Mini Cooper S goes diesel.

Mini has decided to give its Cooper S models a dose of high efficiency and big torque with the introduction of the Cooper SD.  The SD is the highest performing diesel variant, which will be available in all of the five (Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman, and Countryman All4) Mini variants.

The Cooper SD has a turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel engine producing 143 hp at 4000 rpm, with torque rated at 225 lb ft available from 1750 rpm to 2700 rpm.  Indeed the figures show that the SD has 41 hp less than the petrol-powered Cooper S, but it does produce 34 lb ft more.

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What about acceleration?  The hatch version will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.1 sec and reach a top speed of 134 mph (214km/h), which is 1.1 sec slower than a petrol S with a manual gearbox to 60 mph, and eight miles per hour slower in top speed.

Though performance figures seem to be more in favour of the petrol-powered S, the SD makes up for it with high fuel efficiency.  The hatch SD will achieve 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle and emit 114 g/km of CO2, while the S will do 48.7 mpg and produce 136 g/km.

Prices start at £18750, with all SDs featuring a six-speed manual transmission, and an automatic transmission being available as an option. 

Alex Kisiri