01 March 2011 by Parkers Team

  • Diesel Cooper now upgradable to SD spec
  • Low emissions and top fuel economy
  • Concept harks back to original MINI

On the MINI stand was a new higher performance diesel of the classic hatch, known as the Cooper SD, as well as a new 94mpg concept.

Emissions of 114g/km CO2 and 143bhp mean the SD will be a popular choice for people looking for decent performance and cheap tax.

To upgrade a normal Cooper hatch to an SD will cost £3,245, while £2,150 will upgrade your Cooper convertible.

As well as the new engine MINI unveiled a concept that harks right back to the original Mini. In fact, it's only a few inches larger.

Although Elton John had nothing to do with it, this latest concept is called the Rocketman. It's a full 12 inches shorter than the Mini hatchback we know today. Its light weight contributes to the headline figure for this car: fuel economy of 94mpg.

As of March, all new Mini special editions will be named after London boroughs, districts or landmarks. With that in mind, the first two launched at Geneva 2011 are named Hampton and Pimlico.

The Hampton is a Clubman painted in an exclusive shade of blue, with a black roof and door surrounds. It gets black ‘lounge' leather seats with red trim, which extends out to the bonnet stripes, wheels and the stitching in the floor mats.

In addition, the Hampton gets a CHILI pack including climate control, Bluetooth and a storage pack. Prices start at £20,360 for a Cooper Clubman Hampton and go up to £23,185 for a Cooper SD Clubman Hampton.

The Pimlico will go on sale in March for 12 months only. It gets exclusive metallic blue paint, previously only available on Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. It also gets 16-inch alloys, black interior trim, white indicators and special edition badging. Prices start at £14,465 for a MINI One Pimlico and go up to £18,490 for a Cooper D Auto Pimlico.