Mini Expands With One & Cooper D Models

Now that the second generation of the “new” MINI is on the road in Europeand on the way to North American soil in a month or two, the brand has returned its focus to expanding its product line. While the Clubman/Traveler wagon models with the extended wheelbase and Dutch rear doors aren’t yet ready for mass consumption, and the latest MINI convertible has yet to be unveiled, the MINI stands at the forthcoming Geneva show will be humming with activity. Why? MINI is launching the very popular, affordable “One” and the super-frugal “D” diesel versions of the car.

What made the MINI One such a hit in Europe is that it offered all the character and the majority of the features that buyers could opt for in the Cooper, at a lower price. This was mainly due to the engine that it used. To keep prices as low as possible, all first-gen “new” MINIs had Tritec-Chrysler 1.6-liter inline-four engines, but in different states of tune. The One had 90 horsepower unit instead of the Cooper’s 115. It’s a different story for the upgraded MINI One, however, which uses a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that is derived from the Cooper’s 1.6. Developed in collaboration with PSA-Peugeot Citroen, this engine is much more advanced, featuring BMW’s Valvetronic system. With the One there’s more to be had from less; it now makes 95 hp. Add to that a six-speed manual transmission and the new One is also more fuel efficient and quieter. A six-speed automatic with Steptronic is also available.

MINI’s partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen has also netted the new car a new diesel engine. The previous Cooper D was powered by a Toyota-sourced diesel that was criticized by the media for being excessively clattery. The new engine promises vast improvements in terms of refinement and power, making 110 horsepower and between 177 and 191 lb-ft of torque. It’ll be a quick little machine too, taking less than 10 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill, a significant improvement over the last diesel-powered car. In fact, it’s also a second quicker to 60 than the gas-powered One! Like the One, the D gets both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

There are a couple of unique design elements for both the One and the D to make them distinctive in the MINI range. The One has black trim for the radiator grille, door handles and tailgate, while the D has a power bulge, and an extra spar on the lower intake. With the US about to overtake the UK as the world’s largest market for MINIs, it’s unlikely that MINI will bring these cars over, considering they’re doing just fine with the more expensive Cooper and Cooper S.