Geneva 2011: MINI Cooper SD

MINI is presenting another new engine variant for its current model range in Geneva these days, and our team of photographers were on-site to flash-gun it. Scheduled for launch this spring, the MINI Cooper SD will be the most powerful diesel variant yet in the MINI line-up.

Developed for the MINI Cooper SD, MINI Cooper SD Clubman, MINI Cooper SD Convertible and MINI Cooper SD Countryman, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine develops 143 hp and peak torque of 305 Newton metres (225 lb-ft).

The respective amount of power allows the MINI Cooper SD to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds. The new model variant also comes with a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, accompanied by CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

“The engine also expresses its sporting credentials in the form of a resoundingly sonorous soundtrack when the driver pushes on into higher rev bands,” the company explains.

The MINI Cooper SD can be identified by a selection of eye-catching design features: the large air intake, the air scoop on the bonnet, twin tailpipes positioned in the centre of the rear apron and a roof spoiler similar in style with those of the most powerful petrol variant in the range, the MINI Cooper S.

The number of MINI models available with a six-speed automatic gearbox will also be extended from spring 2011. Customers will be able to specify this gearbox as an option for all models powered by the new diesel engine (available from the launch of the new variant). The automatic will now also be available for the MINI Cooper D, MINI Cooper D Clubman, MINI Cooper D Convertible and MINI Cooper D Countryman.