How about a diesel hybrid?
1). Using a % blend of biodiesel made from scrap cellulous(wood from deconstruction, farming waste, industrial hemp or other fast growers, etc).
2). Rear petrol engine. Front regenerative hub motors for braking and hard accelleration.
3). Tall thin tires of hard compound with high clearance allows for getting through snow, and the hybrid function can become all time 4wd when needed.
An added benefit is a butt-high seat easy to get into.
4). Strong frame and ball hitch for towing match-fit areodynamic trailers of different sizes. No need for a huge vehicle while getting groceries, but could haul sheetrock on the weekends or luggage for a vacation.
5). Conical/shaped rear helps areodynamics which account for a large percentage of power used. There is a stock Civic project that added a cone to the rear and was getting 70-95mpg.
