Subcompact Showcase: Toyota Yaris Overlander

Let's face it—the Toyota Yaris isn't known for its ability to be a "soft roader" or overland travel rig. However, I spied this on Facebook and had to learn more.

#BuyMyVitara Is The Best Used Car Ad Ever.

Without a doubt, this is the absolute best for-sale video ever made. Plus, it's for a '96 Suzuki Vitara, so it's even better. The amount of work that went into this must've been staggering.

How the Off Road Community Helped Us Get to Moab

Last month, Mercedes and I headed town to Las Vegas for the Jp Dirt 'N Drive and then onto Moab for Easter Jeep Safari. However, our Jeep Cherokee, The PDXJ, had a few issues. Thankfully we ran into some extremely helpful people who restored our faith in humanity ... and helped fix our Jeep.

More over at Crankshaft Culture ...

Toyota to Debut 2018 Yaris at New York International Auto Show

Toyota is set to debt its refreshed 2018 Yaris liftback at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, April 14–23. Toyota is billing the car as "Sporty." That being said, there is no mention of the truly sporty supercharged Yaris GRMN that was announced for Europe at the Geneva International Auto Show earlier in the month. So what changes will the North American Yaris liftback get?

February 2017 Subcompact Sales

I know it's late in March, but better late than never to report the February 2017 subcompact sales, right?

It was BIG month for Mitsubishi, which posted a 145.2% increase over this time last year and a 95.7% increase overall vs. '16. And frankly, just about everyone else's numbers look fairly meek in comparison. However, there were a lot of positive jumps this year.

That being said, there were quite a few models down for February. The biggest loser being—yet again—the unloved Fiat 500L, which was down a staggering 81%, and 76% for the year. And yes, you're reading that right: Fiat moved just 82 models last month. Also scraping the bottom was the MINI Countryman, and the Chevrolet Sonic.

I think that's enough commentary this for this month. The tale is in the table, so have a look for yourself.

Make/Model	% Feb. 16 vs. Feb. 17	Units Feb. 17	% 2016 vs 2017	YTD
Mitsubishi Mirage	145.2	2835	95.7	4146
Mazda MX-5 Miata	46.0	1108	54.4	2037
Chevrolet Trax	37.2	6606	38.6	11863
MINI Cooper /S Clubman	31.0	499	65.2	658
Honda HR-V	28.6	6354	32.1	12043
BMW i3	28.2	318	62.8	430
Chevrolet Spark	21.5	2139	33.0	3834
Toyota Yaris iA	21.5	2801	14.6	4752
Toyota Yaris Liftback	16.4	1057	63.9	2387
Buick Encore	11.2	6528	9.2	11786
Jeep Renegade	11.0	7915	30.0	17280
Ford Fiesta	6.0	3981	19.7	7556
Honda Fit	3.2	3764	1.5	6842
Fiat 500	1.0	1131	12.0	2349
Smart Fortwo	-17.5	348	-18.1	672
Hyundai Veloster	-17.9	1724	0.9	1462
Nissan Versa	-19.4	9869	-7.5	18739
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 2 Dr	-28.4	680	-38.4	1336
Mazda CX-3	-28.7	1279	-22.3	2463
Nissan Juke	-30.4	1297	-22.9	2601
Hyundai Accent	-31.5	3352	4.7	10414
Kia Soul	-35.0	7702	-26.3	15494
Toyota Prius c	-39.4	1372	-37.5	2515
Kia Rio	-42.5	840	-36.8	1826
Fiat 500X	-45.0	640	-44.0	1240
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 4 Dr	-47.7	481	-55.7	954
Chevrolet Sonic	-49.5	2140	-46.5	4235
MINI Countyman	-67.6	188	20.7	1310
Fiat 500L	-81.0	72	-76.0	178
Chevrolet Bolt		952	na	2114
MINI Cooper /S Convertible		680	na	950
Fiat Spider		302	na	542

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Revealed

Subaru debuted the 2018 Crosstrek at the Geneva International Motor Show this week. It retains everything Crosstrek buyers want and adds a few other goodies, too. Will Subaru drop the manual transmission option? Read more at Crankshaft Culture.

Toyota Yaris GRMN Specs and Photos

We've been hearing about the hot 2017 Toyota Yaris GRMN for months now, but it has officially debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show. We've got some specs:

New Ford Fiesta ST Loses a Cylinder, Gains Performance

Ford has debuted its next-generation Fiesta ST, or as it's affectionately known, the FiST. The new FiST will come with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine—down one piston from the last iteration. However, power is reported to be 200 PS, which translates to 197 hp, the same as it is now. Torque is going up to 290 Nm (214 lbs/ft) from 202 lbs/ft. Ford is anticipating a 0-62 time of 6.7 seconds.

High Performance Yaris GRMN to Get Supercharged 1.8-Liter Engine

Word is out that the upcoming Yaris hot hatch will actually be powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter engine and will make 210 horsepower vs the previously reported turbocharged 1.6-liter mill.

Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD

Who buys an FWD crossover? People who don't need AWD, that's who. And this 240 hp Kia Sportage SX is surprisingly fun, luxurious, and fast. It's quite good and quite entertaining. Read more over at Crankshaft Culture.