The 5 most fuel efficient cars

BMW's MINI Cooper and MINI Clubman add a sporty element to our fuelish 5 - already populated by three sedans, an SUV and a subcompact.

The Mini was birthed in post-war England by the Morris Company, intent on producing a fuel-efficient, 4-passenger box to combat ridiculous fuel prices spawned by the Suez Crisis of the 1950s.

The British Mini's storied 41-year run coasted to a stop in July 2000, when the brand was purchased by BMW. Much in the mold of VW's transmorgified Beetle, the new MINI Cooper is another spot-on piece of Teutonic market acumen.

Like its ancestors, the MINI infrequently visits the corner gas-and-go. Although its 28mpg in the city may not impress, its stunning 37mpg highway mileage is simply ripping in such a lithe package.