Review of the new MINI Cooper D

Although it's impossible to buy a 'bad' MINI, the old diesel model was never a favourite. The latest Cooper D looks a good deal more promising, with a far superior powerplant, more space and better quality fixtures and fittings. The black pump option now has a lot more going for it.

The success of the MINI caught even paymasters BMW on the hop. As fast as they could turn the cars out, the queues grew even quicker. Some models though, were more popular than others. While there was soaring demand for the petrol derivatives, the diesel was always a bit more of a sticky seller. The reason why isn't too hard to work out.

By and large, two kinds of people bought MINIs; those who valued the hedonistic delights of the best driver's hatch bar none and those who wanted something to be seen in while popping down to the shops. Neither of these customers would be particularly interested in the rather dull-witted diesel engine that was originally fitted to the MINI. This improved model though, offers a far more cultured diesel engine with renewed stomach for the fight ahead.

MINI buyers get two 1.6-litre diesel engines to choose from these days, the 90bhp unit found in the MINi One and the engine we look at here, a 112bhp powerplant reserved for Cooper buyers. It's all very different from the days when all MINI diesel buyers could expect was a feeble 75bhp Toyota-sourced 1.4-litre unit. This 112bhp unit offers fully 270Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,000rpm - more than a Cooper S hot hatch.

The turbocharger system features variable turbine geometry, while second-generation common-rail diesel technology operating at a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar is key to the diesel engine's combustion process. The MINI Cooper D will accelerate to 60mph in 9.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 122mph - only a fraction slower than the 1.6 petrol model. The car comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. With its long transmission ratio, the sixth gear allows optimum fuel economy, even at high speeds, making motorway cruising more relaxed.

"As with any diesel sportster, it's not about the power, more about the torque and this Cooper D features more muscle than a Lotus Exige S."

The MINI has had its styling refreshed on countless occasions but it always comes out the other end looking like a MINI. Perhaps more than any other car, this one is inextricably linked to a certain look, namely the classic design cues laid down by Alec Issigonis in the late 1950s. BMW has sensibly kept the links to the past very much intact and the latest cars are yet another variation on that theme. The revised bumper design with a lower air-intake and a more sculpted look takes its lead from the MINI Countryman 4x4. It also aids pedestrian protection by increasing the deformation zones at the front of the car. There's side indicator with a concentric circle design mounted on the MINI's trademark side gills and around at the back, LED brake lights now feature. These pulsate at increasing speeds according to how hard the car is braking to warn drivers behind.

Inside, the current model feels of much higher quality than BMW's first generation version. Gone are those indicators that felt like you were snapping a biro every time you used them. The centrally mounted speedometer houses entertainment and, if specified, navigation functions. The slimmed-down centre console offers decent space in the footwells while these days, the old fashioned ignition key has been replaced by a round signal sensor that slots next to the steering wheel. A start/stop button is also fitted as standard while small ergonomic and quality improvements have been made on the latest cars. Look out for the revised steering wheel and altered controls for the ventilation and audio systems.

As for bodystyles, there's a choice of Hatch, Clubman estate, Countryman Crossover or Convertible. Although the price might at first seem a little steep for a car that fronts up with 112bhp, the MINI Cooper D seems to offer a lot of car for the money. For a start, it's a good deal bigger than most superminis and it feels a good deal better built than the usual hatchback suspects. One of the most intriguing, albeit frivolous, aspects of the interior is the optional lights package which features custom ambient illumination. A panel of toggle switches in the roof lining allows the driver to switch the colours of the lights in said roof lining, the door storage pockets and the grab handle recesses. These can be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on personal taste - quite mad, but undeniably funky.

Also fitted as standard on Cooper models are run flat tyres. These tyres have a range of at least 90 miles in the event of a puncture and also mean that valuable space in the car isn't taken up with packaging a spare wheel. Buyers will often specify their cars to their own tastes and spend a good deal more, indulging themselves with options like the Colour Line trim packs or DSC+ stability control.

While you wouldn't expect any diesel-engined supermini to send you to the wall with its cost of ownership, getting behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper D shouldn't prove too painless. It's doubtful you'll be able to twist your dealer's arm for any meaningful discounts as demand is just too strong at the moment but very low depreciation helps to reduce the crucial pence per mile figure quite significantly and also means that the Cooper D is a very tempting target for leasers.

Fuel shouldn't be too much of an issue either. In fact, you might just forget what the inside of a filling station looks like given that the Cooper D has an average fuel economy of 74.3mpg - around 25mpg more than the equivalent petrol model. CO2 returns are just 99g/km. Insurance is also fairly reasonable, although it will pay to shop around for a decent quote as some insurers have taken to loading MINI Cooper quotes rather unreasonably. Servicing is an area where the MINI excels as the ground-breaking MINI tlc service pack for 5 years or 50,000 miles is still available on the new car, at the same £150.

After driving the original MINI One D, I was left a little underwhelmed, finishing off with the observation "What price a Cooper D with BMW's 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel? Now that would really be something." We're not quite there yet but this Cooper D is a big step in the right direction, the 112bhp powerplant bringing a new level of power and sophistication. While the day of the Cooper S D might be some time off, this will do very nicely for now.

As with any diesel sportster, it's not about the power, more about the torque and this Cooper D features more muscle than a Lotus Exige S, so carrying speed from corner to corner won't be a problem. You've just got to like changing gear to keep pace. It's hard to think of a more desirable cross-country performance car for less than £16,000. That's recommendation enough for me.