I pulled this from BMWBLOG's recent first drive of the F56 MINI's
I agree, to a degree. In terms of small diesels yes absolutely, but when you start to climb in engine size and capabilities I just dont see how petrol could ever eclipse. Its the same issue that hybrids fall prey to. Small cars are often the favorite for hybrid conversion, the problem is, small cars are already exceptionally fuel efficient and hybridizing them is simply an incremental increase. I feel the same about small diesels.Both motors use direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and turbocharging in order to be more efficient. Auto Start/Stop is standard but easily disabled should you choose. These motors are so fuel efficient, that I suspect they could erode the market for diesels in the United States. As far as weight goes, the new Cooper weighs 2,605 lbs, while the Cooper S weighs 2,760 lbs. Both up from the last generation Coopers by just under 100 lbs. Brake energy regeneration and energy efficient oil pumps are standard as well.