Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, MINI, USA
MINIs in very tight supply, diesel on the way
Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper D
It looks like it will be even harder to get your hands on a MINI Cooper than ever before. Sales of the diminutive little hatch have been hot so far this year, as MINI had just a four day supply of unsold vehicles on hand at the close of June. This month, supply is even tighter with just one day's supply available. Unfortunately, the manufacturing plant in England is at full capacity, so there is no real way to increase supply. Therefore, if you are looking to get your mitts on either of the current gas-powered models, you'd better get your name on whatever list your dealer can offer. Those who want an electric MINI should certainly do the same.
In much more exciting and favorable news, we hear that BMW is seriously considering offering the diesel version of the urban car on U.S. soil. First, though, the automaker needs to produce a model of the vehicle is is legal for sale in all fifty states. Based on our driving impressions, especially considering the 47 miles per gallon we achieved with it, that day can't come soon enough!
Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 MINI Cooper D
[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick 8:29PM (7/22/2008)
Like anyone else here, I would love to see the Mini D as soon as possible.
However, I would like to underline that we shouldn't get blinded either, as 47 mpg is good but really isn't fantastic for such a small car. The U.S. 'Miles per gallon' system makes it hard to understand how much fuel that represents.
Considering the proportions of the car, I would think 55 mpg would be expected.
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Mikeee 7:14AM (7/23/2008)
47 MPG can't possibly be right.
According to these:
http://autogids.autotrader.nl/carbasedata.php?cache=no&vpos=&id=46839&cache=no
http://autogids.autotrader.nl/carbasedata.php?cache=no&vpos=&id=45316&cache=no
...the actual mileage for an automatic is 53,5 MPG (US), combined cycle. Manual is over 60 MPG.
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CMiller 3:41PM (7/23/2008)
I don't like this idea. I don't have money for a new car and I love the Mini. A Mini that gets any where near 50 MPG is going to be a very dangerous thing for me. :( Must avoid Mini dealers at all cost.
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