[OnlyS4me]

BMW group the netherlands has just pronounced that the new 1,4 l MINI diesel won't be sold over here. Due to our tax rate the diesel version would become too expensive : € 23,000 approx, and so a couple of thousands more than the Cooper.

Damn country ! This way loads of people will be very much disappointed waiting such a long time and then not be able to get it.

[daver]

the things I've heard about the diesel engine doesn't seem to make it interesting at all.
1.4l and just 75PK? Come on BMW, the One has 90PK (which I own) and that is just enough, I wouldn't sort for less... unless they made the impossible happen and seriously reduce the weight of the car.


Yeah, Holland has heavy taxes, if you look at your prices and those here in Belgium, man what a difference. Maybe you guys average income is higher?


Can't you buy the car in Belgium and import it?

[AidenL]

M,

I'll send you over the Irish Diesel MINIs.......

I don't EVER want to see a diesel MINI !!

[Chris Williams]

I just can't see a market for a 70bhp diesel mini..the car is just too heavy. Its an acceptable engine in the Yaris because its a lighter car. Surely they can look towards the excellent BMW diesels for instance the new 2.0 engine is superb.

Alternatively, I have read of talks of collaberating on smaller petrol engines with Peugeot/Citroen. This to me seemed quite strange since the French manufacturers have always made first class diesel units, whilst a little "agricultural" by today's modern standards the 1.5d in the Saxo was widely praised. I would have thought BMW would have been better having the French onside rather than Toyota. Any thoughts?

Regards
Christopher

[daver]

I believe the collaboration with the PSA-group will eventually also lead to diesel-engines.Like you said the PSA-group is famous for its diesel-engines.

But I'm afraid we'll have to wait for it(2005-2006 at the earliest), before we'll see them in a MINI...(maybe the same time the MINI gets a redesign...).

[Chris Williams]

Maybe that length of time for the smaller engines but I have seen reports on these boards that the diesel engine is already well progressed

Regards
Christopher

[MiniMayhem]

Quote:

Originally posted by AidenL
I don't EVER want to see a diesel MINI !!

I personally wouldn't mind seeing a TURBO diesel MINI though!

[daver]

The diesel-engine from Toyota is nearing completion yes (launch: end 2003-start 2004). But I meant the engine(s) from PSA...they will take a while.

Oh well we'll see what it looks and drives like when it's launched, maybe MINI can surprise us

[Apial]

If the Diesel MINI can achieve EU4 emmissions level then for tax reasons I would consider it. Has any data for the car been released yet?

[MiniMayhem]

Come to think of it, a diesel MINI should still be fun to drive as long as you're not expecting ultimate performance - the Ford Ka probably is even slower in terms of performance but was great fun to drive through town and OK on the open road, and the diesel MINI should have more torque.

Providing it is priced sensibly, a diesel MINI should sell reasonably well - there should be all the other MINI attributes (hopefully!) to enjoy as well. After all if you just want straight line performance go and buy a Civic Type R or something

[Chris Williams]

Point well made. Diesels would certainly sell well with the fleet market, because of the tax advantages.

Regards
Christopher