Mini is expected to debut two new models at the upcoming Geneva show, both primarily for the European market. One is a feebly-powered 95-horsepower 1.4 liter gas engine. But of most interest to oilheads is the new Mini Cooper D. This baby has a new turbodiesel with 110 horsepower (okay, not that earth-shattering) and 177 lb.-ft. of torque (now things get interesting).

Capable of 0-60 in a little under 10 seconds and a top-speed of 121 miles per hour, the new diesel Mini isn't exactly NHRA material. But with a combined fuel economy figure of 64.2 miles per gallon, it's one of the thriftiest cars out there, hybrid or not.

Diesel Power's Take: We can't wait until these new diesel cars start making their way over. Although it's no speed demon, 64 miles per gallon is remarkable fuel economy for any car. Plus, considering how easy it is to chip-tune modern diesels, there's probably still a lot of unlocked potential in that little engine. More than 200 lb.-ft is probably no more than a few keystrokes away.