MINI diesel due down under in 3rd quarter

The diesel powered MINI Cooper D has finally been confirmed by BMW Australia. Scheduled for a 3rd quarter release the Cooper D shapes as being Australia’s greenest car. Claimed figures from MINI say the 1.6 litre turbo direct-injection four cylinder uses just 3.9l/100km of diesel on the combined cycle and emits a paltry CO2 figure of 104g/km.

Australia’s current green crusader, the smart fortwo mhd, uses an extra 0.5l/100km and emits CO2 at a rate of 105g/km.

These figures are all well and good, but MINI has developed its reputation for go kart handling and driving smiles. According to autocar.co.uk, the Cooper D doesn’t disappoint, they may not love the diesel Cooper, but they do say, “Overall, this particular Mini is a satisfyingly brisk machine, with impressive ‘legs’ for longer journeys.”

As is to be expected these days there is a raft of technology on board helping the Cooper D achieve its green credentials. Of course, the MINI marketing team haven’t missed their chance to get in on the act either. The Cooper D marks the introduction of “MINIMALISM” to the Australian market (MINI’s version of BMW’s EfficientDynamics). Away from the spin that means the Cooper D will have features such as the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Shift Point Display that prompts the driver to change gears at the optimum time.

That’s the words covered, what about the numbers? The Cooper D offers a moderate 80kW of power, but an impressive 240Nm of torque is available from 1750rpm. There’s also an extra 20Nm torque on tap from MINI’s familiar overboost system. The diesel powerplant weighs in at a smidge over 123kg and the exhaust system is fitted with a particulates filter which helps the car achieve the Euro 4 emissions standard. With a theoretical range of 1025km from its 40 litre tank, the Cooper D could make it from Melbourne to Sydney on a single tank of fuel.

Pretty cool, huh. MINI expects to sell around 220 Cooper Ds in 2009, with a firm release date yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned for more details, in the meantime, you know the drill—more pics and press blurb after the jump.

More Smiles Per Gallon: MINI Cooper D Confirmed for Australia

• MINI celebrates the introduction of MINIMALISM in Australia
• 3.9-litres per 100 km
• Australia’s cleanest car: 104 g/km CO2
• 240 Nm of torque with 260 Nm available during “Overboost”
• Fastest accelerating diesel in its capacity class in Australia

MINI will reset the emissions benchmark for a sporting passenger car when the new MINI Cooper D Hardtop arrives in Australia mid-way through 2009.

It will be Australia’s cleanest car, as well as the first overtly sporty diesel car in this segment.

The new MINI Cooper D demonstrates the great potential of modern diesel engines more impressively than ever before. It produces fewer CO2 emissions than hybrid cars on sale in Australia, yet provides very perky performance from its 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine.

The MINI Cooper D comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The MINI Cooper D is also fitted with several MINIMALISM features (MINI’s version of BMW EfficientDynamics), including the Auto Start Stop function which means the engine switches itself off in traffic jams or at the lights, instead of idling, wasting fuel.

Further MINIMALISM features are Brake Energy Regeneration, previously only available on the BMW M3, and a Shift Point Display that prompts the driver to make upshifts at the most economical time.

In addition, the MINI Cooper D has a streamlined underbody aerodynamic panel for reduced drag, and on-demand functioning ancillaries, such as Electric Power Assisted Steering, a switchable water pump, and volume flow regulated oil pump. All these features serve to reduce fuel consumption.

The 80 kW diesel engine delivers a punchy 240 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,000 rpm, 70 percent of which is available at just 1,250 rpm.

This is the third turbocharged MINI engine, joining the petrol-fuelled MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works models, both of which feature twin scroll turbocharging.

Like the MINI Cooper S engines, the lightweight (123.5 kg) MINI Cooper D engine also offers a torque “Overboost” feature. This injection of an extra 20 Nm of grunt punts peak torque to 260 Nm at short notice, for even swifter overtaking. The “Overboost” is accessed by pressing the accelerator pedal to the metal.

The MINI Cooper D is the fastest accelerating 1.6-litre diesel powered car in the class in Australia, and the most frugal, by a significant margin.

In addition to incredible fuel economy, the MINI Cooper D delivers very low exhaust emissions of carbon dioxide.

The combined cycle fuel consumption figure is a miserly 3.9-litres per 100 km, with only 104 g/km of CO2 emitted.

Never before has a MINI been so economical and low on emissions – and never before has so much driving fun been available combined with such low fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

With a maximum range of 1,025 km from a tank, a MINI Cooper D could comfortably travel from Sydney to Melbourne without refuelling its 40-litre tank.

The 1.6 litre four-cylinder power unit has common rail direct injection (operating at 1,600 bar) and a turbocharger that uses variable turbine geometry which ensures perfectly matched power delivery at all engine speeds, and extremely responsive performance. The turbocharger was developed specifically for the MINI Cooper D.

The degree of turbo-boost is increased at higher speeds for more power and performance, giving the new engine superior torque all the way to the red line, thus enhan­cing its sporty character.

Pre­cisely controlled injectors ensure a super smooth multiple-injection process for each operating cycle, enhancing engine refinement. The six intake ducts in the new injectors are only 0.135 mm in diameter, and the combustion chambers have been optimised in their shape and dimensions to prevent unwanted turbulence and maintain a smooth and consistent combustion pro­cess.

This extremely precise fuel injection process minimises both fuel consumption and emissions from the start.

The exhaust system is fitted with a particulates filter and meets the Euro 4 emissions standard.

The MINI Cooper D Hardtop is identified externally via a more muscular curve to the power dome on the bonnet to accommodate larger induction plumbing-work.

A large intake below the bumper, which feeds air to the heat exchanger, has a unique patterned grille, and is bisected by a slim, body coloured bar.

As with all MINI models, the MINI Cooper D customer will be able to specify a car to their exact requirements with the biggest choice of interior and exterior trim and colour options. The full range of MINI factory and dealer fit accessories will also be available.

Full specification and pricing information will be announced closer to launch in 2009.