Report: Diesel Powered Mini Cooper S To Debut In 2011

With the success of oil-burning hot hatches like the Seat Leon Cupra FR and Volkswagen Golf GTD, as well as a general trend towards “green” products (whatever that means), Mini is preparing to launch a diesel version of their Mini Cooper S hot hatch.

Due to emissions legislation, BMW won’t offer the diesel in North America (instead, we’ll get hyper-efficient variants of Mini’s new 3-cylinder engines)au, as federalizing it would be too cost prohibitive. But in Europe and other overseas markets, a diesel is a necessary option. The diesel should be available across the entire Mini range as well, putting out 140 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, while returning over 40 mpg.

[Source: Motoring File]