mpg-o-editor 
CHICAGO—When you come across a vehicle like the all-new 2011 Nissan Juke, it doesn’t quite fit in a particular segmented slot.
It’s too small to be a crossover. Too big to be a sports car. Too quirky to be called sedan. It has 5 doors, but I wouldn’t call it a hatchback. It’s utilitarian but not large enough to be an SUV. The number of doors negates coupe status, and while it’s inexpensive, I wouldn’t call it entry-level.
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Nissan Rogue Review Summary: The 2010 Nissan Rogue S Krom plays in a hotly contested field, as it scores big points for style and handling among the compact crossover competition. Slotted between the luxurious Murano and the raucous Juke, the Rogue leans toward the sporty side with a distinctive design.
MPG-o-Matic 2011 Buick Regal CXL Sedan Review Summary: Remove the trademark grille and telltale badges from the 2011 Buick Regal CXL and you’d be hard-presssed to know what it is as you stroll up to it. Slip behind the wheel, and you might guess you’re in a European sport sedan … which, in fact, you are. Beneath the badges, the Regal is an Opel Insigna. While the engine might come from America (and the transmission from China), the Buick Regal is built in Russelsheim, Germany. Bottom line? This is the best handling Buick. Evah.
Why hasn’t MINI brought their fantastically fuel-efficient diesel-powered MINI D here to the States?
It’s largely a question of dollars and sense.
The current MINI D uses the 1.6-liter DLD-416 (DV6) I4 turbo-diesel engine. Versions of this engine can be found under the hood of various Citroëns, Fords, Mazdas, Peugeots, and Volvos. The engine is built through a partnership between Ford and Peugeot.
Quite simply, it’s not BMW/MINI’s engine and the investment in producing a 50-state certified version of the engine is not in the cards.
WASHINGTON, DC—Lincoln has done something no other automaker has managed to do. They’ve priced a hybrid at the same level as the gasoline-powered model.
How novel.
Their philosophy is that today’s luxury owners want to be socially responsible. The Wall Street “Greed is Good” era is gone, and we have now entered the age of value. Luxury owners are looking to get more for their money, be less conspicuous and do good at the same time.