SMALL . . . Smaller . . . smallest
Today's compact cars have more sophisticated features and come in a variety of styles and sizes
Small cars these days are all about "more." More sophisticated features, more practical uses, and more driving fun. And most of all, there are more of them.
From the sci-fi-like Smart Fortwo to the muscular C30 from Volvo, a gaggle of new small cars will present shoppers with all manner of styles -- and sizes -- to choose from this year.
BMW AG's Mini line brought the updated version of its smash hit, the Mini Cooper, to the United States this month. Also,
These follow the 2006 model-year crop of Toyota Yaris,
Looking ahead, in the premium compact category, BMW is also expected to bring its 1-Series to the United States and a small Lexus is due, both in 2008, said Jeff Schuster, the executive director of global forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates, the market research firm. BMW officials said no decision on importing the 1-Series has been made.
These subcompacts also allow automakers to juice up their existing entry-level models, making them larger, and offering better performance and features that can deliver a higher profit margin. When Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. introduced the Versa, for example, it took over the entry-level slot from the Sentra.
And the cars are also a way for auto makers to build brand loyalty with first-time buyers. "As the buyer's needs or tastes change, they would then move up in size and price within the same brand," Schuster said.
Some of them are really . . . little. The Smart Fortwo is just 104 inches -- less than 9 feet. Most of the other small cars are in the 12- to 14-foot range. Meanwhile, Honda Accord sedans, for example, are around 16 feet long, while a Toyota Tundra pickup is more than 17 feet long. Many are relative featherweights, weighing 2,500 pounds, compared to 2-ton-plus weight of mid size SUVs.
Most, like the Fit with 106 horsepower and the Yaris with 109, have four-cylinder engines. Their sophisticated engineering helps compensate for their size, although there are times when a driver wishes for more oomph, such as when merging onto a busy freeway. Once there, though, they easily cruise at 75 or 85 miles per hour.
While small on the outside, the best make clever use of space, and have tall roofs and larger windows that make them feel bigger on the inside. Even the least expensive subcompacts are not just basic transportation, which is the image of small cars of the past. In terms of design or style, they aim for a youthful exuberance. Many are aimed at younger buyers who want vehicles that don't cost a lot to buy or operate, and have "plug and play" capability, Schuster said.
Moreover, many also have sophisticated safety equipment not previously found on such affordable vehicles, generally including air curtains covering the side windows to offer head protection in a side-impact crash.
American manufacturers
Here's a closer look at some newer models:
2008 Smart Fortwo: This "city car," a joint venture of Mercedes-Benz and Swatch Ltd., was first launched in Europe in 1998. Expect it to visit the Boston area in late September as part of an introductory U S tour. The car gets 40 mile per gallon in combined city and highway mileage. It has a twin-section tailgate, the lower part of which can be used as a platform, four air bags, and electronic stability control. There is also a convertible model. It can accommodate two people who are up to 6-feet-5-inches tall.
2008 Scion xD: The new model of Toyota's youth brand. The xD shares a platform with the subcompact Yaris although its new engine has 128 horsepower instead of 109. Its 160-watt Pioneer audio system features iPod connectivity and a mini jack port and Scion Sound Processing.
2008 Volvo C30: This is the smallest Volvo -- 8 1/2 inches shorter than the S40 sport sedan. This two-door with a glass hatchback seats four with two bucket seats in the back positioned near the center, the better to see out the windshield.
2007 Mini Cooper: The new Mini is a whole 2.36 inches longer than its predecessor, with a federal mileage rating of 40 miles per gallon. It keeps the same classic British looks of the legendary original, has a tad more leg room in front and back, and bigger toggle switches to perform functions such as opening and closing windows.
