Sales: Subcompacts, March 2011

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Despite the media’s on-again-off-again love affair with the “OMG SMALL CARS ARE TAKING OVER!” storyline, the US-market B-segment isn’t exhibiting many signs of serious competition (at least in comparison to the C- and D-segments). The Versa has ruled the segment largely unchallenged for years, with only the Soul posing anything resembling a serious threat. Former rivals like the Fit, Accent, Yaris and Aveo are getting old and losing momentum, although most have replacements waiting in the wings. A new Versa is about to debut as well, but because it’s based on the smaller, cheaper Micra platform, it may give up the Versa’s value-size advantage. We’re still waiting for American consumers to flock to subcompacts, but maybe they’re just waiting for some serious competition in the segment…

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Rod Panhard Rod Panhard on Apr 07, 2011

    What's interesting to me about this one is how much positive press the Mazda 2 and Suzuki SX4 have received, compared to negative press for the Aveo. Yet, the Aveo outsells those to superior cars combined. That just goes to show you, it ain't about "driving," ... it's still about "price" when it comes to small cars.

  • Mtymsi Mtymsi on Apr 07, 2011

    In my opinion the car that is truly overpriced in this segment is the Fiat 500. After the novelty wears off and given Fiat's limited dealer network I fully expect the 500 to be a non contender. Being that it's built in Mexico there is no logical reason that it's priced about $2k higher than a comparable Fiesta hatchback. Personally, if the Fiesta and 500 were priced the same I'd choose the Fiesta as I think it has a much nicer interior and a superior drivetrain. My guess is that when sales of the 500 flop a multi thouand dollar rebate will kick in to make the car price competitive with others in the class. It would seem Fiat is trying to take a page out of the MINI's playbook but unfortunately for Fiat the 500 is no MINI.

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    • Mtymsi Mtymsi on Apr 07, 2011

      @Roundel Style is completely subjective. In fact, I disagree with you, I think the Fiesta has better styling. What is premium about the 500? It certainly isn't the drivetrain or interior. As far as I can tell there is nothing premium about the 500 as opposed to the MINI which is in fact a premium car. In my opinion there is no comparison between a MINI and a 500 so if it is the MINI market Fiat is targeting they are done before they get started. To the best of my knowledge the 500 is sold as an entry level economy car in every other market it is sold in and nothing has been changed for the U.S. market version that gives even a hint of a premium offering in this segment. Maybe I'm missing something, please explain what is premium about the 500.

  • Colin42 Colin42 on Apr 07, 2011

    My issue is that for a modest price increase (if one at all) you can get a compact car which gets better mileage and is a more comfortable drive. I understand that highway mileage is all about drag & gearing rather than mass but the elantra beats may of these cars on city mileage as well. One potential difference is none of the sub compacts have direct injection engines (yet)

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    • Colin42 Colin42 on Apr 07, 2011

      Roundel - You're missing my point. I'm not saying that the small price difference is worth the extra space, I'm saying my moving up a class you can get a slightly bigger car with better mileage and better handling i.e. 2012 Ford Focus or Hyundia Elantra. I believe that part of the reason for this is the improved powertrains offered in the compact class. Now if ford offered a direct injection 1.6 in the Fiesta that might be a different matter.....

  • Seth L Seth L on Apr 07, 2011

    Is anyone making deals on xD's? I could use an extra set of doors for cheap...

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