Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Mini Cooper D: icon renewed

Mini to never miss an occasion to celebrate. In 2011, for a start, the Anglo-German compact will make 10 years. It dates back to 2001, in fact, the revival in style implemented by the BMW Group for a car which has become a status symbol immediately interpreting the same time the role of the trendiest car in the automotive landscape.

Certainly, since the event, come up with something special to blow out the candles. In the meantime, the brand has been involved in a special tour of Italy to present the latest in a very extended family. Mini today shows a wide range, starting from the classic "Hatch" to go to the Cabriolet, the Clubman station to the compact SUV Countryman.

For the future - in 2012 - are also scheduled two sports "pure" two-seater, a coupe and a roadster, which will form what we already define "MINI six pack." But the most important news of the end of 2010 that are represented by new diesel engines "made in BMW" - which replace those previously provided by the PSA Group - and the outside-in redesign that involved the full range, which is part of the Countryman a totally new product.

The design of the new models is manifested in some aesthetic details and new variants of wheels, paintwork and options, which emphasize both the character and elegance "premium" of the MINI. The new geometry of the front bumper meets the growing need for pedestrian protection. All models are standard equipped with LEDs for reverse lights, brake lights and brake lights dynamics (interesting news on the level of security depending on the pressure exerted on the brake pedal stop lights are more or less intense).

Inside the car, there are new controls for the audio and air conditioning systems and has been extensively revamped the program seat coverings, moldings and Colour Line. To increase comfort, safety and appeal of all models can be equipped with innovative features. In combination with the Xenon headlights (optional) are available reflectors blacks and Adaptive Headlights.

In addition, both outside mirrors for the rearview mirror is available and the system automatically autoanabbagliante. Lighting Control Switch, available on request, is composed of three light emitting diodes that cover a broad spectrum. The technology has been determinedly invaded the cockpit thanks to Mini Connected, Visual Boost system including the radio (with CD-MP3 and Aux-In connector) and in the browser: in addition to the Bluetooth device (with USB) Mini with Connected and using an iPhone you have available to web radio, access to local search and Google Send to Car, as well as receive RSS news feed.

In addition, the application creates the conditions for display on the board monitor the pages of Facebook and Twitter and to send text messages standardized. Coming to the more hard news and more concrete, here are the diesel engine designed by BMW. There are two, both of 1,598 cc 4-cylinder and cilindrarta.

The first fitted to the MINI One D by 66 kW/90 hp, according to the MINI Cooper D from 82 kW/112 hp, the protagonist of the car test drive. The new engines are characterized by greater flexibility, enhanced efficiency and improved smoothness of operation. They can also boast an average consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 g / km in the combined cycle according to the Euro 5 legislation.

Familiarity with other diesel engine BMW has signed the same ratio between bore and stroke of the 2.0-liter engines used on the cars in Monaco. In addition, the transversely mounted front engine cylinder heads are equipped with a specially developed and optimized for use in the Mini. They are equipped with the common rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry ensures linear power delivery in all areas of the regime, even if it shows peaks schemes optimum torque.

The maximum value of the latter is 270 Nm available between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm: translated language ... road means snappy departures (0-100 km / h in 9.7 seconds) and high brightness in the mixed, along with a top speed of nearly 200 km / h. The compact size of the car would make a perfect town, but this version is far too sporty to put up the battered streets of our metropolis.

Beyond the driving position nearly perfect - great possibilities for adjusting the seat and steering wheel, almost vertical to the delight of "pistaiole" - comfort is not by limousine. Big wheels and wide, responsive steering and not the softer suspension rigid prefer much use on minor roads, winding and possibly with a few straights.

It is on these grounds that the Mini Cooper D gives the best with, its also the fuel consumption. The city feels a lot of the sports setting and prolonged use may tire. The 6-speed gearbox is well reported, but needs a firm hand - and accurate - for the maneuvers. Ben studied the pedals at the height of racing character of the car with the right size pedals, throttle pegged to the floor with the correct distance from the brake system favors the "toe-heel" old way is not always necessary but often handy.

Despite the facelift, the interior is almost the same as before, as well as the available space. In front is a pleasant sensation of compactness, but behind it is a bit 'sacrificed. The service commands are all in the right place, too bad that some plastics are not up to the task and the € 21,800 required for the purchase (excluding optional: and here the list goes on ...).

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