#03#MINI has been a massive sales success for BMW since the firm launched a modern version of the original back in 2001. So much so that the company had to build a whole new wing to its building facility in Oxford, where 4,700 employees put together the
all-new version launched in September last year along with the
convertible model (yet to be updated). Back in 2001, the employees at Oxford numbered 2,400 and the facility was 45 per cent smaller, but now the company regularly builds up to 700 MINIs a day (up from 300 in 2001) and recently produced its one millionth model.
So MINI - and the plant where BMW manufactures them - has grown, and so does the second-generation MINI portfolio, which has now effectively doubled with the addition of two new variations: the MINI One and a new diesel-powered MINI Cooper D. Both cars offer the exemplary build quality and driving fun factor of the previous generation, but engineers have recalibrated the suspension settings and added a new 1.4-litre petrol engine (jointly developed by PSA and BMW) and a new PSA-sourced 1.6-litre oil burner, replacing the
previous iteration's Toyota diesel.
Peak power for the MINI One from the new 1.4-litre engine is 95bhp at 6000rpm, backed up by 103lb.ft of torque at 4000rpm, but it feels almost as punchy as the larger 1.6-litre unit from which it is derived. BMW's VALVETRONIC technology has apparently enabled the aluminium powerplant to create 5bhp more than its predecessor and boost efficiency by 15 per cent to 49.6mpg. MINI claims 0 to 62mph can be achieved in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 115mph. Nevertheless, the engine is quite happy to rev to its 6500rpm redline and induce grins through a melodious exhaust note. Quiet at idle, the sound coming from the exhaust at the low end signifies this is anything but a standard economy hatch. Though it's not as raspy as in its more performance-oriented Cooper S sibling, the tune indicates the engineering objectives behind the new power source. The MINI heritage shines through.
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The Cooper D is heralded as the 'cleanest ever car' produced by the BMW Group. Constructed of lightweight aluminium, the turbocharged 1.6-litre common rail diesel unit (as tested in the
Peugeot 207 GT) is claimed to create 110bhp at 4000rpm and 177lb.ft of torque, with 70 per cent of maximum torque available at just 1250rpm. The engine shaves a full second off the One's 0-62mph run, achieves a top speed of 121mph and unleashes an additional 15lb.ft of torque through the overboost function. While the characteristic diesel clatter from the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is heard at idle, it is not overly intrusive. Redesigned combustion chambers optimised to prevent turbulence and maintain consistent combustion work in combination with new variable turbine geometry and a multiple-injection process to elevate refinement and efficiency.
Overall, the powerplant is a welcome improvement over the outgoing diesel. Torque levels are on par with the performance-oriented Cooper S, but while the S's petrol engine maintains its peak from 1600-5000rpm, the diesel achieves maximum torque between 1750 and 2000rpm before dropping gradually. The Cooper D feels slightly porkier than its petrol-powered siblings and doesn't quite have the 'hit you in the back' feel of the Cooper S, but the diesel powerplant does propel the car forward at a decent pace and is notably more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, returning 64.2mpg on the Combined Cycle and emitting only 118g/km of CO
2 through its particulate filter, according to MINI.
Whilst driving on A- and B-roads on the outskirts of Oxford we found the new MINI to be compliant and responsive, living up to its 'premium small car' title. Its refined chassis is solid and has been tightened in the latest generation for increased torsional rigidity, translating to high levels of grip and balance. The operation of the six-speed single-cone synchromesh transmission is smooth and fluid and the carefully chosen gear ratios do well to transfer engine power to the road. A MacPherson front spring strut and central-pivot rear axle suspension (with front and rear anti-roll bars) remains well-composed over road imperfections and suitably absorbs bumps. The revised electronic power assisted steering (that increases in weight at higher speed) is nicely weighted and reacts well to inputs, with slight adjustments directly impacting directional changes. The system is also claimed to save weight over a traditional hydraulic system at the same time as reducing fuel consumption.
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The inner-vented 280mm front and solid 259mm rear discs offer a progressive brake pedal feel and work well to scrub off speed. ABS, EBD, and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) are standard kit, while ASC+T - a brake assist system that builds up pressure in an emergency stopping scenario - is standard on the Cooper D and S, but optional on other models.
The latest-generation MINI benefits from enhancements in all the right areas, yet still maintains the quintessential MINI character, albeit feeling a bit grown up. My only gripes are with the road noise from the optional 195/55 R16 tyres, which permeates into the cabin over uneven road surfaces; and the intrusive wind noise on the motorway, as the near upright windscreen deflects air around the cabin and ruthlessly murders unsuspecting mosquitoes. Though this isn't too big a problem for me personally, it may prove annoying for the discerning buyer. And if you're one of those, it is best to avoid tyres larger than 16-inch, as their lower profile will also negatively impact ride quality, despite the obvious aesthetic improvement.
Refinement and build quality are immediately apparent in the cabin of the MINI. The seats are comfortable and supportive, featuring an infinite level of adjustments with which to find the ideal driving position. Many of the instrument panel and door plastics are soft touch and textured materials that would not seem out of place in a larger luxury saloon. The aluminium panels in the MINI One (and red painted in the Cooper D) running the length of the dash appear to be of higher quality than the outgoing cars' too. A total of nine toggle switches lining the bottom portion of the console and the roof also elevate quality perception. The innovative new key slotting into the dash is a bit of a gimmick, however. The MINI features a start/stop button for the ignition (following the trend of other manufacturers), but the new device does nothing to add convenience that would not normally be found on a conventional key pod.
The addition of the next-generation MINI One and the new Cooper D model has diversified MINI's product portfolio and will certainly enable the company to welcome more customers into showrooms the world over. Let's just hope the UK's 'production triangle' can cope with increased demand. But with nearly £380 million invested by BMW into the Oxford plant since 2001, it seems that's unlikely to be a problem.
2007 MINI range overview
| Model | UK (£ on-the-road) | Ireland: (€ on-the-road) |
| MINI One | £11,610 | €21,350 |
| MINI Cooper | £13,010 | €24,400 |
| MINI Cooper D | £14,175 | €26,400 |
| MINI Cooper S | £16,010 | €29,650 |
