In an age of ‘downsizing’ is the less interesting encounter this sporty 2 liter turbo and 143 hp, which becomes the Mini larger displacement and torque. The diesel range is completed under the D and Cooper D, 90 and 110 hp, both of 1.6 liters.

Mini Cooper SDSince its release the Cooper S, this sporty version of the Mini has earned an honored place in the list of our favorite cars. So we had some initial misgivings towards Diesel baptized with the same surname. Being critical, until recently offered diesel engines in their range were not precisely the factors that have raised the Mini to the category of aspirational model, since a car deserve a whim whim engine Diesel-however it – something that, initially, did not have.

However, after the last restyling, the new 1.6 developed by BMW and get that special touch that was missing driveability, moving the Mini the good feelings that have earned fame, and some other prize-a 4-cylinder diesel in the Bavarian house. No doubt more than you could ask for in a car in its segment. In the case of the Mini Cooper SD, mechanics is well known, since it is the same 2 liters (internal code N47) that gives much BMW models. course, in the intermediate version of 143 hp, a perfect formula for converting the light into a performance based Mini car full of good qualities.

For the occasion he has ignored the current trend of using smaller and smaller engines, which has led to the Mini with larger displacement of the moment. Has had to be quite a technical challenge this mechanical coupling in reduced engine compartment, a effort that could leave the door open to future more radical variants signed by John Cooper Works, as in the new BMW 1 Series this engine reaches 184 hp with a single turbo in the Mini does not seem to be room for the twin-turbo 204 hp of the first BMW 1 Series -. A sin for purists or a brilliant marketing idea? Time will tell.

Retailer

His image hardly differs from the Mini Cooper S gasoline. Has all its specific elements, including the indispensable central dual exhaust, or decorative-and false-hood air intake, an ornament that worsens the Cx but to bring something very successful aesthetic. S is no shortage of logos, with the side indicators, and Cooper S on the bottom of the doors. Only the boot lid can read SD Cooper.

The interior design is equally evocative, with very good materials and customizable stub blow through the many options available, from inserts and trim specific to LED ambient lights of different colors that are reflected in the aluminum surfaces. Too bad the backrest adjustment is by lever and do not allow the same precision than a wheel like that offered by baquets optional John Cooper Works.

Yet the driving position is very good, but can not say the same passengers on the two rear seats, because of the limited legroom. Nothing that we did not know, like the boot, too small, and a suspension metered dropper comfort, especially in the hindquarters, and more with tires 205/45 R17 in our unit (standard 195/55 R16 ).

Luxury motor

In front of the petrol versions, the engine of the Mini Cooper SD transmits more vibration into the cabin, both on startup and on the move, but does not become annoying. Also slightly louder, but within limits perfectly acceptable. His response is immediate, resulting in a high driveability from virtually idle since their use banda begins very soon.

You can wander without exceeding 2,000 rpm, for approximately 1,200 laps from start to deliver a significant amount of torque, although it is at 2,000 rpm when the delivery becomes truly strong when they stepped on the accelerator. Only 500 rounds above the immediate response is almost aspirated engine reaches 3,000 rpm and the best of this mechanism, which does not fail to overcome the 4,000 laps, best time to go to the next gear, although there are still 1,000 revolutions to the red zone.

The engine has no weaknesses. When seeking maximum acceleration the 1 st and 2 nd run out very quickly, but the manual is necessary to rise to the occasion and promptly to insert the next gear, no time to lose the inertia turbo. From there, watch out for the speedometer, because the rest of gears also are soon over. Except overtaking maneuver in 4 ª, the Mini Cooper S is slightly more performance based, but the SD allows rhythms of scandal consume very contents.
All Cooper S

Regarding its gasoline counterpart DS weighs 20 kg more than our scale, which mostly rest on the front. Although it is still almost as agile, but very abrupt changes in support and just before reaching the limit on bends, there is more rolling. Otherwise it is just as fun and dynamic, very stable, but with a playful back that fits our style of driving and advances the right foot. The steering is very direct and report faithfully, and only occur under acceleration pulls despite the tremendous torque available.

Thanks to the good capabilities of the chassis and traction control help in extreme cases, not the front gets out at any time. Pressing the Sport button gives a greater throttle response at the beginning of its travel and the steering stiffens slightly to provide more sense of poise and confidence. On the other hand, the list of extras available is a function of “locking” mail (159 €), in addition to improve traction and allow faster output curves, change the setting of the DSC, making it far more permissive.

This option, which should be standard, it is highly recommended when the potential squeeze this sporty Mini twisty as it raises the level of performance a notch. We are, without doubt, to the Diesel more fun to drive the market.

The best – Motor impeccable
- Behavior
- Benefits

The worst – Trunk small
- Comfort limited
- High price

 

By: Paul Mallo and Test Equipment
Photos: Angel Yuste

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