Mini Cooper SD Coupe (From York Press)

Mini Cooper SD Coupe

11:25am Friday 20th January 2012 in Road Test By Steve Nelson

WHEN is a car not a car? Answer: When it’s a brand.

At least that’s what the people at BMW would like us to think. But for me – and I suspect you too, dear reader – the Mini will always be first and foremost one of the the most loveable cars in the history of motoring.

However, I would have to concede that since the turn of the century Mini has gone from producing one cute car to offering customers a range of models with an astonishing array of interior and exterior choices.

The expansion and marketing has been nothing short of a phenomenon, and there’s no sign of a let-up.

Last year, Prime Minister David Cameron drove the two-millionth Mini off the production line at Plant Oxford. UK sales reached a new peak of 50,135 in 2011, an increase of more than 14 per cent compared with 2010 In Countryman form, it is even a family car, while it remains essentially a hatchback able to attract all sorts of drivers, from fashionistas to hot-hatch devotees.

But it was only last year that a hot diesel variant appeared on the scene, bearing the Cooper SD moniker. And now you can mate the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with the latest in brand offerings, the Mini Coupe – the first two-seater sports car in the brand’s history.

Let’s deal with the engine first. If you think 143bhp is unlikely to impress, remember that because it’s a diesel the Cooper SD packs a whopping torque punch of 225lb ft – and that is more than the petrolfuelled John Cooper Works models.

This translates to civilised motoring around town, with the capability of quick acceleration, while you will be at the very least pleased and more likely delighted with the average fuel consumption figure of 65.7mpg.

With such impressive figures it’s easy to lose sight of the Cooper SD’s performance potential. Holding on to a gear for longer or pushing harder on the throttle soon makes you forget about green motoring, though.

The Cooper SD provides a similar experience to that of the petrolpowered Cooper S. The ride is on the right side of firm and it corners beautifully. There’s still no other car I would rather be behind the wheel of than the Mini when it comes to a Broad full of bends.

Combined with the slick manual gearshift – automatic transmission is optional – and the well-spaced pedals, all the ingredients are present to deliver an engaging time behind the wheel.

The only downside is the absence of that rev-happy character and sweet sound of the petrol engine.

The engine gushes torque from low down the rev range and makes accelerating and maintaining a brisk pace a doddle. Fewer gearchanges are needed, but at idle the engine is a little tell-tale vocal.

The coupe, with Its heavily-raked windscreen and low-slung profile, has the most dramatic look yet for a Mini. Although width and length dimensions are near identical to the hatch, the height is 29mm lower.

And, thanks to its equally rakish rear screen, you’re left in no doubt that it is a strict two-seater. The low-slung silhouette, “helmet” roof complete with sports stripes and bold alloy wheels make this a car bound to evoke comment.

So, no opportunity to squeeze two people in the back, but the tailgate opens to reveal a 280-litre load capacity and a through-load slot into the cabin.

With its firmer suspension set-up, the coupe has been designed to deliver a more focused experience.

As such, there’s even less roll through corners and there’s a greater willingness to change direction.

Thankfully, such changes haven’t resulted in a reduction in the quality of the car’s ride. Yes, it’s a bit stiffer than a hatchback, but it is an even more engaging drive, and the bespoke suspension set-up gives the brand’s traditional go-kart driving experience an unmatched intensity.

And when you reach 50mph, something astonishing happens.

Take a glance in the rear mirror and you will see an active spoiler appear in view to optimise air flow. If the thought of one of the most boltupright cars being transformed into a coupe had you scratching your head, then imagine my surprise at the appearance of that spoiler.

The coupe range starts with the familiar Cooper badge and its 122bhp offering. The Cooper S shares the Cooper’s 1.6 petrol unit but adds a turbo to produce 184 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works variant’s output from the same motor is a heady 211 horsepower.

But diesel fans will opt for the Cooper SD, which as well as the best fuel consumption figures also offers the lowest emissions at 114g/km.

So what’s next in the Mini story?

Watch out for the arrival of the Roadster, providing open-top thrills, in the spring.

Has any other brand/car provided so much fun for so many people?

Answer: No.

Fact file

PRICE: £19,990.

ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 143bhp.

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.

PERFORMANCE: maximum speed 134mph, 0-62mph 7.9 seconds.

ECONOMY: 65.7mpg.

CO2 RATING: 114g/km.