[rich]

Now as an all-encompassing caveat on this post, I'd just like to say I've spent the last 24 hours on a plane with a 2-year old daughter, so my mind is slightly crazed, but how's this for a conspiracy theory...

The MINI Cooper S has generated some surprise & criticism for it's lack of power & tall gearing

Rumours persist of a diesel MINI in the pipeline

Read the comparison of a BMW 330d vs 325i in June's evo... The characteristics of the oil-burning turbo are remarkably similar to the supercharged petrol of the Cooper S. Namely, a slow standing start with a strong, smooth catch up as the torque kicks in, and overall a very 'linear' feel that can seem to lack the excitement of the higher revs & sharper thrust of traditional petrol

Could it be possible that one day fairly soon BMW will totally phase out petrol engines in the MINI range in favour of diesel maybe to comply with corporate targets on emission levels & fuel economy? I this case, would it not make sense to get drivers accustomed to the slightly more laid back style of power delivery of a turbo-diesel by engineering the current petrol unit to be similar in character?

(Note also, the diesel beemer held it's own against the petrol sibling - I had not appreciated that diesel units were a credible alternative to petrols)

Put it another way: Why wouldn't car manufacturers transition most of their engine range to diesels if the performance & refinement hurdles can be overcome (which looks more & more likely all the time)? Better economy, longer life... It's pretty compelling. Say, if all engines were diesel-only today and someone invented the petrol engine tomorrow, would it catch on for anything other than niche products?

Anyway, like I say, perhaps the sleep deprivation is getting the better of me

...So shoot me down in flames gently please

[Bilbo Baggins]

Hey, if they had a turbo-diesel that could perform like the S, I'd buy on in a minute. I have very fond memories of a diesel Rabbit from Germany, many years ago. It was a great car, reliable as all getout and fun to drive.

I bet MINI could do it if they wanted to.

[Paul]

Considering the MINI diesel will be a 1.4 toyota unit, I don't expect too much really. In the Yaris it gives out about 74 bhp.

[rich]

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul_Mullett
Considering the MINI diesel will be a 1.4 toyota unit, I don't expect too much really. In the Yaris it gives out about 74 bhp.

It's the thin end of a very oily wedge, mate. Mark my words!

[AidenL]

BMWs larger capacity diesel engines are superb in all applications, and always hold their own against their petrol engined brothers....they are a viable alternative even to BMs silky sixes.........