seller out of the various models.

The latest generation diesel engines are sensational. My better half has recently purchased a BMW 320d. It out performs the petrol 320d in acceleration times by a large margin, and is quite sporty to drive As a bonus the car is averaging 6.3l / 100km which means around 900km on every 60l tank

The mini diesel also gets the benefit of regenerative brakes for extra economy.

I'm sure there would be a market for the car. It probably wouldn't sell in huge numbers, but there is a definite niche. The mini diesel has better fuel economy and less CO2 emissions than the prius, with similar performance, and far more character

Cheers

Robbo

[monkey_majick]

Robbo, You make a lot of sense. 900km per tank? HOLY MOLY! I never knew that. Even more reason to buy one. Apparently if did I import one, BMW wouldn't honor the warranty.

So is there a definite reason they aren't in OZ? Anyone out there closer to BMW which has some real reasons?

[AndrewH]

I've heard from a reasonably reliable source that BMW Australia are looking bringing the One D here. There are no fuel quality reasons why they shouldn't be able to bring it here as it's basically the same engine used in the Citroen C4 and a couple of other Citroens and Peugeots.

The regenerative breaking system is being rolled out across diesel and petrol Mini models in combination with a couple of other fuel saving technologies like automatic engine shutdown at stop and fuel economy gear change indicator. Apparently these will not be coming to Australia any time soon as they are focused on the European market where emissions standards are tighter and where there is much more of a focus on fuel consumption.

While the Mini One D beats a Prius for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the diesel Mini would produce significantly more NOx (NO and N2O) and particulate emissions than the Prius. While NOx and particulate emissions aren't greenhouse gasses (well N2O is but it's not nearly as bad as CO2 apparently) they do cause health and smog problems. So it's a trade off. At this stage, a Prius would be much better in city stop start traffic than a One D but a One D would be better in mixed city/highway or highway only traffic.

[minigolf]

Mk5 2.0 TDI Golfs are sometimes getting 1000kms from a 55 litre tank around town if they're driven moderately. In comparison, our 2.0TFSI GTI would get maybe 600-650kms with very careful around town driving.

Diesels certainly have great fuel economy.

[Mike Clarke]

As MINI have never touched the ONE in Australia I would expect the Cooper D to be more in line with their marketing strategy than the ONE D.

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by AndrewH (original)

While the Mini One D beats a Prius for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the diesel Mini would produce significantly more NOx (NO and N2O) and particulate emissions than the Prius. While NOx and particulate emissions aren't greenhouse gasses (well N2O is but it's not nearly as bad as CO2 apparently) they do cause health and smog problems. So it's a trade off. At this stage, a Prius would be much better in city stop start traffic than a One D but a One D would be better in mixed city/highway or highway only traffic.

Hi Andrew,

As usual you are correct I knew that the particulate emissions were much higher for the diesel

Cheers

Robbo

[AndrewH]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Clarke (original)

As MINI have never touched the ONE in Australia I would expect the Cooper D to be more in line with their marketing strategy than the ONE D.

Yes your right, Cooper D, but don't be so sure that they'd never touch the ONE

[MickyD]

I thought they wouldn't touch the ONE because all Oz cars have aircon and a ONE with aircon would be...... how shall I put this politely...... somewhat sluggish.

[minigolf]

When we were in England last year Harpo kindly ferried us around Oxford for the afternoon before taking us to our factory tour. He has a ONE D, and while it might not be the most spritely thing off the line, once up and running it seemed perfectly adequate. Dunno if he had A/C though???

[Ginger Ninja]

i'd love a Cooper D, it is exacly what i need (fuel Economy and style). I would have to seriously consider trading up/in the car i have owned for around a month to get one... but i can't imagine many MCS trading in. Im not sure on the specs but it would be a bit of a drop off in power for them i would imagine...

[AndrewH]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ginger Ninja (original)

i'd love a Cooper D, it is exacly what i need (fuel Economy and style). I would have to seriously consider trading up/in the car i have owned for around a month to get one... but i can't imagine many MCS trading in. Im not sure on the specs but it would be a bit of a drop off in power for them i would imagine...

Kilowatts are down from the current S but torque is exactly the same