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MINI

MINI’s iconic hot-hatch cleans up

MINI Cooper S (R56)

The MINI Cooper S has just been named best hot-hatch in the annual What Car? awards. This is the third year on the trot the MCS has claimed the award, with the British publication stating, “just as brilliant as ever, the Mini is still the headline act in this category”.

That in itself, though, is not such a big surprise as the MINI has been widely praised since BMW relaunched the brand in 2001. However, what might raise a few eyebrows is the news that CleanGreenCars.co.uk has named MINI the cleanest car manufacturer. In addition to this, the Cooper S was previously named Green Sports Car by What Car? in their 2008 awards.

CleanGreenCars reached their conclusion by calculating the average CO2 emissions of each car sold during 2008 and compared the data against 2007 figures. The result being the average CO2 emissions from the MINI fleet is 137.24g/km, an improvement of almost 7%. MINI is marginally ahead of Fiat, with 137.32g/km, and next best, Peugeot with 140.16g/km.

With more frugal diesel models to be added to their range, MINI can expect their average emissions figure to lower even further.

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MINI

MINI diesel due down under in 3rd quarter

MINI Cooper D

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.

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MINI News

Electric powered MINI charges up sales charts

MINI E - The electric, zero emissions MINI

The lithium-ion powered MINI E is proving to be a sales hit. The sparky MINI is only available in the US, and then only in three states (California, New York and New Jersey). However, lessors have been racing to sign up for the US$850 per month payments. During this initial pilot program there will be 250 cars offered in California and 250 split between New York and New Jersey. “Owners” sign up for a 12 month lease, with the possibility of an extension. Although, demand is believed to be four times what MINI can satisfy, so perhaps lease extensions may not be as simple as first thought.

The MINI E only has two seats, but the excitement it is creating in the market has not deterred eager customers. Speaking to Bloomberg.com Mario Soto, a 45-year-old graphic designer and father of three, said “I’ve got to take my kids to school, so the car makes no sense for me from a practical point of view. But I kinda want to be part of this.”

The MINI E has shown the go-kart philosophy of the MINI brand extends into the green market. Josh Lewis, from rawautos.com, who test-drove the MINI E last November said, “I’m all about saving the world, one car at a time if necessary. But I want to have a good time in my car. That’s exactly what the MINI E gives me.”

The up front costs of the MINI E is quite a lot more than a petrol powered MINI, which can be leased for just US$250 per month, however, the cost of the electricity needed to power the car could be as much as 40% less, based on current fuel prices.

Source: Bloomberg.com via MotoringFile