IT may be sporting. It may be chic. But the MINI range is also getting more economical.
The sporting Cooper diesel model will deliver 72.4mpg fuel economy. A 12.8% improvement on its former 64.2mpg figure.
The petrol version of the Cooper will also now return over 50mpg. A 6.9% improvement on its former 48.7mpg.
However, business car drivers will need to wait to August to benefit from the improvements.
The changes have been achieved through three key technologies:
- Brake Energy Regeneration: works by using an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy – such as braking or descending a hill
- Auto Start-Stop Function: on manual MINIs this automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral.
- Switch Point Display: on manual MINIs indicates the most economical gear in which to drive.
Entire MINI range receives an economy boost thanks to new fuel-saving technology.
Business car managers can benefit from running more economical vehicles. For example, the Cooper D qualifies for a 100% first year writing down allowance. This helps cashflow. It also qualifies for VED tax band B.
Business car drivers also benefit from reduced benefit-in-kind tax – the Cooper D will have a 13% tax banding. That’s a 10% rating in the special low emission banding + 3% diesel surcharge.
How the revised MINIs rate
- MINI One 53.3mpg and 128g/km. Old: 49.6mpg and 138g/km
- MINI Cooper D 72.4mpg and 104g/km. Old: 64.2mpg and 118g/km
- MINI Cooper 52.3mpg and 129g/km. Old: 48.7mpg and 139g/km
- MINI Cooper S 45.6mpg and 149g/km. Old: 40.9mpg and 164g/km
