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Mini Clubman Final Edition could be the end of the Clubman line

The Mini range is in for an enormous overhaul next model year, the little Anglo-German hatchbacks getting more mature, more roomy, more powertrains, more digital. The Clubman trim could be saying goodbye for good, the wagon's restrained dimensions perhaps not a fit for where Mini's going. For 1,969 buyers around the world, the Mini Clubman Final Edition will be a way to say "Farewell." As with the Mini Convertible Seaside Edition, the Clubman Final Edition commemorates the birth of the original Clubman produced from 1969 to 1981. It's available in three colors: Enigmatic Black, Melting Silver, and Nanuq White. Those base hues will be accented by Shimmer Copper trim on the grille and fender vents, as well as three stripes running up the passenger's side of the hood. Another three Shimmer Copper stripes run along the lower sides underlining the "1 of 1969" badge on the C-pillar. The wagon sits on 18-inch wheels with a two-tone Final Edition Spoke lacquered to recall copper.  The side sills carry "Final Edition" lettering at the threshold to the front seats, and a "1969" badge across the rear threshold. Inside, there are a lot more warm brown and badging to behold. Three-tone Mini Yours leather sports seats are far flashier than anything from 1969, set off by anthracite Piquet fabric, blue contrast stitching, stitched badging and a copper-colored button. A range of "Final Edition" and "1 of 1969" notifiers run appear on the steering wheel, instrument panel, and floor mats.  Depending on market, the Clubman Final Edition can be ordered in Cooper and Cooper S trims, with any available powertrain including diesel, and in two- or four-wheel drive. We're not sure how many will come to the U.S., if any, nor what they will cost, so check with your dealer. The 100 specials being sent to the UK will start at GBP37,000 ($45,250 U.S.) on-the-road, about GBP10,000 ($12,230 U.S.) above an entry-level Clubman Cooper Classic. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. New MINI Clubman Cooper S review

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.

Xcar takes the Mini Challenge, and it sounds awesome

The third-generation Mini is well and truly on sale in markets across the world. The new four-door model should be arriving soon, if it isn't already on sale in your neck of the woods, and the latest John Cooper Works model made its official debut just a few weeks ago at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. We aren't going to be talking about any of those right now, though. That's because our chums at Xcar took it upon themselves to sample the third-generation Mini Challenge racecar, a 275-horsepower, hardcore, fully committed competition version of the otherwise adorable Mini Cooper S. At roughly 30,000 British pounds (about $45,200 at today's rates) there's a lot to like about the Challenge car. Aside from a gutted cabin and aggressive aerodynamic kit, the racer has been fitted with slick tires, a Quaife sequential gearbox, adjustable dampers, Alcon brakes and a consequently lower curb weight – under 2,600 pounds with an average-sized driver. It's fair to say the Challenge driving experience figures to be unlike your typical road-going Mini. And considering that, we think the folks that built the car, Total Track, have fulfilled their promise of delivering a "touring car experience at a fraction of the cost." Have a look at the Xcar video and let us know what you think. Be sure to crank up your speakers, because the Challenge sounds excellent.