MINI Ireland tells us that it leads the way in efficiency as the car which produced the lowest CO2 in Ireland during 2009 (Source: SIMI Database FY2009 ). The brand once again sets the pace by bringing efficient dynamics into the small car arena through its Minimalism concept.
Covering all the technological measures in the current MINI line-up, Minimalism helps to take the balance of driving fun and CO2 emissions to another new level.
The average CO2 emissions of all MINIs registered in Ireland during 2009 was the lowest of all car manufacturers for the year at 128.2 g/km (which is 7.6g/km lower than the next lowest car manufacturer ), MINI now plays an important role in protecting the environment through efficient dynamics.
Nicola Bissett, MINI Manager said: “We are delighted that MINIs efficient dynamics mean the brand is cleaner and greener than ever. Not only does MINI use the Auto Start/Strop functionality as an element of Minimalism, but enhancements such as its’ Brake Energy Regeneration, Engine Intelligence and On Demand Technologies (such as shift point display which tells you exactly when to change gears to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ) further increase the driving fun typical of the brand at the same time as keeping both fuel economy and CO2 emissions as low as possible.”
MINI has developed an extensively revised range of petrol engines, which builds the MINI brand’s position as the world’s leading maker of inspiringly sporty and exceptionally economical premium small cars. The Minimalism concept starts in the new MINI petrol powerplants where measures such as reducing friction and improving heat management in the basic engine have enabled further improvements in efficiency. Added to which, the engines are now served by a map-controlled oil pump with need-based operation, which – in a similar way to the electromechanical power steering and further optimised coolant pump – ensures extremely efficient use of energy.
Targeted powertrain modifications further enhance the relationship between performance and CO2 emissions in all petrol-engined MINI models. An outstanding example of the progress made is the MINI Cooper S, whose new 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine now develops 135 kW/184 hp (an increase of 7 kW ) yet emits only 136 grams of CO2 per kilometre in the EU test cycle – 13 g/km less than its predecessor.
MINI emissions start from as low as 104g/km for the MINI Cooper D hatch. The new MINI One Minimalism Line, available with two engine variants, has the lowest emissions values of any petrol MINI and the MINI Cooper and MINI One also take the balance of driving fun and CO2 emissions to another new level.
At the same time, all petrol MINI models will meet the EU5 exhaust emissions standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA from spring 2010.
In the executive segment, BMW also produce the lowest emission at an average of 142.6 g/km. There are a number of models in the 1 and 3 Series ranges with a CO2 output of just 118g/km.
