Tech Trends: Sub-Subcompacts
Inexpensive and efficient, the smallest cars are finally available in the U.S.
Small streets and pricey fuel have shaped the European car market to favor smaller cars. In fact, what we call a compact car is a midsize on the continent. But now that Ameri- cans are feeling the burn of expensive gas, automakers have responded by bringing a fleet of smaller-than-subcompact vehicles to our shores. Unlike previous stripped-down econoboxes, these will be equipped to appeal to both the budget-minded and the car-savvy consumer.
The Trend
A new crop of well-equipped sub-$14,000 cars that are even smaller than last year´s entry-level model
Why Now?
Gasoline prices are on the rise, and these cars are fuel-sippers-making them an inexpensive alternative to hybrids.
How You´ll Benefit
They´re small and cheap but by no means low-rent. These cars will sport premium features such as Bluetooth, satellite radio, MP3 jacks, elegant interiors, a full range of airbags, and sophisticated engines.
MOST POWERFUL
The burliest and most spacious of the three, this Nissan sub-Sentra entry offers an optional continuously variable transmission to squeeze even more mileage out of the fuel-sipping 1.8-liter engine. Arriving this May.
Dimensions: 169 x 67 x 60 in.
Weight: 2,800 lbs. (est.)
Fuel Economy: 38 mpg (hwy)
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder
Power: 120 hp; 125 lb.-ft. torque
MOST COMPACT
Replacing the ho-hum Echo in the U.S., the diminutive Yaris will come here this spring as a three-door hatch and four-door sedan-a complete redesign of the first-generation car that has been by far Toyota´s best seller in Europe.
Dimensions: 150 x 67 x 60 in.
Weight: 2,326 lbs.
Fuel Economy: 39 mpg (hwy)
Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder
Power: 106 hp; 103 lb.-ft. torque
MOST FIT TO BE TUNED
Called the Jazz in Europe (which hints at Honda´s youth-directed approach), the five-door Fit is already a tuner favorite and has its own enthusiast Web site, fitfreak.net. Though smaller than a Civic, it has more interior room and versatile seats that fold into the floor to form a bed. On sale this spring.
Dimensions: 157 x 66 x 60 in.
Weight: 2,514 lbs.
Fuel Economy: 38 mpg (hwy)
Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder
Power: 109hp; 105 lb.-ft. torque
