THERE'S never been a diesel MINI before, but the times they are a'changing.
Diesel sales in the UK this year are tipped to reach 30 per cent and, with superminis topping the class sales, there are too many potential customers to ignore.
BMW, which makes the MINI at Oxford, is also something of an expert at diesels, and although the 1.4 turbo engine in the newcomer was initially a Toyota product, it's been given a substantial reworking.
Economy rather than firepower was the watchword, and if you want a dashing MINI you should stay with petrol.
The second-generation common rail diesel offers 75bhp and 133lb ft of pull, reflected in the standstill-to-62mph time of nearly 14 seconds. Top speed is 103mph.
The more enticing stats come in the fuel consumption column. The engine is allied to a six-speed gearbox and, if nursed, can give a claimed average of 59mpg. I have to say that I got nowhere near that, but with outside temperatures in the 90s, the climate control (an option) was working desperately - and undoubtedly thirstily - to keep its cool.
The six-speed gearbox, which also appears in the Cooper S version, has been specially adapted for the diesel characteristics and for fuel-saving. Consequently, top is for cruise mode only, and you won't sprint away in fifth either. If the traffic thickens you find yourself in fourth for lengthy spells.
Change down for acceleration and there's traction control to harness the torque, while the MINI Diesel also features stability control, cornering brake control and ABS with electronic brake force distribution.
The resulting sure handling is backed up by a suspension system similar to that of the BMW 3-Series and, with its wheels-in-corners build and BMW chassis quality, the car behaves beautifully. One could wish for lighter steering at very low speeds, but otherwise it feels good.
In looks terms, the Diesel presents its own face with the large air intake to serve the turbo intercooler, and there are also side sills - as in the Cooper S - and a concealed tailpipe.
Apart from a quick cabin-heating aid for cold days, the diesel, in its basic form is otherwise very much like MINI One. The dash is traditional with its large central speedo and toggle controls, and there's the customary lack of space at the back and a miniscule boot.
But there's a generously-glassed bright, happy ambience - marred by a high level of road noise - and a standard spec which includes front and side airbags, height-adjusting driver's seat and steering column, memory seats to make access to the rear a doddle - the big, wide-opening doors help, too - electric frameless front windows, six-speaker radio/cassette player, 50:50 split folding rear seats, immobiliser and remote central locking. Door mirrors are electric as well, but, like the internal rear-view mirror, it would be better if they were bigger - okay, okay, it's MINI style.
After this, you can start playing with individual add-ons for your car, as old Mini and new MINI (the capital letters were chosen to differentiate the new brand) owners have always done.
The test vehicle featured more than £3,000 worth of extras, including panoramic sunroof, heated seats, cloth/leather seating and oodles of exterior chrome, taking that particular car to £14,570.
You can personalise your MINI Diesel without spending anything like that, which is just as well because it's a bit pricey for a little 'un.
But there's no doubting the quality build and engineering, and if this new MINI generation is beyond the reach of impecunious students, it should have great appeal to empty-nesters high on nostalgia.
FAST FACTS
MINI One Diesel
Price: £11,390
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,364cc 4 cyl 16v common rail, turbo-diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 103mph
0-62mph: 13.8 secs
Combined mpg: 58.9
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 129g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust