SecondHandSense/Mini One diesel:Last week we looked at small cars with greener credentials, but with an emphasis on petrol models. There are, of course, far more small diesels around that produce the favoured figure of 120 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Almost all of the major manufacturers are now producing small diesels, but diesel has been less favoured, because of bias against perceived noise levels, lack of performance and an all-round impression that diesel cars are much less refined, compared to their petrol counterparts. There has been some truth in these suspicions, but diesel has become far more sophisticated in recent years and anyone conscious of CO2 emissions, but whose experience has been limited to petrol engines, would do well to at least give them a try.
Of all of the small diesels around, my own favourite has to be the Mini One diesel. Few others can touch it for looks, handling and driving fun. With less than 120g/km it is also very clean, even in its 1.6-litre guise. The popular 1.4-litre diesel does have a limited 75 horse power to power it but, let's face it, the Mini is a city car and is not really designed to be anything else.
It is small and therefore generally owned by single drivers and its boot and overall dimensions make it a limited option for anything other than city driving. Its greatest attraction is that it has great character combined with BMW build quality. The 1.4-litre engine is also taken from a Toyota Yaris and then uprated, so there should not be too many complaints about it.
The diesel does clatter on start up, and takes a while to warm up, but after a while you will hardly notice the noise.
When you sit into the driving seat, you will feel a sense of character that you won't get in other modern cars, and the engineers have managed to retain much of what made the original car so good, while making a modern car in every other sense.
It is great fun to drive, and you are surrounded by clever design touches, such as the instrument panel and switchgear. You won't get great all-round visibility and you need to exercise caution when pulling away, in the same way as you did with the original Mini.
The car's handling is very neat and, again, you will get a driving experience that you will not find in other small cars. The Mini diesel is also very economical and you will go a long way on a single tank - the 2003 1.4-litre model was returning over 55 miles to the gallon.
The Mini One has a four-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test programme. Other small cars now have a five-star rating, including the new Fiat 500, but four is quite good.
There are no major recalls recorded on the car, and Mini owners are generally happy with their lot. The car is also well equipped.
A 2003 model with the 1.4-litre engine with alloys, metallic paint, electric windows and mirrors, multiple air bags, sports suspension (not my preferred choice), traction control and with a high 165,000 kilometres on the clock, is on offer for €15,000. A 2004 model with similar equipment and 86,000 kilometres up, is on offer for €17,950.
FOR:style and fun. E conomical and less CO2 emissions
AGAINST:initial diesel clatter and limited space