Mini Cooper SD (2011): the faster diesel Mini

Mini today finally went official with the high-performance diesels we scooped last year. The Cooper SD trim is available across the Mini range, on the hatch, convertible, Clubman estate and Countryman junior SUV.

It's a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel generating 141bhp and 225lb ft from 1750-2700rpm. The new Mini Cooper SD models should be quite punchy then; that's more muscle than a John Cooper Works petrol turbo.

Mini quotes a 134mph and 0-62mph in 8.1sec. Rather more importantly in this age of austerity, common-rail direct injection, stop-start and intelligent auxiliary control that cuts off the alternator and other power-sapping accessories means that it's also admirably frugal.

Emissions and economy range from 114g/km and 65.7mpg on the SD hatchback, stretching up to 130g/km and 57.6mpg on the lardier Countryman SD.

The six-speed manual is the standard transmission on the Cooper SD Minis, but buyers can spec up to a six-speed auto. Mini quotes a 22.8kg weight for the manual, by the way.

All sporty diesel Minis come with a bigger front air intake on the front apron, twin central exhausts and a roof spoiler. Overtones of the petrol Cooper S, in other words. There's also an SD motif on the side indicator.

Mini also today announced a new John Cooper Works inspired styling kit available on all hatchbacks and convertibles.

It brings new aprons front and rear, honeycomb mesh, more pronounced side skirts and an interior makeover: JCW leather wheel, sports seats,  piano black trim and bonnet stripes are all bundled in.

Sport trim also includes handling aids, including Mini's Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control (it's not a real diff), plus 17in JCW cross-spoke alloy wheels.

Prices start at £2150, but vary between models.

By Tim Pollard