Toyota's coupes and small cars could be inching their way toward the chopping block. Automotive News reported Monday the automaker will look to end production of some cars. The news is hardly as drastic as Ford's decision to cut every passenger car from its lineup (save for the Mustang) to focus on...Read More»
A handful of 2007-2008 Nissan Versa subcompacts have been added to the growing list of vehicles fitted with faulty Takata airbag inflators. Nissan last month said that it had identified 233 Versa sedan and hatchback models with passenger-side airbag components that could explode. The cars were...Read More»
The redesigned 2018 Hyundai Accent and 2018 Kia Rio subcompact cars scored a key win in the IIHS' challenging small-overlap frontal crash test, garnering a "Good" rating for the driver side and an “Acceptable” rating for the passenger side, the insurance industry-funded organization...Read More»
At the proverbial eleventh hour, the budget-friendly 2018 Nissan Versa has gained $200 worth of additional safety and convenience gear: a rearview camera paired to a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a USB input. That additional equipment adds $100 to $200 to the Versa's base price...Read More»
Demand for crossovers and SUVs hasn't spelled the demise for one subcompact car despite rumors to the contrary. A Chevrolet spokesman told The Car Connection Monday that the bite-size Chevy Sonic will be on dealer lots for the 2019 model year. "Sonic will indeed be sold to both retail and fleet...Read More»
Fiat will roll into the New York auto show this week rocking a new urban-inspired package option designed to dress up its 2018 Fiat 500 hatchback, the automaker said Monday. The appropriately named Urbana Edition was inspired by a similar package already available on the Fiat 500X crossover. On the...Read More»
An all-new version of Hyundai's smallest car sold in the United States has made its debut, with what the Korean automaker says is a leap forward in terms of refinement and available safety features. The 2018 Hyundai Accent that was unveiled at the Toronto auto show is incrementally larger than its...Read More»
Looking ready to hit the trail (or at least the parking lot), the 2017 Chevrolet Spark Activ brings some outdoorsy style to the minicar segment. Debuting this week at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Spark Activ is more about looks than actual capability. Its suspension sits a little under half...Read More»
Ford’s 1.0-liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is small enough to fit into an airline-approved carry-on bag, yet powerful enough to deliver some 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. As you’d guess, it’s also fuel efficient, which is the primary reason why Ford has...Read More»
In Japan today, Mazda and Toyota announced a new partnership that should be of keen interest to drivers. Beginning in the summer of 2015, Mazda will build a new Toyota subcompact for the North American market. The car will be manufactured at Mazda's new plant in Salamanca, Mexico -- a plant that's...Read More»
Gas prices are soaring. Parking is pricey. The economy is recovering, but still shaky. Add all that up, and you'd expect small cars to be fairly popular in the U.S. And you'd be right. In fact, small cars are on track to reach a market share not seen since Bill Clinton's first inauguration...Read More»
Yesterday, we pointed out that small cars have been selling like hotcakes -- tiny, 110-cubic-foot-sized hotcakes. Today, they represent 19.3% of America's new-car purchases, and they're on track to hit 20.5%, a market share that small cars haven't enjoyed in nearly 20 years. Part of the allure of...Read More»
If you're shopping for a subcompact ride -- and based on yesterday's news, many of you are -- pay close attention to the 2012 Kia Rio EX and the 2012 Honda Fit. After a recent round of tests, those two models sit at the top of Consumer Reports' rankings for subcompact cars. Consumer Reports divided...Read More»
With gasoline prices on the rise and summer travel months right around the corner, families looking to save money on new vehicle purchases over the long run have some excellent choices. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) highlights some of the most fuel-efficient small cars with a total cost of ownership (TCO)...Read More»
Toyota used the occasion of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show to introduce the fourth member of the Prius family: the 2012 Prius C hybrid hatchback. Key attributes of the new small Prius hybrid that may make it a compelling commuter car, or second or third family car, are its 50-mpg combined fuel economy...Read More»
From its stand at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, General Motors revealed new details about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, the brand's upcoming minicar that will slot below the new Sonic in both size and price. With this first appearance of the U.S.-spec Spark (a somewhat different version is already...Read More»
Another debut that could easily get overlooked at the glitz and glamour of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is nevertheless quite important for Honda: the 2012 Honda Insight. True, the changes aren’t radical, but they are both necessary and a long time coming. Here’s what’s new in the...Read More»
Honda plans to build a new $800 million pant in Mexico to build a subcompact car. Scheduled to open in 2014 and employ 3,200 people, the plant will have the ability to produce 200,000 vehicles a year. The plant will be located in Celaya, Guanajuato and will be the eighth plant Honda has located in...Read More»
As gas prices continue to fluctuate, consumers are now considering subcompact cars more than ever. But what do you look for when buying a subcompact car? Is driving fun a main factor when considering which subcompact you want in your garage? Or are price and safety ratings your main concern? What...Read More»
