MINI One D

1 MINI One D: D-Day has arrived 2 MINI One D: All the 'D'etails 2.1 Lightweight engine, heavyweight performance 2.2 Diesel is not a dirty word 2.3 A Diesel that feels like a go-kart 2.4 Looks that still turn heads 2.5 Quality from the inside out 2.6 Electric avenue 2.7 Playing it safe 2.8 Getting personal 2.9 At home with MINI 3 MINI One D: Technical Data

1. MINI ONE D: D-DAY HAS ARRIVED

The MINI One D is the fourth model to make it into the MINI family joining the
cheeky MINI One, the smile-a-mile MINI Cooper and the awesome MINI Cooper S.
The MINI One D adds a new dimension to the current MINI line up. Staying true
to the qualities that define MINI, go-kart handling, impeccable driving
dynamics, big premium car build quality, head turning design and bags of
personality - the six-speed MINI One D adds a torquey drive and impressive fuel
economy figures.

As with the MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, all types of people will
own the MINI One D, young and old, male or female, singles or those with kids -
there is no such person as a typical MINI owner. However, for those customers
whose head says diesel yet heart screams MINI, the perfect dilemma buster has
just hit the tarmac.

A unique point of interest about the MINI One D is that it is the first car in
history of the brand to use a diesel engine.

So, why diesel and why now?:

In the UK, sales of diesel-powered vehicles are set to increase significantly
over the next year. Christopher Macgowan, Chief Executive of The Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) commented that "Diesel sales have
increased for 30 consecutive months since September 2000;" and that, "They are
expected to account for one third of all new cars in 2003."

Combine this forecast with a strong track record of growth in the supermini
segment and the MINI One D looks set to be the most wanted small diesel engined
car in the UK.

Following 12.4 per cent growth in 2001, sales in the supermini segment rose
7.4 per cent in 2002 from 773,995 to 831,264. Nearly one third of all new cars
registered last year was a supermini. Sales of diesel models were up 38 per
cent in 2002 to 602,623 units making the market share of diesel models 23.5 per
cent, the highest ever. (Source: SMMT)

Packing a punch - latest diesel technology:

MINI One D is a small diesel car that thinks like a big car. By using the
latest all aluminium lightweight diesel engine with direct injection common
rail technology, the MINI One D is able to keep weight to a minimum and power
to the maximum. With a torque figure of 180Nm at just 2,000rpm, this little car
punches above its weight when it matters - high torque at low revs making it
the ideal car for city driving. Add into the equation outstanding fuel
economy, 58.9 mpg on the combined cycle, a choice of six gears and a top speed
of 103 mph and the MINI One D adds up to a diesel that sets new standards in
its class.

From the exterior the new MINI One D stands out from the MINI One through its
model designation at the rear, side sills carried over from the MINI Cooper S,
a front panel with larger air intakes for the intercooler, and the tailpipe
covered by the rear skirt. Inside, the MINI One D follows the classic but
modern look of the rest of the MINI family. The MINI One D also benefits from
the addition of an external temperature display incorporated into the rev
counter which is fitted as standard on the MINI One D.

Safety and security remain high on the MINI One D's agenda. Due to the classic
diesel trait of high torque at low revs, Automatic Stability Control + Traction
(ASC+T), is fitted as standard to prevent wheelspin on slippery surfaces. As
with all MINIs, four airbags, four disc brakes, Electronic Brake force
Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) come as standard kit, making
it one of the safest cars in its class as proved by its achievement of four
stars in the demanding EURO NCAP crash test.

Finding a 'standard' MINI, or indeed any two MINIs that are exactly the same,
is like finding a needle in a haystack. With literally tens of thousands of
option combinations possible, MINI owners have embraced the opportunity to be
individual with most customers spending an average of 18 per cent of the value
of the car on options. Standard levels of equipment on the MINI One D are
impressive for its class but the scope to individually tailor the car make it
truly astonishing.

Despite the extensive option and accessories list, (the most expensive MINI to
date in the UK totalled over £35,000), the MINI One D, priced at £11,385 on the
road is just the job for customers who know that fuel economy and fun need not
be mutually exclusive. Add into the equation MINI tlc, (an optional five year
service pack for just £100) and residual values that similar cars visibly wince
at, and the MINI One D adds up whichever way you look at it.

The worldwide success of MINI is good news for the UK as all MINIs including
the new MINI One D are built at BMW Group's Plant Oxford facility. By June
2003 it is forecast that Plant Oxford will have built over 250,000 MINIs for
worldwide supply since it started production in 2001. Over 60,000 of those
MINIs have been delivered in the UK, making the UK the biggest market for MINI.