If you live in Europe and have the ability to distinguish between engines (and diesels in particular) based on the sound they make, you’ll know that most three-cylinder units sound very clattery both inside and out and are generally not refined at all.
MINI has just switched to three cylinders for its new Cooper D’s 1.5-liter engine and this is causing problems that have reportedly pushed back customer deliveries of the vehicle.
Apparently, an official company spokesperson confirmed that the unexpected loudness is a real issue and it’s currently being looked into – it needs to be addressed before deliveries can begin.
UK publication AutoExpress even reports that one owner did receive his brand new Cooper D but was forced to “return it immediately.” He said “it was delivered on Friday morning and Friday evening they said bring it back. MINI said it was an audio acoustic problem which doesn’t seem right. They said they’ve suspended all orders.”
We’re currently waiting for MINI to confirm this and explain to both the scene and buyers what it’s all about.
By Andrei Nedelea
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