MINI Cooper SD

There’s a new diesel-powered hot hatch on the way, and for fans of the black stuff it should be a good one – it’s the MINI Cooper SD, powered by a 2.0-litre unit from parent company BMW.

The new engine is available in all of the body shapes that Mini currently offer (hatchback, convertible, Clubman and Countryman) and gives the Cooper 143bhp and the promise of lower fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. As you’ll probably know there’s already a diesel powered Mini Cooper, but where the Cooper S brings more power over the standard petrol Cooper, the Cooper SD does the same for the diesel Cooper.

The two litre four cylinder produces 143hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28 per cent more than the Cooper D and nearly 60 per cent above that of the One D.  There’s impressive torque too, 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm, which is the the highest torque output of any MINI engine, including the John Cooper Works editions. This means that the Cooper SD is no slouch, with the hatchback version capable of a top speed of 134mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds. Power is transferred through a new lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed auto is available as an option.

The engine comes with the latest fuel saving tech from BMW that you would normally see in their Efficient Dynamics range, including brake energy generation, automatic start/stop, gearchange indicator, electric power steering and ancillaries, such as the alternator, that only work when required.  This allows the Cooper SD to record an impressive 65.7 mpg on the EU cycle while emitting a mere 114 grams of CO₂. That low output means that road tax is free as the Cooper SD squeezes into Band B.

As far as looks are concerned the Cooper SD borrows the extra bits from the Cooper S, including a front apron with an extra large air intake and the familiar air scoop on the bonnet.  At the rear are twin, centrally mounted tailpipes, a new rear apron and a roof spoiler.  Also, in the same way as on the Cooper S, the side indicator surrounds carry the SD badge, with the same badge appearing on the boot lid.