Finally, small is gaining some critical mass.
After decades of lackluster sales in the bigger-is-better U.S. auto market, tiny cars are surging in popularity — even as the overall auto industry declines. Sales in the compact-car segment, which includes the Toyota’s Yaris, Honda’s Fit and GM’s Chevrolet Aveo, rose 33 percent in the U.S. last year.
About 30,000 prospective buyers have put down a $99 deposit for a two-seater called the Smart fortwo. U.S. delivery of the Smart car, which is just under 9 feet long, began last month. Other mini cars such as the 13-foot-long Honda Fit and Ford’s Verve, a concept car that will go on sale in the next two years, are grabbing the attention of critics and consumers with high fuel efficiency and something long missing in the subcompact segment: stylish design.
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Meanwhile, the choices for consumers are expanding. New entrants include the Mini Clubman, a stretched-but-still-tiny version of the Cooper that went on sale Feb. 16, and BMW’s 1-Series, a premium compact set to arrive in the spring.
Sustained high fuel prices are helping drive mini cars’ increased popularity. Small-car sales here are expected to increase by 25 percent through 2012.
PRICE CHECK
$21,000+ Mini Clubman
$12,000+ SMART
$12,000+ TOYOTA YARIS
*Small doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. BMW’s compact 1-Series will start at about $29,000.