You are here: Forums Automotive News & Views What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

8636 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 5:35 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires

What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, MINI Cooper

#8560 of 8636 Re: fiesta performance [explorerx4] by ateixeira Oct 16, 2009 (7:30 am)
Replying to: explorerx4 (Oct 15, 2009 3:43 pm) Ha ha   We actually do have a movie reviews thread, somewhere... Replies to this message: steve_ (Oct 16, 2009 7:32 am)
#8561 of 8636 Re: fiesta performance [ateixeira] by steve_ HOST Oct 16, 2009 (7:32 am)
Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 7:30 am) The Best Movies... Ever!
#8562 of 8636 Nissan by nippononly Oct 22, 2009 (7:19 am)
is getting into the microcar game, with a new model here in the U.S. in about two years priced and sized below Versa:   Tokyo auto show: Nissan plans new low-cost model below the Versa for U.S.   ....The small platform will yield three models: a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback and a multipurpose vehicle. They will replace the subcompact Micra that is now sold in markets around the world other than the United States.   -- The new platform will see a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy over the current Micra. The cars will come with both gasoline and diesel engines, depending on local market demand.   ....The new platform will be manufactured at five plants around the world, he said, launching first in Thailand in March 2010.   http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091020/TOKYO/910209996   It seems like if all the talk right now pans out, the Smart Car is going to have a lot of company in the U.S. by 2012 or so.... Replies to this message: oregonboy (Oct 22, 2009 8:07 am)
#8563 of 8636 Re: Nissan [nippononly] by oregonboy Oct 22, 2009 (8:07 am)
Replying to: nippononly (Oct 22, 2009 7:19 am) I think that we need a bump in gas prices if micros are to survive in the US market. Given the 2-year time frame for their introduction, I am pretty sure that we will get it.
#8564 of 8636 The new Nissan... by iluvmysephia1 Oct 23, 2009 (10:37 am)
microcar in your link there shows a micro car that looks a bit sportier-tiny than their current micro the Micra. Not a bad micro-shape.
#8565 of 8636 No Ka? Ca-ca. by steve_ HOST Nov 11, 2009 (1:38 pm)
"Ford CEO Alan Mulally said the company won't bring the Ka minicar to the U.S. He told the trade paper that the Ka is too small for American tastes and the Fiesta will be the smallest car in the lineup."   Ford Ka Not Coming to the U.S. Says CEO (Inside Line)   Replies to this message: aladdinsane (Nov 11, 2009 1:47 pm) tifighter (Nov 11, 2009 1:58 pm) snakeweasel (Nov 11, 2009 3:07 pm) tifighter (Nov 11, 2009 3:28 pm) ateixeira (Nov 13, 2009 9:38 am) plekto (Nov 11, 2009 6:06 pm) lhanson (Nov 12, 2009 12:08 pm) and 15 more...
#8566 of 8636 Re: No Ka? Ca-ca. [steve_] by aladdinsane Nov 11, 2009 (1:47 pm)
Replying to: steve_ (Nov 11, 2009 1:38 pm) Another mistake, this time for Ford... This suit, Mulally, is mistaken...when petrol prices begin to rise this type of vehicle will again be in vogue...the Smart and Toyota's new micro will continue to clean up in this niche, so to speak. "What fools these mortals be"... lol Peace!<-AladdinSane<- -
#8567 of 8636 Re: No Ka? Ca-ca. [steve_] by tifighter Nov 11, 2009 (1:58 pm)
Replying to: steve_ (Nov 11, 2009 1:38 pm) I think its the right call for the current market. The Fiesta is already subcompact/Fit sized...the only things from the supermini class in the US market are the smart, the Aveo and maybe a 2 door Yaris. All of which are available, with incentives, at your local dealer right now.   Ford needs to focus on making the Fiesta a success without distractions... Replies to this message: snakeweasel (Nov 11, 2009 3:07 pm) tifighter (Nov 11, 2009 3:28 pm) ateixeira (Nov 13, 2009 9:38 am) plekto (Nov 11, 2009 6:06 pm) lhanson (Nov 12, 2009 12:08 pm) andre1969 (Nov 12, 2009 12:19 pm) and 14 more...
#8568 of 8636 Re: No Ka? Ca-ca. [tifighter] by snakeweasel Nov 11, 2009 (3:07 pm)
Replying to: tifighter (Nov 11, 2009 1:58 pm) I think it is a mistake on Fords part not to bring the Ka over sometime after the Fiesta. Once the economy starts to pick up I can see gas climbing again and Ford could use it then. Replies to this message: tifighter (Nov 11, 2009 3:28 pm) ateixeira (Nov 13, 2009 9:38 am)
#8569 of 8636 Re: No Ka? Ca-ca. [snakeweasel] by tifighter Nov 11, 2009 (3:28 pm)
Replying to: snakeweasel (Nov 11, 2009 3:07 pm) Conceptually, I agree. But I think the subcompact category has the best chance of volume in the US, just like its the bigger category in Europe. VW can barely bring itself to ship the Polo (subcompact) here, much less the Fox/Lupo class.   Anyhow, this is Ford were talking about, and bringing over their Euro cars has not exactly been a lay-up in the past. Remember the first few years of the Focus? Or the Contour? The XR4Ti and Scorpio were disasters, if you really go far back. Anyhow, they need to get the Fiesta right...ported over from Europe with the same level of quality from that market. They can't have the same recall problems that plagued the Focus at rollout; many US consumers won't be forgiving to ANY US car company now after public money started flowing (yes I know Ford didn't take public money). I hope they get it right...

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