More economical Minis on the way

25 May 2007 15:15 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

Mini hatchback models are set to become super economical thanks to a variety of technical revisions due later this year. Already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, the Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with emissions of just 104g/km.

With the introduction of brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop and switch point display – all at no extra cost – even sportier models such as the Cooper S get 15g/km (9.1%) shaved off their carbon dioxide footprint, and 5 more miles to a gallon of petrol.

Brake energy regeneration recycles previously lost energy, reducing drag on the engine by only engaging the alternator when it’s required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always drawing power from the engine. Auto stop-start switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner.

Switch point display advises the driver of the most efficient and economical time to make a gear change. Smart, eh?

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Car And GPS, Cars, Mini