When you look at a parked mini, you somehow expect that there is a powerful gasoline engine under the hood and not some diesel three-cylinder mill, as was the case with the test Mini cooper D. This one brings many innovations and exemplary economy for the brand and model, but above all, the most important thing, with it, the mini is what it always (was) ... a Mini. Read below how it fared in our test.
Mini cooper D and his 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel boasts, in addition to concrete technical progress, a surprising good capabilities, which 85 kilowatts and 270 Nm the machine transfers to the ground with advantage. Final ones 205 km/h and 9.2 second acceleration up to a hundred are data that many sports versions in this segment would not defend, and although compared to Cooper S more modest, but manages to bring a smile to your face at any time.
In terms of driving characteristics and position on the road, the Mini cooper D is a real mini, which brings that typical go-kart feel and excellent driving dynamics in corners. In addition, the Mini cooper D also boasts exemplary economy, which (again) would not be defended even by the most "eco" versions of the B-segment models, but on paper this means 92 grams of emissions and 3.6-liter average consumption. In theory, the latter is slightly higher by almost two liters, but with diligent saving, you will also get a four on the gauges, and a (high) six at the most. Together with only a 40 liter tank (it's really a shame because it's not bigger), this means that in theory you could get to the Hungarian capital and back with one tank, but in practice it's more likely that you'll get to the Austrian capital and back.
It's so mini with an engine like that in the nose in addition to exemplary driving dynamics can also true thrift at the same time, it brings all the sporty "sex appeal" to the eye like all other versions of this cult model. The same applies to the appearance and spaciousness of the passenger cabin, where in the latter there is no shortage of space in the first row, and even though entry and seating are sporty low (and can confuse anyone), in the second row it is much tighter, so despite the growth , the mini of the fourth generation still only and at most 2+2 vehicle. Otherwise, the luggage will fit a little better, because trunk not so spartan anymore, with 211 liters but also closer to the class average, and passengers also have a double bottom and a rear bench backrest that can be divided in the middle. But we were disturbed by the closing of the tailgate, which is too loud and therefore unsightly.
Regarding the equipment, the wealth of it is still conditioned by the depth of the buyer's wallet and his preferences, and the equipment now also includes radar cruise control, which is very sensitive to dirt and snow (and other precipitation) so that use is possible only in good weather conditions. There are many other advanced techniques as well collision detection system and maintaining the driving direction. More than the competition offers. But it is also true that the Mini Cooper D is not and cannot be cheap, which is confirmed by looking at the price list.
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But they are materials and workmanship on expected high level, and the ergonomics are still unique and again – premium. It has also moved from the exterior to the cabin a large amount of chromium, the central gauge has lost the speedometer, but inside it there is still room to display the audio device, navigation and also parking aids. There is also a switch for the adaptive driving dynamics system around the gear lever, where green mode vehicle BMW style trim the wings, and in sport mode it is commendably sporty. The front seats are surprisingly sporty thanks to the adjustable length of the seat section, but we had concerns about the imitation leather on the central section, which does not work convincingly and for a long time.
Basic 21,700 euros it's just a tax that comes with the image of the model and the brand, but still the price is a bit high. The Mini cooper D is otherwise affordable just under three thousand euros under the cooper eS-om, but the competition can offer…um, more of everything for that money. Well, most of them don't, just the image. Although the mini has been losing a bit in this area lately, you don't think so.
More information about the model: www.mini.si/mini_cooperD
Test model price: 21,700 euros (basic)/ 31,774 euros (test)
