Welcome to part two of the ongoing series on the Vancouver International Auto Show. Today, we look at the ultra compact segment, one of the fastest growing areas in the world of automobiles. Tiny cars have been popular in places like Tokyo, London, and other large cities because of their ability to zip around the narrow streets and fit into the tiniest of parking spots, but with the surging gas prices, they’re picking up speed — so to speak — in North America as well. At VIAS, there were a few of these sporty little hatchbacks that caught my eye and a handful that flew under the radar.
From Toyota, we find the Yaris, which is available in a 3-door or 5-door hatchback as well as a super small sedan. Speaking of the hatchback only, it is perhaps one of the most bubble-like designs with a very round form factor. There is a large Toyota emblem in the front, the gauges are mounted in the center of the dash rather than directly in front of the driver, and you’ll get a fairly adequate MP3/WMA stereo system. Although it is underpowered at 106hp, you have to take in account how small (and light) this vehicle is. A race car it is not, but sure seems like a fun, zippy ride. Prices start in the 13s, but expect to be getting close to the $20,000 mark for a nicely eqipped Yaris.
Nissan’s Versa has a bit more jump in it, with a 1.8-litre dual overhead cam engine that puts out 120hp. Still no Ferrari by any stretch of the imagination, but unlike the Yaris, I found the design to be quite uninspired. It is one of the most boring looking hatchbacks I’ve seen in quite some time, but I do like how they are offering it with available CVT (continuously variable transmission). Pricing is similar, with the base model going for $14K-ish.
Tuners of the world have been anticipating the Honda Fit for some time now, being already somewhat familiar with the compact based on pictures from JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) land. Honda is heavily pushing this vehicle based on its unique seating arrangements, designed to be able to swallow up to five adults or a variety of cargo. Picked up a cabinet from IKEA? Fold the rear seatbacks flat and you’re good to go. Got something tall, fold up the rear seats and place it on the flat floor. The lines are “straighter” than that found on the Yaris, giving the Fit an almost minivan-like shape, but don’t let any of those car enthusiast hear you say that. The 1.5-litre VTEC engine is capable of about 109hp. It is one of the expensive vehicles in the segment, however, with pricing starting in the 18s.
From the rest of the field, you might want to take a second glance at the Chevrolet Aveo or Hyundai Accent if you’re looking for something even cheaper, but bear in mind that the old adage usually applies: You get what you pay for.
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