2009
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Gearing up for an ideal start:
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Munich. The MINI model family is set to welcome another new arrival. A new entry-level diesel model will be launched in September 2009 and promises to deliver exceptionally economical driving fun.
The new MINI One D is also fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and numerous efficiency-enhancing measures, which make an effective contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These include Brake Energy Regeneration - which concentrates power generation for the on-board power supply on periods when the car is braking and coasting - and the Auto Start Stop Function, which switches off the engine when the car stops at traffic lights or a junction. The MINI One D also comes with a Shift Point Display, which advises the driver of a good time to change gear to ensure efficient driving. The average fuel consumption of the MINI One D in the EU test cycle is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions stand at 104 grams per kilometre. A precise six-speed manual gearbox makes every burst of acceleration in the new diesel model a genuine pleasure. As with all the brand's models, the drive is sent to the front wheels of the MINI One D and - like its siblings - a central feature of its character is the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. This delightfully agile handling is underpinned by a combination of a McPherson spring-strut front axle construction, multi-link rear suspension and Electrical Power Steering (EPS). Speed-sensitive steering assistance guarantees both low steering forces when parking and precise responses at motorway speeds. In addition, EPS also enhances the efficiency of the car; the electric motor is only active, and therefore only uses energy, when steering assistance is required or desired by the driver. Among the safety features on board the MINI One D are front airbags and side head/thorax airbags, and all four seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts. All restraint systems are controlled by a central safety electronics system complete with sensors, and are applied as required by the type and intensity of the collision. The standard equipment of the new entry-level diesel MINI matches that of the MINI One and its appearance likewise shows parallels with its petrol-driven equivalent. The MINI One D also has its roof in body colour, while its model-specific take on the typically MINI hexagonal radiator grille stands out from the other model variants with a chrome surround and black cross louvres. Like the MINI One, the MINI One D also has black mirror caps and a black boot lid handle, and the chromed tailpipe is the same as that on the exhaust system of the MINI Cooper D. The market launch of the new entry-level diesel variant adds further to the variety of the MINI model range. In addition to the two diesel models - the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D - customers can also choose from the petrol-driven MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, and the particularly sports-oriented MINI John Cooper Works. All models are built according to the strict quality standards of the BMW Group at the MINI plant in Oxford. The MINI One D is also available with the extensive selection of optional extras and accessories which allow every MINI to become a personalised one-off example of its kind. |
READER COMMENTS
BMW Group, MINI Corporate Communications, July 02, 2009 |