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.
European sales begin in
mid-April.
Related
Articles
2007 Geneva Auto Show Index by TCC Team
(3/7/2007)
Dodge Demon, Jaguar XJ, Opel GTC, Zetsche on Chrysler.
2007 MINI Cabrio Sidewalk Preview by Henny Hemmes (12/15/2006)
MINI dolls up the convertible before an
’09 redesign.
2007 MINI Cooper by Eric Peters (11/15/2006)
2007 MINI Cooper S by Marty Padgett
(10/16/2006)
Preserving an icon, while letting out its trousers a
bit.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!