Mini Introduces More Minimalism to U.K. Lineup

LONDON — Mini is thinking greener with its newly introduced Minimalism slate of lower-emissions gasoline engines, and a new Mini One convertible, all of which are going on sale in March in the U.K.

The Mini One convertible, billed as "an extremely economical way to enjoy that typical Mini go-kart feeling in soft-top form," has a 98-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and achieves average fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon while boasting a top speed of 112 mph and a 0-60-mph time under 11.3 seconds. The Mini One convertible will be joined on the U.K. market by lower-emissions, more fuel-efficient versions of the other Mini products, up to and including the Cooper S.

As of the March launch, BMW says, all gasoline-engined Minis will meet stringent European EU5 exhaust emissions and U.S. ULEV standards.

The entry-level Mini First has the new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, up from 1.4 liters, but with the same 75 horsepower. Torque is up 17 percent, though, at 103 pound-feet. The Mini Cooper's 1.6-liter four, up from the previous 1.4 liters, makes 122 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque and gets a 119 g/km CO2 consumption rating. It takes the little car from zero to 60 mph in less than 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 126 mph, while averaging 42.7 mpg.

The Mini Cooper S lineup, including the Clubman and Convertible models, will have a new 1.6-liter four that makes 184 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It produces 136 g/km of CO2, which is a 13 g/km reduction over the current engine. The company notes that this engine marks the first time it offers a powerplant with a twin-scroll turbocharger and gasoline direct-injection system teamed with fully variable valve control. BMW calls it "the world's most efficient unit in this displacement class." It takes the Mini Cooper S from zero to 60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 142 mph, while returning average fuel economy of just over 40 mpg.

BMW says these Mini engines are more environmentally friendly because of optimized engine technology that reduces friction and improves heat management for greater efficiency, and the use of auto start/stop, brake energy regeneration and shift-point display.

Pricing will not be increased for these changes, BMW said. The Mini One convertible costs the equivalent of $24,395 in the U.K.

Inside Line says: Lots of choices, lots of numbers, not lots of emissions. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent