MINI's lineup is maxing out inGeneva with the addition of two new models, the MINI One and the high-mileage Mini Diesel.
Last year was a significant one for the MINI marque, a subsidiary of the German automaker, BMW. To keep up with strong, worldwide demand, production capacity was expanded 20 percent, just in time for the first complete remake of the original BMW-derived MINI. With the One and Diesel models on tap, the brand is forecasting record volumes this year that should exceed 200,000 worldwide.
The MINI One's styling is clearly familiar, though the downsized two-door is a bit beefier than the original, both longer and wider with a somewhat more assertive stance. Engineers focused on enhancing the MINI's sporty nature. There's a newly-tuned suspension, which makes good use of the One's wider stance and longer wheelbase to enhance the car's grip.
There is now a 1.4-liter gasoline engine making 95 horsepower. In European trim, it is rated at 5.7 liters per 100 km (41 mpg), making it one of the market's most fuel-stingy products. It's mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox, as is the MINI Cooper D. The diesel, however, trims fuel consumption to just 4.4 liters per 100 km (53 mpg). Both models handily meet tough new CO2 standards proposed for the European market.
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