Mini confirms it is considering a diesel for U.S. market

— -- BMW's Mini small-car brand says it is mulling a U.S.-market diesel car in 2010 or 2011.

That would marry the crisp-handling Mini Cooper that's already beloved by driving enthusiasts with an especially fuel-efficient engine appealing to mileage-minders and enthusiasts alike.

Mini Coopers sold in other markets already offer diesels, but meeting U.S. clean-air regulations is daunting and has kept those engines off the market here.

Mini fans have produced an on-line drumbeat of speculation about the desirability and possibility of a U.S. diesel. Mini Vice President Jim McDowell, in comments to USA TODAY, provided official confirmation that such a car is being considered. "It's not certain," he cautioned.

He did say a U.S. diesel Mini — if there is one — would use a new-generation clean-diesel engine rather than a modified version of the overseas diesel.

He hinted that a diesel would be optional across the brand's several models, rather than limited to one. "Minis tend to be pretty modular," he said — that is, components from one typically fit others. Mini Cooper models are a hardtop, a convertible, a long-wheelbase Clubman and, soon, a small crossover SUV.

Diesels get 20% to 40% better fuel economy than similar gasoline engines. But in the U.S., diesel fuel's higher price wipes out some fuel-cost savings vs. regular gasoline. Mini recommends premium fuel, however, and diesel isn't much more expensive on average, just 11% more Monday, according to the Oil Price Information Service and AAA. See current average fuel prices here.

Diesel engines are more expensive than gasoline powerplants, and that would raise the price of Mini Coopers, which start in the U.S. at $19,200. though McDowell says buyers typically "go out the door with $4,000" in options.

"We already have a great-mileage car," McDowell says, referring to the Cooper's fuel economy ratings of 28 miles per gallon in town, 37 mpg on the highway. "If we add a diesel, it has to really get" high mileage ratings to appeal to buyers.