The Mini brand was resurrected for the 2001 model year, five years after the original Cooper ceased to exist. Initially available only as a three-door hatch and two-door convertible, the new Mini quickly grew into a lineup that included the Clubman->ke2526, the Countryman->ke3615, the Coupe->ke3496 and the Paceman->ke4449. The first-gen model survived for only five years, being replaced by the second-gen in 2006. In 2013, the brand new, third-generation Mini was unveiled, this time riding atop BMW->ke178's UKL1 platform.

Mini->ke57 already debuted a brand-new diesel engine for the Cooper 5-Door, and the Brits decided to give that same oil burner to the three-door version as well. We're talking about the 2.0-liter four-banger that generates 170 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and enables the Cooper DS to become the most powerful diesel Cooper ever created.

Of course, it's not overly fast from naught to 62 mph, but its 7.3-second second sprint is good enough considering the hatchback->ke304 claims to return up to 58 mpg on the highway. The 0-to-62 mph figure drops to 7.2 seconds when the engine is paired to the six-speed Steptronic transmission. Sporty and efficient, a recipe that fits today's demanding market like a glove.

Unfortunately, there's no word as to whether this nippy fuel sipper will hit U.S. shores or not, but don't expect to find it at a dealership near you this year. On the other hand, those of you who live in the United Kingdom can order one starting July 2014.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mini Cooper SD.

Mini Cooper SD in detail

Visually, the Cooper SD shares most of its body features with the Cooper S. The front bumper features a slightly different grille, larger fog lamps and the two additional apron intakes that aren't available on the base model. Around back, the bumper comes with a revised lower piece and a center-mounted twin-exhaust system. To avoid any confusion between the diesel and the gasoline S models, the SD sports a proper badge on its hatch.

Although not all Cooper SD models have a British Racing Green exterior, white, rally-style wheels and stripes, this combo is more than suited considering the hatchback's sporty character. The perfect embodiment of Mini heritage lies in front of you!