Mini Cooper Hardtop 2dr Cpe S New Coupe Manual Gasoline 2.0l 16v Twin Power Turb on 2040-cars

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Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid out for a snowy stroll

When Mini launched the Countryman in 2010, it emerged as the brand's first all-wheel-drive model. Now there's a new Countryman on the way, and it's also set to mark a Mini first by incorporating not just a mild hybrid system, but a plug-in hybrid powertrain. And that's just what we're looking at here. How do we know this prototype is packing a hybrid powertrain, you ask? A fair question, and we'll tell you: because the manufacturer chose to mark "Hybrid Test Vehicle" on the door. And because parent company BMW is already known to be working on a PHEV system for the 2 Series Active Tourer on which the new Mini crossover will be based, it's fairly safe to say it won't be developing a separate system for the Countryman. Expect the hybrid mega-Mini to combine a 1.5-liter inline-three driving 136 horsepower to the front wheels, and an electric motor good for another 102 hp on the rear wheels for through-the-road all-wheel drive and a combined output of nearly 240 hp. That's more than even the John Cooper Works performance model has offered. Scope out the spy shots in the gallery above, where you'll also find an interior shot of a conventional next-gen Countryman.

2021 Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition price and features detailed

Mini announced a new appearance package for the Countryman called the Boardwalk Edition back in December, and now the company has revealed how much it will cost. With the $850 destination fee, it rings in at $39,215 for the front-wheel-drive version, or $41,215 for the all-wheel-drive. That's not cheap, but it comes with quite a bit. Based on the Cooper S Countryman and painted in a unique Deep Laguna Metallic paint, it comes with a Pin Spoke wheels, external trim, and contrasting roof all in Piano Black. The interior is available with only one upholstery, Cross Punch leather also in black. A touchscreen nav package comes standard on Boardwalks, which includes Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and real-time traffic. The Boardwalk Edition also includes equipment from the normally $2,000 Premium Package, including LED fog and headlights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats and automatic climate control. Additionally, the Boardwalk Edition also receives bespoke door sills, roof and dashboard graphics, as well as unique Boardwalk side scuttles standard.  Compared to a a similarly equipped Signature trim with Premium Package, the Boardwalk Edition's price has a discount of a hair less than $1,000. If you like that package and the Deep Laguna color, then this is the trim for you. The Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition will hit dealerships in April 2021. There's no word on whether a Park Place Edition will follow. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

The greenest cars of 2024: Vehicles that use the least fuel and cost less to operate

All-electric vehicles may make headlines for environmental friendliness and fuel efficiency, but the “greenest” car in America in 2024 has a gasoline engine. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's annual GreenerCars ratings of the most environmentally friendly cars, the latest Toyota Prius Prime SE plug-in hybrid tops the list of greenest cars, although it's something of an anomaly, because battery-electric EVs follow it in spots two to five. Of the top 10 vehicles in the ratings, six are electric and four are hybrids: Rank Make & Model Powertrain Green Score MSRP Estimated Annual Fuel Cost* 1 Toyota Prius Prime SE PHEV 71 $32,975 $529 2 Lexus RZ 300e EV 67 $55,150 $651 3 Mini Cooper SE EV 67 $30,900 $747 4 Nissan Leaf EV 66 $28,140 $741 5 Toyota bZ4X EV 66 $43,070 $689 6 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV 64 $43,690 $741 7 Hyundai Elantra Blue Gas Hybrid 64 $26,250 $864 8 Hyundai Kona Electric EV 63 $34,050 $695 9 Toyota Camry LE Gas Hybrid 63 $28,855 $907 10 Kia EV6 EV 63 $43,975 $689 11 Toyota Corolla Gas Hybrid 62 $23,500 $944 12 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV 62 $41,650 $737 *ACEEE analysis using EIA data of annual cost—from gasoline, electricity, or a combination—of driving 15,000 miles The ACEEE also compiled two other vehicle rankings: the so-called “Greener Choices” and the “Meanest List.” The Greener Choices list includes a variety of high-scoring conventional vehicles, and the Meanest List identifies the worst-performing mass-market models. Finishing first in the “greener” list — which the organization says is about cars “available nationwide with among the lowest environmental impacts” — is the Honda Accord Hybrid. As far as the “worst-performing mass market” vehicle, that dubious distinction goes to the $184,000 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63. “ItÂ’s important for automakers to keep expanding affordable EV options rapidly so that the benefits of EVs are available to drivers across a wider spectrum of incomes as we transition away from cars that burn gasoline,” said Peter Huether, ACEEEÂ’s senior transportation research associate and lead researcher for the GreenerCars rankings. “For drivers whose needs are not met by todayÂ’s charging infrastructure, many efficient and affordable hybrid options are available.” Just over half the cars on the 2024 Greenest List start at under $35,000, including four EVs and three gas hybrids.