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What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

9847 messages,  Last post on Jun 15, 2013 at 5:51 AM

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

Messages Page 977 of 986

#9753 of 9847 Re: looks like Fiat [nippononly] by bpizzuti

Sep 12, 2012 (5:46 am)

Replying to: nippononly (Sep 11, 2012 8:45 pm)
Yeah, too small. If you'll look, most subcompacts can't even reach 40 MPG, despite having smaller more fuel-miserly engines than compact cars (or even the exact SAME engine in the case of the Sonic/Cruze).
 
Outside of the Accent/Rio cousins, there aren't any subcompacts that hit it until the modified Fiat 500 shows up. On the other hand, subcompacts generally get great city mileage, even compared to the class of 40 MPG compact cars. That's what they're designed for. There's nothing wrong with this, it's just that they're not always the best fit. Particularly on the highway...they can get by on the highway but I'd never suggest a regular highway driver buy a subcompact.

#9754 of 9847 Re: looks like Fiat [nippononly] by ateixeira

Sep 12, 2012 (7:16 am)

Replying to: nippononly (Sep 11, 2012 8:45 pm)
it would be nice if the subcompacts got powertrains as sophisticated as their compact and midsize brethren
 
Some do.
 
For example, it's funny that the Accent and Rio get DI, but the Elantra and Forte do not.
 
The Sonic LT is a DI turbo, and the 1.8l Cruze doesn't have DI. Nor do some of the 2012 Malibus (2013 catches up).
 
There are a few exceptions, at least.
 
Insight cheats a little by being a 2 seater only. Tall hatches have aero issues with the roof that suddenly stops.

#9755 of 9847 Re: looks like Fiat [ateixeira] by hpmctorque

Sep 12, 2012 (7:47 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 12, 2012 7:16 am)
Good explanation!

#9756 of 9847 Re: looks like Fiat [ateixeira] by andre1969

Sep 12, 2012 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 12, 2012 7:16 am)
Insight cheats a little by being a 2 seater only. Tall hatches have aero issues with the roof that suddenly stops.
 
Not only that, but a tall hatch is going to have more frontal/surface area to push through the wind. A car can have a low coefficient of drag, but it it still presents a big enough surface area to the wind, it might take more effort to move it than a car with a higher coefficient of drag, but less surface area.

#9757 of 9847 Re: looks like Fiat [andre1969] by bpizzuti

Sep 12, 2012 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: andre1969 (Sep 12, 2012 12:41 pm)
That's the big problem subcompacts have. In order to be tall enough to have enough room, they have to give up aerodynamics in order to fit 4 seats within a short wheelbase.
 
That shot wheelbase is the key to a subcompact. It gives it maneuverability and parkability in cramped areas that a compact or midsize just can't fit into.

#9758 of 9847 how much car do you need? by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Oct 11, 2012 (1:57 pm)

A reporter is looking to talk with new owners of micro or subcompact cars (i.e. Chevy Spark, Scion iQ, Honda Fit, Mazda 2, Fiat 500, etc.) to learn how the experience has changed how they think about what they need in a car, and how they use their cars. If you fit this description, please respond to predmunds.com with your preferred contact information by Friday, October 19, 2012.

#9759 of 9847 The List: by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Oct 15, 2012 (10:45 am)

September 2012's 5 Best-Selling Subcompact Cars (Inside Line)
 
Versa
Sonic
Fit
Accent
Fiat 500

#9760 of 9847 Re: The List: [steve_] by ateixeira

Oct 15, 2012 (11:43 am)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Oct 15, 2012 10:45 am)
Versa does it with price, though. Aren't those $10,999 or something?
 
500 sales have really picked up.

#9761 of 9847 Re: The List: [ateixeira] by nippononly

Oct 15, 2012 (12:30 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 15, 2012 11:43 am)
No Yaris on the list.
(Not surprisingly)
 
What is notable about that list is that the Fiesta isn't there. They brought out the Focus, which crosses over the Fiesta in price and has better fuel economy, not to mention good reviews, and I bet Fiesta sales just TANKED.
 
Interesting to me that the 500 made the list but the Mini did not - better lease deals at Fiat? I have seen pretty good deals for the base models of both....

#9762 of 9847 Re: The List: [nippononly] by ateixeira

Oct 15, 2012 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: nippononly (Oct 15, 2012 12:30 pm)
They split sales with the Scion iQ, so in a way those compete with each other.
 
500 is cheaper than the Cooper, especially with incentives.

Messages Page 977 of 986

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