New Mini BMW D

BMW 530d after crash test

If there is such a thing as small BMW, it must be a BMW Mini. Fortunately for the famous Mini, however you repackage and re-brand it; is cool and will always be of the distinctly British origin. And as far as BMW’s Mini stable of models is concerned, there is new kid on the block: Mini Cooper D (D for diesel).

With such a small and light car, one wouldn’t worry about fuel economy, but with 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO2 Mini Cooper D stands up even to Toyota’s Prius. This brilliant performance is mostly owed to a new turbocharged direct-injection 1.6 liter engine which produces more of everything. More power, more torque, more economy and less pollution.

If you are just pulling away and your engine is still in 1st gear, the characteristic agricultural shudder will definitely betray the fact that there is a diesel engine under the bonnet. But as soon you change into the 2nd and 3rd gear, things considerably improve in the audio department. You could be fooled into thinking that you were driving a ‘noisy’ petrol powered vehicle!

There are many cosmetic improvements all around: Bumpers are new, there is a new black cross-piece bellow the numberplate, look of the rear lights had been changed and there are new wheels and choice of paint colors. BMW has taken care of those who must have Internet wherever they are, with Mini Connected in-mini infotainment suite of gadgets, which is a version of BMW’s own iDrive. Practically you just plug your Mini D into your iPhone and you are good to surf the Net. Definitely do not use this feature while you are driving!

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