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Mini Cooper SD diesel hot hatch review
Rating:

We try the new Mini Cooper SD range, a hotter diesel Cooper to battle Ibiza FR and Corsa SRi
By Stephen Dobie
April 2011
Mini Cooper SD diesel hot hatch review

What is it?

The Mini Cooper SD, with not only the car’s most powerful diesel yet, but the biggest engine in its 52-year history. Prices range from £18,750 for the hatchback to £23,190 for a four-wheel-drive Countryman ALL4.

Technical highlights?

The engine is the 2-litre single-turbo unit shared with the BMW 118d, and it offers up 141bhp and 225lb ft. This is combined with CO2 emissions of 114g/km (£30 annual car tax, 13% BIK rate) and a claimed 65.7mpg in the hatchback, which serves up a 8.1sec 0-62mph sprint and 134mph top speed.

Those frugal former figures are thanks in part to Minimalism, Mini’s version of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics, which stars brake energy generation, auto start/stop and ‘demand-based ancillaries’, such as the alternator.

What’s it like to drive?

It has an extra 26lb ft compared to the Cooper D, at an identical 1750rpm, while maximum torque stretches an extra 450rpm to 2700rpm. That results in a 0-62mph time that’s over half a second quicker, yet in truth the car doesn’t feel substantially brisker. There’s an obvious improvement in performance, but perhaps not enough to warrant Cooper S badging.

A comparison of the range is interesting: the hatchback shows the biggest improvement in mid-range thump, the Clubman feels the most resolved and balanced on rough and twisty roads, the Countryman feels least eager to swing through the SD’s powerband and also requires stirring of its gears through stunted motorway traffic.

All cars boast the usual Mini plus points, though: tactile controls, a slick gearchange and electric power steering that while unnatural in its firmness when you press the infamous Sport button, is better weighted than most rivals.

The Cooper SD is a good car to drive; it’s just not quite the performance diesel we were eager to have a go in.

How does it compare?

Rivals include the 141bhp/236lb ft SEAT Ibiza FR TDI (£17,130) and 128bhp/221lb ft Vauxhall Corsa SRi CDTi (£17,390). Both handle well, have punchy powerplants and possess more practicality than the Mini. For many, though, their looks and image won’t be on par.

Anything else I need to know?

The usual plethora of options (the average Mini customer’s spend is over £4000, apparently) will ensure few cars leave the forecourt at those list prices above. Our test Countryman topped £30K, for instance…