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Mini unveils next-generation hardtop

The wraps are off the all-new, third-generation Mini hardtop. Updates include renewed exterior styling, lots of gee-whiz electronics inside, and a new fuel-efficient, three-cylinder turbo engine under the hood as the base engine. “On the inside is where you see the revolutionary aspect,” said Jim McDowell, vice president, Mini of the Americas.

Nissan gets a new 'Leaf' on life

On Thursday, Nissan announced that its all-electric Leaf will be added to its Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles program. Starting in September, Nissan will back all used Leaf vehicles to provide years of performance and quality at a competitive value. The program will not only provide buyers with eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty coverage, but also with five-year/60,000-mile coverage for battery-capacity loss that falls below nine bars, which is imperative when you're relying solely on electricity to power your vehicle.

Mini may drop Paceman, Coupe, and Roadster

Mini may discontinue the Paceman, Coupe, and Roadster models as it seeks to trim its lineup, following the introduction of the third-generation Mini Cooper three-door Hardtop. Instead, the company plans to focus on three "pillar" models: the Hardtop, the Countryman, and the Clubman. The third model, the Clubman, is technically still speculative as the company presented a Clubman only in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show last week, but given the amount of real-world testing of Clubman prototypes observed, coupled with the production-ready appearance of the Clubman Concept, this model is virtually assured to reach production in its current form.