Mini Cooper D challenges hybrids

Europeans have the right idea when it comes to efficient and powerful transport. They buy diesels. Australians are still coming to grips with diesels but the message is slowly getting through as more of the quieter, modern diesel models (usually from European manufacturers) filter through to showrooms.

The modern diesel offers numerous benefits. Quieter and smoother, modern diesels make good power and amazing torque yet still manage to literally run on the smell of an oily rag. Not only do you get all of this from a diesel but the latest ‘clean diesels’ also offer low levels of carbon emissions.

Mini recently commissioned a YouGov Plc survey in the UK and learnt that Joe average believes that diesel powered cars are way behind hybrid vehicles when it comes to cleanliness. The poll was designed to gauge public understanding of CO2-related issues in the car purchase process, just three per cent of the 2,018-strong sample believed that a diesel-fuelled vehicle could be considered a low source of carbon emissions.

The other 97 percent obviously haven’t heard of clean diesels and in particular the new Mini Cooper D. The Cooper D manages to achieve a carbon emissions figure of 104 g/km which is co-incidentally exactly the same as that achieved by the Toyota Prius petrol-electric hybrid.

“Buyers looking for the most efficient cars could be missing out on the fun of driving a MINI. By developing sustainable diesel technology, MINI engineers have proved that you can have a low emissions car without compromising on driving characteristics and style” , said Andy Hearn, General Manager for MINI UK

You can read more about the Mini Cooper D by clicking the link.

Steane

[Source: Mini / BMW]