Oil-burning MINIs have been popular in Europe since the introduction of the first BMW-designed model in 2001, but U.S.-spec examples have always been powered by a gasoline-burning four-cylinder engine. Market trends have shifted over the past couple of years, and MINI stands ready to jump into the diesel fray if it make a favorable business case for it.
“We hear [the demand for diesels] from our dealers and our customers,” explained Pat McKenna, MINI’s product chief, adding that a final decision has not been made yet.
If given the green light for production, the U.S.-bound MINI Cooper D will likely be powered by a slightly modified version of the all-new 1.5-liter three-cylinder mill available on the Old Continent. Fed by a small turbocharger, the mill sends 116 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. While certainly not the fastest member of the MINI lineup, the D-badged MINI returns 67 mpg in a mixed European cycle.
McKenna revealed that a plug-in hybrid drivetrain will join the MINI family before a diesel, indicating that it could be unveiled in the next couple of months. Although McKenna has not revealed what model will get the fuel-saving setup, expect official details to emerge in the near future.
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