Diesel cars may be selling like hot cakes in European cities, but they are achieving a much smaller portion of success in Singapore with lukewarm response from motorists. But that hasn't stopped local car dealers from offering a wide range of alternative fuel models in their lineup.
The latest to join the trend is the MINI Cooper. The Cooper D you see here, in fact, is the first 'modern' MINI in Singapore to come with a diesel engine. And being the first of its kind makes us curious about how well it will fare, especially when compared to its petrol-driven counterparts, which hold high regards in terms of refinement and driveability.Up close and Personal
The Cooper D slots in between the MINI One and MINI Cooper in the family tree. To justify the handsome $18k premium over the entry-level MINI One, the diesel hatchback comes with a list of amenities, such as LED headlights and LED fog lights, as well as a 6.5-inch LCD display for the infotainment system.
The latest to join the trend is the MINI Cooper. The Cooper D you see here, in fact, is the first 'modern' MINI in Singapore to come with a diesel engine. And being the first of its kind makes us curious about how well it will fare, especially when compared to its petrol-driven counterparts, which hold high regards in terms of refinement and driveability.Up close and Personal
The Cooper D slots in between the MINI One and MINI Cooper in the family tree. To justify the handsome $18k premium over the entry-level MINI One, the diesel hatchback comes with a list of amenities, such as LED headlights and LED fog lights, as well as a 6.5-inch LCD display for the infotainment system.
Avid smartphone users will be glad to know that the Cooper D comes with Bluetooth telephony and audio interface function - both of which will come in handy in everyday commutes.
And if you're looking for the renowned go-kart experience, the driving position, for starters, will not disappoint. Stepping into the cabin, the low and snug sitting position feels organic and makes you want to start up the car and go for a quick drive.
And if you're looking for the renowned go-kart experience, the driving position, for starters, will not disappoint. Stepping into the cabin, the low and snug sitting position feels organic and makes you want to start up the car and go for a quick drive.
The Drive
Fortunately, the drive does not disappoint. Although the three-pot diesel doesn't feel as eager to rev as its petrol-driven stablemates, it churns out enough might for the hatchback to zip through traffic with relative ease.
Part credits has to go to its meaty, well-weighted steering. It requires a tad more input and effort from the driver, but will duly reward him with a characterful drive. Its ability to stay planted when chucked into a corner also builds up the driver's confidence level.
The best trick up the Cooper D's sleeves, however, has to be its fuel economy. Even without putting it in the fuel-saving Eco mode and with occasional off-the-line sprints, it still manages an impressive 17km/L.
At cruising speed, the diesel unit also feels adequately refined and is hushed enough to put toddlers in the back seats to sleep. That is unless you choose to floor the throttle, which will then revoke the peacefulness in the cabin, with the diesel engine sounding stretched and short-for-breath.
Fortunately, the drive does not disappoint. Although the three-pot diesel doesn't feel as eager to rev as its petrol-driven stablemates, it churns out enough might for the hatchback to zip through traffic with relative ease.
Part credits has to go to its meaty, well-weighted steering. It requires a tad more input and effort from the driver, but will duly reward him with a characterful drive. Its ability to stay planted when chucked into a corner also builds up the driver's confidence level.
The best trick up the Cooper D's sleeves, however, has to be its fuel economy. Even without putting it in the fuel-saving Eco mode and with occasional off-the-line sprints, it still manages an impressive 17km/L.
At cruising speed, the diesel unit also feels adequately refined and is hushed enough to put toddlers in the back seats to sleep. That is unless you choose to floor the throttle, which will then revoke the peacefulness in the cabin, with the diesel engine sounding stretched and short-for-breath.
The biggest drawback of the diesel unit, however, lies in its soundtrack - or the lack of it. Doing without the rorty exhaust roar and the occasional 'downshift pops' found in the Cooper S, the aural experience is less soul-stirring, and doesn't quite deliver the 'sports car vibe'.
Conclusion
In a market where premium cars would usually set you back more than $200k, the Cooper D is relatively good value at $145,300 (as of 20th November 2014).
Its better fuel economy also means that you could have fun without having to make frequent trips to the pumps.
And until the more powerful Cooper SD sets foot on our shores, the Cooper D could be the best balance between driving indulgence and practical sensibility.
Conclusion
In a market where premium cars would usually set you back more than $200k, the Cooper D is relatively good value at $145,300 (as of 20th November 2014).
Its better fuel economy also means that you could have fun without having to make frequent trips to the pumps.
And until the more powerful Cooper SD sets foot on our shores, the Cooper D could be the best balance between driving indulgence and practical sensibility.
