The Significance of the Cooper S and Diesel Combination

In September 2014, diesel engine models were added to the playful and compact MINI lineup. The heart of the "MINI Cooper SD Crossover" is a 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine boasting 143 ps and 305 Nm of torque.

While it has become remarkably cleaner than in the past, the Clean Diesel, which still offers superior fuel efficiency to gasoline (16.6 km/liter, approximately 19 percent better than the MINI Cooper S Crossover), is now available in MINIs, reflecting the times. However, the most noteworthy aspect is its naming.

Unsurprisingly, the "Cooper SD" name combines "Cooper S," one of MINI's most significant grade names, with "D" to signify diesel. MINI would not have used this naming without considerable confidence and conviction.

So, what was the impression?

Actually, I had the opportunity to test drive the exact same press car about five months ago. Not just a similar specification, but the very same individual vehicle. One would normally expect the impression to be the same, but interestingly, there were subtle differences.

Razor-Sharp Agility

Nevertheless, the strengths of the turbo-diesel engine, which generates substantial torque at low RPMs, remain intact. The power around 2,000 rpm is comparable to a 3.0-liter gasoline engine.

When I abruptly floored the accelerator pedal while cornering with a slight lateral G-force, the car accelerated so powerfully that the tires momentarily lost grip and skidded. The fact that this acceleration is delivered at low RPMs, rather than at high revs, is characteristic of a diesel.

Meanwhile, the handling was pure MINI, embodying its "go-kart feeling" philosophy. In my interpretation, this go-kart feeling stems from the high roll rigidity, which barely allows the car to lean even during spirited cornering, and the high gain (sensitivity) that causes the nose to turn sharply with minimal steering input. As a result, the MINI possesses an agility that allows it to initiate cornering instantly with just a slight twist of the wrist on the steering wheel.


This characteristic has been perfectly inherited by the Cooper SD. Its cornering is as sharp as a finely honed blade, maintaining its keenness not just when driving straight, but even when turning the steering wheel nearly 90 degrees.

The Pros and Cons of High Stability

Another characteristic common to all MINIs, including the Cooper SD, is the tautness of the suspension, which gives the impression that the tires and bushings do not flex even during hard cornering.

However, this also has a downside. When there's no flex in the suspension, there's no room to absorb vibrations and shocks. Consequently, road roughness and bumps are transmitted directly into the cabin. The steering wheel also transmits fine vibrations.


Such a degree of "rawness" might be welcomed by energetic young drivers as it enhances the feeling of being connected to the car. However, for users who have reached a certain age or possess a more mature disposition, it might give an impression of being unsophisticated.

But this is precisely the essence of MINI. If this doesn't suit you, then a BMW would be a better choice. The Cooper SD is no different; despite its diesel engine, it has remarkably reproduced MINI's character. In other words, the Cooper SD is a true MINI. Its naming is not just for show.

MINI Cooper SD Crossover
Body Dimensions | Length 4,105 × Width 1,790 × Height 1,550 mm
Wheelbase | 2,595 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,535 / 1,560 mm
Weight | 1,420 kg
Engine | 1,995 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Diesel Turbo
Max Output | 105 kW (143 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Max Torque | 305 Nm / 1,750-2,700 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Brakes Front | Disc
Brakes Rear | Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 205/55R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 16.6 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 350-1,170 ℓ
Price | ¥3,870,000