Road test: Mini Cooper SD hatchback - Oil’s well with Mini
Mini Cooper SD hatchback. Photo supplied
PETROL power is synonymous with performance; diesel power with parsimony and never the two shall cross over.
It seems that someone forgot to tell BMW Group and its efforts to create a diesel hot hatch. That is courtesy of transplanting its 2.0-litre oil burner engine from the 118d and inserting it in the compact and relatively light weight Mini and calling it a Cooper SD.
Appearance wise there’s no difference to the Cooper S, the same bold front bumper, same bonnet scoop, same twin exhausts.
That 2.0-litre lump produces 141 bhp – which hardly sounds earth shattering compared to the Cooper S’s 181bhp – and a mighty 224lb ft of torque from as low as 1,750rpm through to 2,700rpm. That’s the rub because the great reserves of pulling power mean whatever gear and rev range you’re in, the SD wants to keep accelerating. As such, it feels powerful even in everyday pootling around town mode.
It’s not as quick to benchmark sprint time as the S, at 8.1 seconds a full second and a notch slower. But it’s brisk nonetheless, is very un-diesel like rev happy, and mated to a short-throw, six-speed gearbox, paints a convincing sporting package.
Sound effects are subtle at normal speed; diesel clatter starts at higher revs, but the engine is very smooth all the same.
But the key question is whether this car retains that Mini characteristic of chuckability. In a word, yes. As the diesel engine is barely heavier than the petrol, the nose still dives immediately into bends and, via precise steering, it can still be thrown about in typical Mini fashion.
To further enjoy the drive, opt for 17-inch alloys rather than 16s, bigger, grippy tyres for added traction. It will feel more taut and stiff, enhancing the driving experience. The SD is all the better for a little rawness on the open road, but still sufficiently sophisticated to cope with all manner of road conditions.
The SD is a hoot, fun personified, for its superlative handling and firepower instantly on tap. But it may amaze you even further to note that it averages a claimed 65.7mpg combined and the CO2 emissions are a meagre 114g/km, which is 22g/km less than the 48.7mpg Cooper S.
When it comes to safety, it is fitted with DTC stability control as standard, with a Sport button for extra fun – it weightens the steering and and makes the exhaust louder, too. Mini also uses the brakes to lessen torque steer which means less fight of the steering wheel when pushing on over undulating roads or out of bends.
Step inside the SD and it’s typical high quality fare. The SD for example comes as standard with sports seats, which are nicely bolstered if not entirely supportive.
There is no extra space in the rear; think of it as a 2+2; and the boot remains titchy.
The interior is, though, charismatic, individual – I liked the changing mood lighting in particular – and retains its premium quality. It feels tight and a hewn-from-granite solid machine to set it apart from mainstream alternatives.
A gem of hot diesel at a hot price of £18,750 on the road.
Fact file
Model: Mini Cooper SD hatchback.
Price on the road: £18,750.
Drivetrain: 2.0-litre diesel engine developing 141 bhp and 224lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm to 2,700rpm.
Performance: 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, and maximum speed 134mph.
Economy: Combined 65.7mpg. CO2 134g/km.
Size: Length 3,709mm, width 1,912mm, height 1,401mm.
Insurance: Group 22.
Warranty: Three years/unlimited mileage, 12 years’ anti-corrosion.
Local dealer: Sycamore Mini, Papyrus Road, Werrington, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 707074.
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