While it may not be as affordable or as fuel-efficient as the Cruze or Elantra, the MINI Cooper surely has more fun and looks better having it. And as proof that the nonhybrid gasoline engine keeps getting better, the MINI delivers an energizing ride and 29 mpg city/37 highway with a 6-speed automatic transmission. MINI is leasing 450 fully electric versions of the MINI Cooper, the MINI E, but there's no word on when, if ever, they will hit the market.
Read: Driving Electric
Jacob Gordon is a freelance writer, a blogger for TreeHugger.com and a producer of TreeHugger Radio. He can be reached at mailto:jacob@treehugger.com?subject=.