72.4mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries required.

MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year,
resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Group'
s cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an
astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

When production of the revised models begins in August 2007, there will be no
requirement for alternative fuel sources or hybrid technology to achieve these
stunning stats. All model variants will instead be supplied as standard with
high-tech engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions
without compromising the MINI driving experience.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Switch Point Display
complete a package that will come at no extra cost to future MINI customers.
Brake Energy Regeneration works by using an Intelligent Alternator Control
(IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy,
which saves fuel. The IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when
required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always
pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine
on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now
this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery.

The Auto Start-Stop Function, available with manual transmission cars,
automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the
driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the
clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. The system may be
de-activated at the touch of a button when not required.

Switch Point Display aids drivers of manual transmission MINIs in selecting the
most economical gear in which to drive. The engine management system analyses
speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position and based on this data
calculates optimum gearing. The ideal gear is then displayed by number in the
cockpit display.

Even without these technology advancements in place, MINI leads the new car
market for year-on-year improvements in clean engine manufacturing. C02 output
per car has been reduced in the last year by an impressive 14 per cent. Putting
that into perspective, the industry average was recorded at a lowly 0.3 per
cent.

To put the icing on the cake for customers, MINI Cooper D owners will continue
to benefit from the car falling into VED tax band B. So savings are not only
made in carbon emissions, but at the fuel pumps and the Post Office when
replacing an annual road fund licence too. Little wonder then that MINI UK is
again celebrating a month of record car sales!

Ends.