Car Test
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R0335 | |
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May 2003 |
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| First Drive | BMW Mini | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: One D (diesel) | |
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June 7 is D-day for the Mini – that’s the day this fourth model in the range hits the streets, powered by a diesel engine. Only the D badge and an initial remote rumble from under the big clamshell bonnet give the game away, because the significant changes lie under the now-familiar retro-styled skin.
The heart of the newcomer is an all-alloy, 1.4 litre/75bhp derv-burner courtesy of Toyota, who uses the same (at least, a very similar) unit in the Yaris D-4D. It’s a second-generation (higher-pressure), direct-injection, common-rail diesel with a turbocharger and intercooler that delivers 133lb ft of torque at 2000rpm – and that’s very obvious. Below this, there’s nobody home when you press the accelerator, but when the tacho eventually reaches 2x1000, the pace picks up and you can row the car along at a respectable pace if you keep it in the mid-range sweet spot twixt 2500 and 4500rpm. This means that the driver is no stranger to the gear lever, but that’s all right, because the D is equipped with the Cooper S’s six-speed gearbox which has a weighty but positive shift – it works well. And, of course, it has a lovely long-legged top ratio that’s pulling getting on for 30mph per 1000rpm, so cruising at 70mph is hushed and relaxed – not to mention economical. Overall, you can expect about 55mpg. On this Mini D, electric power steering has been replaced by an engine-driven hydraulic system. However, this has been tuned to match the steering characteristics of the other Minis and, indeed, is very alert and responsive, with a not unpleasant meaty weightiness. Quiet and tenacious tyre grip enables the Mini to be cornered with great gusto, with roll firmly under control. No complaints, either, about the suspension on smooth roads. Watch out, though, when the going gets rough – lumpy and cratered tarmac (the sort we encountered on the Isle of Man launch) results in really jerky, bumpy progress. It seems that BMW has not only captured the essence of the original Mini, it’s even replicated its ride. It also remains faithful, at least in spirit, to the earlier facia, featuring an over-the-top parody of that famous big central speedo. Elsewhere, there’s an appreciable amount of glossy, tubular-plastic architecture around what the younger set rate as the fun and funky cabin; oldies may be less enamoured. Either way, it’s a pretentious far cry from the Spartan original. Reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and a height-adjustable seat give a comfortable, huggy driving position with plenty of glass providing good all-round vision. The column stalks look cheap and plasticky, but are easy to work, as is the neat row of toggle switches in the centre console, once you’re familiar with them. The front occupants’ comfort isn’t matched by those behind, though. There’s plenty of width to the long seat cushion, and good foot-space and headroom, too, but you sit quite erect, kneeroom is tight behind an ‘about average’ driver, and there’s 10cm less legroom than in the (shorter) Yaris; best left to the youngsters. Boot space isn’t much to write home about, either; in fact, there’s room for only a couple of soft bags. With two (or three) people on board, however, the divided rear seat backrest(s) can be folded to provide a useful, extended load deck – albeit a stepped one. |
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