Survey shows buyers unaware that MINI D emits less CO2 than hybrids
BMW-owned MINI recently commissioned YouGov PLC to conduct a survey on alternative fuels and technologies in Britain. It turns that few respondents were aware that some diesel-powered cars actually had lower CO2 emissions than the hybrids currently on the market. Of the cars included in the list (Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius, MINI Cooper D, Ford Focus 1.6 Duratorq TDCi and Citroen C4 1.6 HDi), most people thought the Civic Hybrid had the lowest emissions. In fact the MINI D was lowest at 104g/km equal to the Prius and ahead of the Civic's 109g/km.
The MINI D has a diesel engine combined with their regenerative braking system to charge the 12V battery and start/stop capability. The 60mpg (US) MINI provides a viable alternative to the hybrids with great real world fuel economy under both urban and highway driving conditions. If you live somewhere that doesn't have hefty tax brakes for hybrids it may also be a more affordable option. The BMW press release is after the jump.
[Source: BMW]
Research survey gives MINI the green light
09/03/2007
Confusion surrounding alternative fuels and related technologies is leading new car buyers to miss a trick. A recent YouGov Plc survey commissioned by MINI found that diesel-powered cars are thought to be way behind Hybrid models for cleanliness. Yet the 104g/km C02 emitted by the sporty MINI Cooper D is a figure that equals, and in many cases beats other cars using alternative technologies - including hybrids.
In a poll designed to gauge public understanding of CO2-related issues in the car purchase process, just three per cent of the 2,018-strong sample believed that a diesel-fuelled vehicle could be considered a low source of carbon emissions. Yet the new MINI Cooper D's 104 g/km is identical to the hybrid-powered Toyota Prius and lower than the 109 g/km achieved by the Honda Civic Hybrid.
Andy Hearn, General Manager for MINI UK, said: "Buyers looking for the most efficient cars could be missing out on the fun of driving a MINI. By developing sustainable diesel technology, MINI engineers have proved that you can have a low emissions car without compromising on driving characteristics and style."
A quarter of the survey's respondents believed the Honda Civic Hybrid was the lowest carbon-emitting vehicle from a list of five models.* Just two per cent plumped for the MINI Cooper D, perhaps misled by the sporty personality indicated by a Cooper badge. If only they knew.
Along with the rest of the MINI Hatch range, the MINI Cooper D now features a number of engineering enhancements.
Brake Energy Regeneration removes the need for a traditional alternator and reduces drag on the engine, thereby saving fuel. The Auto Start-Stop Function cuts out the engine when the car is brought to a halt and re-engages on depressing the clutch, again increasing fuel efficiency. Switch Point Display indicates to the driver the best gear for frugal driving. These technologies, as well as the Variable Turbine Geometry applied to the MINI Cooper D's turbocharger combine to make a torquey, yet economical and low-emitting sports hatch.
Well, those that know, know. The MINI Cooper D topped the poll for desirability, despite an apparent misunderstanding between car fuel sources and their relative carbon emissions.
So what else did MINI discover? The most important factor in buying a new car remains price. Fuel economy and style/design were placed second and third respectively. Great news for MINI. Taking into account MINI's low whole-life cost and its place at the top of the Lex Vehicle Leasing residual value chart, along with the Cooper D offering a combined fuel consumption of 72.4mpg and a unique design, the car again ticks every box.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 12:25AM (9/06/2007)
And it will be available in the US when?
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Joseph 4:53PM (9/06/2007)
First of all, we all have to remember that BMW, who makes MINI, did this study. Therefore, of course they're going to show a study that says this.
Also, I found this very interesting:
"most people thought the Civic Hybrid had the lowest emissions."
I'm guessing that this study was done in Europe (no Cooper D in the USA) but what's funny is that in America I'm sure that people would say that the Prius is most fuel-efficient and would probably ask if the Honda Civic Hybrid even exists!
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Ron Fischer 12:29AM (9/06/2007)
...and the particulate emissions comparison between those vehicles would be?
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Mattias 2:04AM (9/06/2007)
@Ron: Particulates are not a problem anymore. The FORD, the Mini and the C4 are available with Peugeots FAP system. NOx is more of a problem for the US market.
NOx reduction makes sense in congested areas, (read: cities) to prevent stop. In these areas hybrids also are most efficient due to many starts and stops. When commuting between cities, Diesels are more efficient and NOx is less of a problem. So the US should probably give up their ban on Diesels, but continue to promote hybrids for city use.
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rgseidl 8:50AM (9/06/2007)
@Mattias -
most new European diesel models are now offered with wall-flow DPFs, either as standard equipment or as an available option. However, only Citroen PSA use the Peugeot-developed FAP implementation that relies on a Cer-based additive to initiate regeneration.
NOx is indeed the big issue in the US. For a vehicle as small as the Mini, adding a lean NOx trap or SCR system would be very expensive in relative terms.
Besides, the US President and Congress doesn't really care about CO2 emissions or fuel economy just yet, at best they're making vaguely green noises and throwing crumbs at R&D. Gas is still cheap relative to median disposable income and, diesel fuel does not enjoy a tax advantage as it does in Europe.
Given the strong Euro and weak Yen, there is therefore little incentive for European car makers to bring small diesels to the US. This applies especially to the Mini brand and its carefully cultivated a fun-and-sporty image that allows the company sell higher-margin gasoline variants (e.g. Cooper S) in comparable unit volume.
If Americans want a lot of high-MPG choices in the showrooms, they need to make fuel a lot more expensive. Everything else is just wishful thinking and tinkering in the margins.
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Richard 9:19AM (9/06/2007)
What's worse, IMO, is that the current NOx laws keep most of the 50+ mpg vehicles out of the marketplace, and yet the streets (at least down here in Texas) are getting crowded full of people driving 3/4 ton diesel pickups that float right by those restrictions. I'm all for tight emissions restrictions, but this one's really getting pretty old.
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Benson Leung 11:32AM (9/06/2007)
"Buyers looking for the most efficient cars could be missing out on the fun of driving a MINI. By developing sustainable diesel technology, MINI engineers have proved that you can have a low emissions car without compromising on driving characteristics and style."
Clearly, the BMW press release wants to imply that all hybrids are compromises for driving characteristics and style...
Nevermind that someone in the market for a 4-door sedan like the Civic Hybrid or the 4 door plus hatch like the Prius would consider getting a 2 door mini a compromise?
Why do people insist on comparing tiny cars like the MINI to mid size hybrids like the Civic and Prius?
A diesel Jetta would be a better comparison...
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Oren 2:11PM (9/06/2007)
(1) How can you claim that "MINI D emits less CO2 than hybrids" when it emits the same CO2 levels as the Prius does? Isn't the definition of "less" different than "same"?
(2) How (or better yet, why) can one compare the Mini, a sub-sub-compact, with a Prius (midsize) or a Civic (compact)?
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