Driven: 2021 Nissan Kicks SR

 

I'd wanted to drive a Nissan Kicks since they first debuted in 2018, but never got around to getting one for a press loan until just last week. So does the Kicks kick out the fun? Does it kick butt? Does it have pumped up kicks? I'll stop. You're welcome. 

Subcompact Showcase: Wild Widebody Scion iQ

From 2012 to 2015, Toyota's Scion brand offered what might be the company's most unique vehicle. The Scion iQ microcar was squarely aimed at another microcar, the Smart Fortwo (iQ vs Smart—get it?). It's not like the Smart Fortwo was setting the American small car segment on fire with sales, so it was always curious that of all companies, Toyota decided to go after the Fortwo. But Scion—the funky youth-oriented arm of the Japanese automaker, did indeed target Smart. Their tactics were far different than Smart's. And like most of the Scions, they played to enthusiasts who did some really neat things with these petite people movers. 

Subcompact Showcase: Jake Brown's Lifted Toyota Yaris

I've said it before: lifting is the new lowering. In fact, I wrote about this trend back in 2014. Five years later, I keep seeing cars that used to be typically lowered getting lifted. Heck, there are even Facebook groups that celebrate this, such as the Safari All The Cars group. Lifting cars is definitely a thing. 

The Volkswagen Golf: Dead (For The U.S. Anyway)

We've lost a host of small hatchback choices over the last few years from the U.S. market. Most of these departures weren't terribly surprising. Then I read today that the Volkswagen Golf—a mainstay of the U.S. compact car landscape for over 46 years—is being axed. Wow.

Meet the 414,000 Mile Mitsubishi Mirage

 

People criticize the Mitsubishi Mirage for being inexpensive, having three cylinders, and being basic. But guess what? The Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. Oh, and guess what? It's one heck of a runner. 

Installing a Mitsubishi Mirage Throttle Controller

We know the Mitsubishi Mirage isn't a performance car. But there are certain things you can do to make it more fun to drive and peppier. We've already modified the suspension and put on an intake. But one thing the Mirage suffers from greatly is poor throttle response. After a lot of searching, I found a throttle controller for the Mitsubishi Mirage. In fact, I've made a video all about it. 

Is Toyota Racing an AWD Prius Rally Car at Olympus Rally?

 

We at Subcompact Culture are rally fans. We participate in TSD rally, we go to stage rally, and have always had a thing for the WRC. This weekend is the 2020 Olyumps Rally in Washington. While looking at the entry list something caught my eye. Specifically, car #871 driven by racer Jamie Bestwick. The entry? A 2020 Toyota Prius—in the NA4WD class. Could this be an AWD Prius Rally Car?

We're Still Enjoying Small Cars

To be honest, I'm tired of writing about how small cars are disappearing in the U.S. and Canada. I originally started this post with yet another glum note about the disappearance of small cars on the North American market—a screed about the woefully small amount of subcompact car choices. But I'm done griping. The bottom line is this: Times change, buyer's tastes change, and life moves on. However, doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying small cars. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. 

Redesigned 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Coming to North America

News just came in from Mitsubishi Motors North America that the reskinned 2021 Mirage and Mirage G4 will be coming to the U.S. and Canada. Despite the company talking about pulling back in certain markets, Mitsubishi has plans for North America and it includes the strong-selling Mirage.

You're Witnessing the Small Car Die-Off

Twelve years ago when we started Subcompact Culture on January 23, 2008, we were witnessing the growth of the small car segment in the U.S.—something that many thought would never happen. After all, it was long thought that Americans didn't buy small cars. But 12 years, 5 months, and 27 days after starting Subcompact Culture, we're witnessing the segment's extinction. As much as I try not to sound fatalist here, we are witnessing the small car die-off.