There are those of us who have always loved them for their agility, economy and high utility even when compared with slightly larger compact designs.
With soaring gas prices, it's no surprise that sales are up for these so-called B-cars. Recognizing a long-term trend, automakers are now pouring design effort into them. They're also trying to put some pizazz into these traditionally low-profit cars that will help them meet the new CAFE standard.
While sales of compacts are still sluggish, subcompacts are up 21.8 percent so far this year. They were up 30 percent in 2007, even while auto sales continued to slump.
The Ford Fiesta (photo after the jump), which has been kicking around Europe for more than 30 years, gets a redesign based on the Verve concept car. At long last, it will be coming to North American in 2010. Likewise, the Chevrolet Aveo underwent a redesign in 2007 for the 2008 model year. It has been selling like gangbusters in Europe. Chevy engineers have hinted at a turbodiesel model that might be sold in Europe but won't make it to the states. Meanwhile, Chrysler is partnering with Nissan for a small car.
What is the resistance to subcompacts in the U.S.? Read after the jump.
Photo: MiniUSA
Sales of the the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris have been soaring. So has BMW's Mini, even though that car has been priced in more expensive market.
U.S. automakers are apparently coming around to believe that Americans are shrugging off their hatred of hatchbacks. And while the price and gas mileage differences between compacts (such as the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Focus) and subcompacts haven't been steep, there seems to be evidence that it's now sufficient to get Americans into the smaller cars.
Ford Fiesta
Photo: Ford
