When choosing a car with exceptional fuel-efficiency the SUV or a crossover does not come to mind, as they are considered thirsty when it comes to offering a decent MPG figure. However, if you still have your heart set on one of these larger vehicles then you will want to know which models should be on your short list when fuel is a major factor in your buying decision.

Best MPG SUV and Crossover Cars – First on the list is the 2013 Toyota RAV4, which is a pretty decent vehicle in terms of a high-tech interior and a sleek exterior. Gone is the thirsty V6 and in its place is a more fragile engine, and combined with improved aerodynamics the vehicle has a combined 26 mpg, 24 city and 31 highway.

The 2013 MINI Cooper Paceman is what happens when a Cooper and Countryman has a love child. The model is longer and wider than the standard Cooper, as well as taller, but still delivers pleasing figures. The 2013 MINI Cooper Paceman mpg figures are 27 combined, 25 city and 30 highway.

The BMW X1 is the smallest of the BMW crossover vehicles and so delivers respectable fuel-efficiency, although its size is a bit of a compromise for some people. Expect to get 28 mpg combined, 24 city and 34 highway.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5, Nissan JUKE and Lexus RX should all be at the top of your list, as they are not only fun to drive, but also deliver decent mpg figures. These are 29 mpg combined – 26 city, 32 highway, 29 mpg combined: 27 city, 32 highway and 30 mpg combined: 32 city, 28 highway respectively.

Okay, so we know that some of these models are not to your taste, and also the fact that these figures will vary depending on driving style and how well you maintain them, but we hope it can act as a guide when in comes to the highest MPG SUV and Crossover cars currently on the market.

While there are several auto shows ahead of the one being held in Geneva, we can’t help mention a new concept that will make its debut during the Geneva Auto Show next month. The vehicle in question is the Vauxhall Adam Rocks, which is a concept CUV that will be ready to take on the MINI Countryman.

Just by looking at the drawing above thanks to a recent press release, you’ll see that the Adam Rocks, or Opel for the European version has taken some inspiration from the Fiat 500C with its semi convertible roof. This new version of the concept vehicle is different because it has a 15mm higher ground clearance, and although it isn’t much, it’s enough to fulfill a purpose.

We’ve never bought into the crossover market because it’s a little like the Microsoft Surface Pro, it doesn’t know what it wants to be. To us a crossover vehicle with plastic cladding stuck to the sides and the front and rear bumpers just cheapens the standard version.

That’s not saying that there isn’t a market for these vehicles, it’s just we cannot see the point; either you want an SUV for going on and off road, or you want a saloon, sedan etc. What’s the point of a CUV when the ground clearance isn’t that great and would take no time to become bogged down?

Anyway the Vauxhall/Opel Adam Rocks CUV will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a month’s time, but don’t expect the vehicle to enter production anytime soon.

There have been so many version of the new updated supermini, but the Coupé is the first to come with just two-seats giving it a true sporty feel. This new model will help to complement the other four models in the range, the Countryman, Clubman, Convertible and the Hatch. It is hoped that the Coupe will appeal to the new younger driver – and we cannot see why BMW will not succeed.

The price will start from £16,640, which is the on-the-road price. As for those fuel- efficiency, they vary depending on what model you go for. The flagship model offers 39.8mpg, but it is the Mini Cooper Coupé SD that impresses the most, as that diesel engine will give you a return of 65.7mpg – let’s see your Prius do that.

Whenever you have a car that does that amount of miles to the gallon they are small, give you a horrible ride, and will not fill you with any confidence the moment you take a corner a little too fast. However, the Mini Coupé has the handling of a go-kart as Expert Reviews puts it.

The nearest rival in terms of the fun factor has to be the Fiat 500 Abarth. This model is smaller, but the £14,452 price tag will make you consider it as an alternative – the choice will be yours.

Let’s start with the painful bit, its price, according to a recent article posted on TopGear the Rolls Royce Mini will cost £41,000. At first glance this seems like a lot, and it is, however you have to take into account that this is no ordinary Mini, it is much more luxurious than any Mini we have ever seen before. So, what makes it luxurious? Well let’s start with materials used in the car’s interior, its trim is made out of premium wood and the floor mats will be made from dee-pile lambswool, also it features an onboard computer, sat nav and a Harmon Kardon speaker system, these sort of luxuries are what we are more used to seeing in high-end Rolls Royce cars.

In terms of design it has the same look as the recent Minis, however it comes with 17-inch spoked light-alloy rims and it has a diamond-black metallic body, currently the Rolls Royce Ghost and Phantom are both available in this color, therefore the Rolls Royce Mini should look like a Royles Royce motor.

Underneath the bonnet you have the same turbocharged 1.6-litre engine which features in the Mini Cooper S, this is capable of 0-62mph in just seven seconds and allows for a maximum speed of 142mph, for those of you who are interested it produces 184bhp and 177 torques.

Another TopGear post from April tells us a little more about this car, apparently its interior is lined with Cornsilk leather (scroll down to see it), finally we can confirm that as standard you get park distance control and adaptive headlights. Currently the Rolls Royce Mini is not on the Rolls Royce website, hopefully it will show up soon so we can point you in the direction of a full technical specification breakdown.

Below we have embedded a couple of photos of the the Rolls Royce Mini, do you like the look of it? Remember that only 1000 of these cars will be made, therefore we expect there to be a lot of interest surrounding them.

This concept is unlike any other Mini on or coming to the market, and looking at the image gallery over at Autoblog you will see just what we mean. The design is very different to what we are used to, but the “unique three-plus-one interior seating arrangement” is the one that has us baffled the most. No matter how many times we look at this, there just seems to be no practical reason.

As with all future cars its all about lightweight and strength, so the carbon spaceframe is no real shocker. With this in mind the benefits will include fuel-efficiency, so is expected to achieve about 78 mpg US – just wish we could know more about what type of engine/electric motor will drive the vehicle.

For years the Mini refresh has held on to the basic design, it was not until the Clubman and Countryman that things started to change for the better, and the Rocketman takes this one step further – well ten steps really.

Drive believes that we should call this new model the Mini Mini and could come with a turbo diesel engine. This is said to be their smallest model since 1969. Below you will be able to see a video of the Rocketman Concept – what’s your verdict?

However, that did not stop Autoblog spies from seeing what new goodies the 2012 Mini Coupe will have. The one that got out interest the most has to be that retractable spoiler, this is not a new concept, as other cars have been using such a system for years; but it is new to the Mini. Damon Lavrinc added that this was not seen in the concept design way back in 2009.

The engine is expected to be a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit, but we have no details as to how much power it will produce. There seems to be little chance of an appearance at Geneva, but we do expect to see it at Frankfurt later this year. Sales should begin later this year for both US and Europe, but we have yet to learn its price.

There are rumors that the smaller Mini will be on show at Geneva next month, but Cars Guide does not expect to see the vehicle enter production until 2013 at least. This is certainly a long time to wait, and by then we should have a good idea of what the new BMW Mini design will be, as the current model is now starting to show its age.

Looking over the list I was not surprised at some of the winners, but others certainly confused me a little. The first vehicle that I agree should be there is the 2011 Honda Fit. While on vacation in Cyprus I had rented one of these and I have to say was very impressed. OK, it did not have too much power under the hood, but it did exactly what it needed to do, and it is for this reason why resale values stay very healthy.

The second car on the list that I agree should be there is the 2011 MINI Cooper. I can remember when this car first came out after its BMW redesign, they were selling for more second-hand than they were new; this was because they were in such high demand.

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT also made it to the list, and I have to say confused me a little. It’s no secret that the car looks hot, but how can a car with poor fuel-economy have such a good resale value? The same goes for the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, heavy on fuel and ugly on the eye.

The complete 2011 Best Resale Value Awards list can be found on Kelley’s website. If you would rather watch a video of the awards, then we have embedded it for you below, which we have to say was amusing at first then just plain annoying.

The colors that BMW has gone with are keeping with the all-electric Mini E, and have a retro look. You will be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped back in time and are looking at a Vespa from the 60’s.

There are some subtle touches that make you think of the popular Mini car, such as the emblem at the front and the mirrors. There are still some parts of the scooter that I am not too sure about, and Autoblog Green thinks the same thing. (See images here)

The Mini Scooter E Concept is rumored to have electric motors on both the front and rear wheels, and there could even be a form of regenerative braking – much like KERS from F1, which is due to make a return next season. We are not certain how fast the vehicle will go and how long the charge will last, we should hopefully have more details for you once the Paris Motor Show gets under way.

It has been rumoured for several months that a deal was set to run a limited calender for 2011 using Mini’s new Countryman. The WRC regulation turbocharged 1.6 liter four-wheel-drive, will then follow a full season in 2012. A report by Autocar confirms that Mini is keen to exploit the historic victories, including those of the Monte Carlo Rally.

Although specific dates are yet to be confirmed for its first competitive outing, an insider suggests that the Rally Sardinia next year is the most likely debut. As of yet no drivers have been named but there is a strong possibility that Marcus Gronholm, previous multiple world championship winner has links to the project. Mini is also said to be testing the car at the start of autumn.

The Prodrive team has been away from the WRC since the end of 2008 after Subaru’s withdrawal. Mini has said that the Banbury based firm has been playing with the Countryman WRC since 2009. David Richards chairman for Prodrive, is reportedly very excited at the new motorsport programme, and believes that the new Mini will become a favourite with the latest generation of rally fans.

Hit the link below to read more about Mini’s return to WRC and give us your thoughts. Are you an older WRC follower that remembers the Mini in its heyday or one of the new generation looking forward to seeing Mini’s hopeful rise to the top again?

Source: Autocar

The Countryman will come in two models, the standard and the S version’s, both will have 1.6 liter four cylinder petrol engines, with the S gaining a turbocharger. U.S buyers will get both petrol version’s whilst the European market will also see a diesel. Charging the 1.6 increases the horsepower to 184 over the 122 from the normally aspirated engine.

Front-wheel-drive transmission options will be manual and automatic both with 6 speeds, with the base model auto taking 11 seconds to get to 60 mph. Obviously the turbocharged model is the one to go for with 60 coming up in a fraction under eight seconds in manual form. There will also be the option of an all-wheel-drive model badged All4 but only in the S.

Although labelled as a Countryman crossover the Mini doesn’t exactly stand tall in the ground clearance department, so there wont be much scope for going to far off-road. Click on the link below to check out the extensive spec list from Mini.

Read more: Autoblog