Autocar.co.uk is out with a new review of MINI’s intrepid Cooper SD diesel powerplant. This time it’s specifically in the Countryman All4. Of all the cars in the MINI line, we think the R60 seams the most logical candidate for the beefier oil burner because of its added size and because the fuel economy offered in the petrol engines doesn’t shine quite so brightly in this largest MINI model. Autocar agrees.
In many ways, this engine suits the Countryman better than any of its siblings. As the heaviest Mini in the range – by a long stretch in All4 guise – the Countryman really does need all the torque it can find. And this new turbo diesel develops more torque than any other engine in the MINI range, including the John Cooper Works power plant. That’s 225lb ft of the twisting stuff, which is very welcome.
More after the break.
Mr. Conway goes on to say that in SD trim, the Countryman is really best thought of as a capable cruiser. It’s not the hot hatch the smaller cars are, but that’s not much of a surprise. What it is, though, is a truly unique car in its segment that can actually seat four adults in comfort. Try doing that in the Cooper hatch.
<p>The diesel makes tremendous sense and saves dollars for fuel conscious U.S. consumers. It is blatantly preposterous for BMW/MINI to disregard the opportunity to both profit and satisfy consumer demand while contributing to conservation in an environmentally responsible manner. Without doubt, the diesel is entirely appropriate for the Countryman … and for a proposed MINI JCW SD for the frugal enthusiast. Torque is the nectar needed to ignite our adrenaline-starved stimulus response. Give us the torque we demand and turn pedestrian motorists into robust MINI “motorers” eager to turn hairpins into pleasure and miles into smiles. If BMW can do it, so can MINI!</p>
<p>Thank you. Yes, I have read your reference and maintain that for every rationalization stated there are many equal and opposite viable reasons to believe the contrary. That said, all the so-called economy of scale arguments are based on hypothetical worst-case scenarios. Just as many other commentators have reiterated, “if M-B, AUDI, VW, and most notably BMW (MINI parent) can successfully manage the task, there is nothing to lose and a great deal to gain.</p>
<p>It’s called economy of scale – MINI don’t anticipate selling enough diesels to justify the expense involved in bringing them over. The two links provided by CraigE explain in more detail.</p>
<p>I know about the economies of scale, but what is the opportunity cost of not bringing a diesel to the United States? If we can’t get what we want, then we will go to another brand, and MINI have then lost a sale.</p>
<p>The diesel makes tremendous sense and saves dollars for fuel conscious U.S. consumers. It is blatantly preposterous for BMW/MINI to disregard the opportunity to both profit and satisfy consumer demand while contributing to conservation in an environmentally responsible manner. Without doubt, the diesel is entirely appropriate for the Countryman … and for a proposed MINI JCW SD for the frugal enthusiast. Torque is the nectar needed to ignite our adrenaline-starved stimulus response. Give us the torque we demand and turn pedestrian motorists into robust MINI “motorers” eager to turn hairpins into pleasure and miles into smiles. If BMW can do it, so can MINI!</p>
<p>@Harry Dill
The reasoning behind MINI not offering diesels in the USA is covered in depth here <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/23/mini-usa-says-no-to-diesels-but-yes-improved-effeciency/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/23/mini-usa-says-no-to-diesels-but-yes-improved-effeciency/</a>
and here <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/21/qa-with-mini-usa-on-diesels-in-the-us-market/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/21/qa-with-mini-usa-on-diesels-in-the-us-market/</a></p>
<p>Thank you. Yes, I have read your reference and maintain that for every rationalization stated there are many equal and opposite viable reasons to believe the contrary. That said, all the so-called economy of scale arguments are based on hypothetical worst-case scenarios. Just as many other commentators have reiterated, “if M-B, AUDI, VW, and most notably BMW (MINI parent) can successfully manage the task, there is nothing to lose and a great deal to gain.</p>
<p>If BMW can import diesels to the USA, why can’t MINI.
I must get better fuel economy, and if I have to move to VW to get it, I will.</p>
<p>It’s called economy of scale – MINI don’t anticipate selling enough diesels to justify the expense involved in bringing them over. The two links provided by CraigE explain in more detail.</p>
<p>I know about the economies of scale, but what is the opportunity cost of not bringing a diesel to the United States? If we can’t get what we want, then we will go to another brand, and MINI have then lost a sale.</p>