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MINI One D

MINI's iconic diesel hatch is back, and not only is it better looking, but also more eco-friendly then ever - but can it stave off newer rivals like the Citroen DS3 and Audi's A1?

MINI One D Pan

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Otis Clay

January 2011

It’s the MINI that is aiming to get ‘One’ over on its rivals! Newly updated, this entry-level diesel One D is now better-looking and cheaper to run – but is that enough when models such as Citroen’s DS3 and Audi’s A1 are breathing down its neck? We took to the road to find out.

The MINI’s eco credentials are certainly impressive. With CO2 emissions of only 99g/km, it falls under the 100g/km threshold – which means it ducks road tax and London’s congestion charge completely. Fuel economy is equally headline-grabbing, with a combined figure of 74.3mpg.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the MINI Hatch

 

However, this is no lethargic eco special. On the move, the One D feels very punchy thanks to the new BMW-developed 1.6-litre engine. With 89bhp and 215Nm of torque on tap, it hits 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds. The more powerful 110bhp Cooper D model, which is 1.7 seconds quicker to 62mph, boasts the same economy figures, but costs around £1,500 more. 

The One D’s refinement is excellent, too. Even under hard acceleration the diesel engine is muted and the stop-start system cuts and restarts the unit seamlessly.Even better news for MINI fans is that the updated One D still retains all the trademark MINI charm, including the way it looks and drives.

Visual changes include fresh bumpers with a lower front air intake and revised lights, while inside the stereo and heater controls have been slightly updated. In corners, the direct steering is still class-leading and body roll is virtually non-existent.

Yet despite all the MINI’s improvements, a lot of the old flaws remain. The suspension is still too stiff – although the small 16-inch alloy wheels do soften some of the smaller road imperfections – and there’s not enough space in either the rear seats or the boot.

A starting price of £14,480 is still expensive, too.However, there’s no other car on the road which offers this many thrills for such low running costs. And for that reason, this MINI is bound to be a hugely popular choice.

Rival: Citroen DS3 99g
The DS3 boasts virtually identical emissions and efficiency figures to the MINI, but can’t quite match its rival for driving thrills. You cannot specify alloys on this eco model, either, which could be a problem in such a style-conscious sector.

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1 Comment

Still Best of the Bunch!

The one thing everyone overlooks when buying a car is depreciation. The Citroen for the same spec is around £900 cheaper. Both have good eco figures and are fun to drive, but the consensus is that the mini pips the Citroen to the post on handling and sheer driving pleasure. BUT…

After 3 years and average miles, the Citroen will have a loss of £2000 (What Car Magazine) over the Mini. Already that means the initial extra cost has gone and the Mini makes another £1100 on top! As the years roll on, the Mini will become even better at avoiding the massive drop in value.

Be careful what you buy. If you are looking for a bargain, in the next year or so there will be loads of cars bought through scrappage by people who couldn’t afford to purchase them. They will have lost loads in new car depreciation and will be back to £1000 older cars after losing thousands on their purchase. Another way to part a fool and his money by the expert, Gordon Clown!

By Rumour on 1 February, 2011, 9:35am

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MINI One D rear
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FIRST OPINION

    The great thing about the One D is that it manages to retain its sporty character without any compromises to its remarkable efficiency. The new 1.6-litre turbodiesel offers more than enough go, and the trademark MINI handling ensures that this is not only one of the greenest cars on the road, but it’s one of the most fun to drive, too. Our only gripes are those which have been levelled at the MINI since it arrived in 2001 – namely that it’s lacking in comfort and practicality.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £14,480
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power: 89bhp
    Torque: 215Nm
    0-62mph: 11.4 secs
    Top speed: 115mph
    Economy: 74.3mpg
    CO2: 99g/km 
    Equipment: 16-inch alloys, cruise control, air-conditioning, DSC, Bluetooth, electric windows
    On sale: Now
     
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