Cooper Hardtop

Make
Mini
Segment
Hatchback

Only in the past couple of years or so have Americans begun to warm up to diesel engines. They still have bad memories of when early 80s diesel-powered cars blew black smoke. It was a pretty nasty business. Modern diesels are entirely different and they offer the best of both worlds: solid performance and fuel economy. Knowing that, German brands like Volkswagen have witnessed increased diesel sales in the past year or so alone.

Rivals like BMW and its Mini brand have also watched this trend closely, so it shouldn't come as a huge shock to hear that the new third-gen Mini Cooper may one day soon be offered with a diesel in the US. In Europe the new hatch can be powered by a 1.5-liter three-pot diesel with 114 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. And we want it too. Fortunately, a Mini product boss feels the same, stating that it's "in the realm of possibility with this car." Aside from the fuel savings, that high-end torque definitely adds something to the "fun to drive perspective." Before any diesel version may arrive, however, a Mini plug-in hybrid will come to market. After that, anything is possible.