Mini has created a performance diesel called the Cooper SD which will be the most powerful diesel variant in its current line-up. Mini Cooper SD

The new 2.0-litre 143bhp diesel will be available in all Mini body types, hatch, convertible, Clubman and Countryman priced between £18,750 for the hatch and £23,190 for the Countryman ALL4.

Despite a top speed of 134mph and 0-62mph seconds in 8.1 seconds, the hatch has emissions of 114g/km and can do a manufacturer quoted 65.7mpg.

All Cooper SDs feature brake energy generation, auto start/stop, shift point display, electric power steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator.

SD models are kitted out with a new front apron with an extra large air intake and the familiar air scoop on the bonnet. At the rear each SD model sports twin exhaust tailpipes exiting in the centre of the rear apron and a roof spoiler. Also in traditional Cooper S style, the side indicator surrounds carry the SD motif.

New Mini sport pack

From April 2011 a sports pack, closely aligned to the John Cooper Works (JCW) models is available for all models of the hatch and convertible to enhance exterior and interior style and offer sharper driving dynamics.

Each sport pack comes with an aerodynamic package that includes a unique front and rear apron with black detailing, horizontal slats on the fog lamp surrounds and a honeycomb mesh over the main air intake.

Interior features include JCW door entry strips, JCW black sports leather steering wheel with contrasting red stitching. Manual gearbox examples continue the red theme with a red shift pattern on the gear knob and matching red stitching on the leather gear lever and handbrake gaiter. Cloth-leather sports seats, a sport button, piano black interior trim, white indicators and bonnet stripes are also included.

Dynamic traction control (DTC) and electronic differential lock control (ELDC) to complement the standard dynamic stability control (DSC) system are all included.

The optional sport pack also comes with 17 inch JCW cross spoke alloy wheels and there are eight exterior body colours available.

The sport pack is priced between £2,150 and £2,995 across the hatch and convertible range.