The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33536
SD can sprint from 0-60mph in only 7.8 seconds and deliver a top speed of over 130mph. The true advantage, however, is in fuel consumption, with 65.7 miles per gallon being quoted officially. In normal use, and taking into account smaller US Gallons, American users should expect around 49.0 mpg – if the diesel models are exported to the US. While the figures make for fascinating reading, they cannot compare with experiencing the car first-hand. I decided on a Clubman for my test drive, as it was also the first in a series of special editions that MINI has chosen to name after districts of London. Fortunately, for the North American market, the model name will also have relevance to that area north of New York City, referred to in the plural -- the Hamptons. I drove the test car up to the Roman City of Bath, mainly for pictorial purposes. This part of South West England is ideal for testing the new engine’s capabilities, because its roads vary from wide and open, to narrow and twisty, with many differing gradients. The new motor bestows the MINI with considerable urge and considering its substantial torque output it provides excellent acceleration. As always, MINI’s 6-speed stick was a joy to use, but the nature of the diesel power delivery allows the laziest of drivers to get away with the bare minimum of ratio changes. The motor would drop to just 1,000rpm in sixth gear, which equated to approximately 40mph, and pull away cleanly at full throttle, without too much complaint. If ever a relatively small capacity engine could emulate the traditional V8 urge of ‘ain’t no substitute for cubic inches’ American engines, then this is it. MINI UK advised that torque steer was a specific problem with the SD range and that the traction control settings had been adjusted to erase this undesirable trait. However, with the traction control disabled on the test car, no untoward behavior was noticeable, which proves how well balanced the new engine’s settings are with those of the chassis and suspension. All Cooper SDs share the same exterior trim as the equivalent gasoline Cooper S models. Apart from its unique dark Reef Blue metallic paint the Clubman Hampton boasts a plethora of extra equipment, which not only includes tread plates, digital climate control, xenon lamps, leather upholstery, a hide-wrapped sports steering wheel, JCW Anthracite instrument dials and headlining, but also unique damson- shaded piping on the seats and carpets, plus purple-colored detailing on the facia, instruments, mirror casings, hood and alloy wheel rims. In the UK, the Clubman Hampton can be specified with any motor but the Cooper SD version attracts a £3,395 ($5,600 USD) premium over the stock car, with a total on-the-road price of £23,185 ($38,750 USD). While this is certainly not a mini price, MINI UK does say that it is less than a Clubman that has been specified with a similar level of extras. Although it still remains unclear whether or not MINI USA will embrace diesel-powered models, the transplanting of BMW diesel motors into MINIs is a significant development that the US Division will have to take into account. If BMW decides to adapt the 4-cylinder diesel motor to meet 50-state emissions, it would not only allow the company to sell diesel MINIs for the first time, but also the current six-cylinder 3 and 5-series diesel BMWs could be supplemented by a smaller and more economical power unit. Issue 32 MC2 Magazine 21