MINI Cooper D Sales Hot From The Start

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – July 1, 2009: The first-ever diesel MINI offered in Australia is off to a strong sales start.

Close to a quarter of all MINI customers in June placed an order for the new Cooper D, helping it challenge its petrol sibling Cooper variant in its first full month on sale.

Orders for the MINI Cooper D are running at almost twice the expected level.

When it arrived in May, the MINI Cooper D became the first car in Australia to boast a combined fuel consumption figure below 4-litres per 100 kilometres (3.9).

In doing so it became Australia’s most fuel efficient car.

The MINI Cooper D will this month welcome the second car in Australia to achieve this feat (3.9 litres), the new generation Toyota Prius.

Both cars will share the title of Australia’s most fuel efficient car, each offering motorists the chance to reduce their fuel consumption greenhouse gas emissions.

“We’re delighted with the significant Australian interest in the new MINI Cooper D,” said MINI Australia national manager, Justin Hocevar.

“The customer response has been well above our expectations and we’re seeing a new breed of MINI customer walking into showrooms well aware of the car’s credentials.

“Customers placing orders report they like the perky performance, typical MINI go-kart handling and outstanding fuel consumption.

“They tell us that never before has so much driving fun been available with such low fuel consumption.

“The Cooper D also achieves its fuel efficiency through a sensible, cost effective and sustainable approach to new technology called MINIMALISM.

“MINI also warmly welcomes the new Prius to the sub-4-litre club. The Cooper D and now the new Prius both exemplify the strides manufacturers are making to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

With a maximum range of 1,025 km from a tank, a MINI Cooper D could comfortably travel from Sydney to Melbourne without refuelling its 40-litre tank.

As with all MINI models, MINI Cooper D customers can specify a car to their exact requirements with the biggest choice of interior and exterior trim and colour options.