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Porsche, Jaguar continue dominance in 2015 JD Power APEAL study

The top of JD Power's 2015 APEAL Study has not changed much in the last year. Porsche remains No. 1 with Jaguar nipping at its heels, although both premium brands saw their overall score fall compared to 2014. For those that need a refresher, the APEAL Study looks at how "gratifying" a vehicle is to own and drive, rating cars and brands on a 1,000-point scale. The industry average for 2015 has increased from 794 to 798, while the total number of automakers that finished above the curve increased from 16 to 20. While Porsche and Jaguar finished at the top, their scores dropped eight and seven points, respectively, to 874 and 855. The top "non-premium" brand was Mini, which scored an impressive 825, up from 795. If the BMW-owned British marque is still a bit too premium for your tastes, last year's non-premium winner, Hyundai, did climb five points and is this year's runner up. At the opposite end of the scale, Smart sits at the very bottom of the rankings, with a score of 683 (it didn't appear on the 2014 rankings). Fiat also dropped, from fourth worst in 2014 to second worst in 2015, despite the 500 being named most appealing city car. Subaru made an impressive climb, from third worst to seventh, falling just 10 points shy of the industry average and two points south of the non-premium average. In the individual vehicle segments, eight brands earned multiple awards, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Porsche earning three apiece. Surprise segment victories included the new Ford Expedition, which beat out Chevy's popular Suburban. The Infiniti QX80 bested the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover for best large luxury SUV, and the Dodge Challenger beat its muscle car rivals from Ford and Chevy. Most of the victories, though, were quite predictable. The Mazda6 and CX-5 took wins for the midsize sedan and compact SUV categories respectively, while the Volkswagen Golf captured the compact car win. The Ford F-150 won the large pickup category, while the Porsche Cayman was named most appealing compact premium sporty car. Check out the official release on the 2015 APEAL Study, available below, from JD Power. 2015 U.S. APEAL Study Results The latest safety-related technologies are among the drivers of customer satisfaction with new vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S.

Paul McCartney's Aston sells for $1.8M; Ringo Starr's old Mini goes to a Spice Girl

The Bonhams Bond Street auction in London was the place to be for fans of both The Beatles and automobiles as two cars once owned by former members of the band were up for auction. The first was an Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney, and the second was a Mini Cooper owned by Ringo Starr. Both went for substantial sums, and the Mini went to an interesting owner. The Aston brought the big bucks, or pounds, since it was a British auction. The final price with premium was barely over $1.8 million, which fell smack in the middle of Bonham's estimate. It's an impressive price on its own, but more so when compared with its sale back in 2012. Back then it was painted in the same blue it had originally, and it only sold for $495,000, making this new sale more than three times higher. View 22 Photos The Mini went for much less, at just under $137,000 with premium. But the car went to an interesting owner, Geri Horner, nee Hollowell, whom you may know better as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls. The Mini itself is interesting, too. Each of The Beatles owned a classic Mini at some point, but Ringo Starr's was unique because the flip-down tailgate was converted to a modern-style lift-up hatch incorporating the rear window. Reportedly the reason was so Starr could easily fit his drum kit in the back. It also featured a custom grille, driving lights, hood vents, and soft sunroof among other things. It even appeared on " Top Gear" in 2001. And before we forget, McCartney's DB5 also has " Top Gear" history in that it was owned by former host, Chris Evans. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1964 Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney View 13 Photos Image Credit: Bonhams Celebrities Aston Martin MINI Auctions Coupe Hatchback Classics aston martin db5 the beatles

Mini Countryman Park Lane looks classy in Earl Grey

Wade through the very, very thick fluff of the press release that announces its entry into the premium compact market (see below for what we consider to be particularly artful prose in the presser), and you'll see that this is the first special edition Mini Countryman the British-born, German-owned brand has so far released. The Mini Countryman Park Lane is painted up in a striking shade of Earl Grey metallic (clever, boys) with contrasting Oak Red roof and accents. And, while it's possible to design a Mini of your very own with a seemingly endless array of colors, stripes and badges inside and out using the online configurator, the Park Lane is one of the classier jobs we've seen from the factory. For those keeping track, Park Lane refers to a street in the London borough of Mayfair, and this is the third special-edition vehicle from Mini that wears the name. See it in high-resolution above and below, and don't forget to read the press release below for a chuckle or two. Related Video: All-round talent with individual style: the MINI Countryman Park Lane. 03.03.2015 MINI Countryman Park Lane. Munich. Bold athletic flair and supreme versatility define the character of the MINI Countryman. As the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive, it took on the role of an irresistible front-line force from the very outset - both in the conquest of additional target groups for the British premium brand and in the area of off-road driving. Its irrepressible forward thrust and flexibility are now expressed even more strikingly in an exclusive edition model. The MINI Countryman Park Lane sees its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2015. It will be available worldwide in up to four engine variants from July 2015. The MINI Countryman has enabled the brand to establish a secure standing in the premium compact segment. Unmistakable design, premium quality, an interior concept of exemplary versatility and typical MINI driving fun both on and off the road go together to create an overall package that is unique in this category of vehicle, meeting the multi-faceted mobility needs of demanding target groups in urban traffic and beyond. In this way the MINI Countryman has successfully asserted itself as an all-round talent with individual style. For the first time, this special status within the competitive environment is now underscored with an edition model.