GM: New subcompact for the U.S.; not the Beat

Chevy Groove concept

A few posts down you'll see how General Motors' Bob Lutz said we won't be getting the production version of the Chevy Beat concept. If you've followed the Chevy Beat's evolution, you may remember that a while back, GM took a poll to see which of three subcompacts (which all first appeared at the 2007 New York Autoshow) people liked the best, and they'd build it. The Beat won, but we're not going to get it, so apparently we'll get one of the other two – either the Chevy Groove (above) or Trax (below). These two are less sporty looking, but probably more utilitarian. The Groove is like a little crossover. The Trax is like an Astro van that got caught in a shrink ray. Hopefully we'll get one of these; however, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Chevy Trax concept

U.S. Nissan Cube Web site launched

Fans of quirky Japanese vehicles, square tall wagons, and people who wish they could still buy a first-gen Scion xB, your Web site awaits. Nissan has launched its Cube site for the U.S. Looks like we really are going to get the Cube!

The Cube, as you may know, is a square tall wagon along the likes of the Scion xB (Toyota bB in Japan). Nissan could be set to steal fans of the 1st-gen xB who are disenfranchised with the current xB, which is larger, heavier, and thirstier than the previous microbox.

From what I understand, the U.S. will be getting the next-generation, redesigned Cube, so it probably won't look exactly like the version pictured above. Look out Toyota -- there's soon to be a new box in town! Maybe in response Toyota will bring over the current bB from Japan?

LINK
Nissan USA Cube Web Site

Yet Again: Volkswagen Polo to the U.S.?

For some reason it seem like we're always hearing about VW talking about bringing the subcompact Polo to the U.S. market, but we never hear any definitive answer. Yet again, there is news that VW is looking to bring the tiny Polo across the pond for U.S. consumption.

For those unfamiliar with the tiny German car, it's smaller than a VW Golf and powered by a variety of engines, depending on the market. From 1.4-liter diesel to a turbocharged 1.8 liter gasoline mill.

In my opinion, I think the Polo would be a great addition to the U.S. market, and the timing couldn't be better. The Golf/Jetta are fairly established nameplates. The Beetle has become a bit tiresome. We all know the deal about falling SUV sales, and I'm sure VW isn't immune to that. I think Volkswagen could use a fresh new small car like the Polo in its lineup. Then again, I'm a bit biased.

Thanks to Ty for the story suggestion!

LINK
VW Polo Wikipedia page
Volkswagen UK Polo page

GM: No Beat for U.S.

According to Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, the U.S. will not be getting the Chevrolet Beat, which will be sold in Europe as the Spark. Apparently the little Beat wasn't designed to meet U.S. crash standards and it'd cost too much to re-engineer. Full story on Autoblog is here.

In my opinion, this means that GM is content with the way the Aveo is doing in North America. Although it's pretty apparent that the Aveo is a bottom-of-the-line car (and bottom of it's class, too), it does sell well. It doesn't, however, make GM look like much of a player in the subcompact market. Certainly not as much as Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mini, Smart, and soon, Ford. Oh, I guess that's nearly everyone. However, if the Aveo ain't broke, don't fix it, right? I guess another way to look at is at least GM has a subcompact in its lineup. Eh.

To me, this looks like another case of GM not bringing its A-game. Simply showing up is apparently enough for GM in the b-segment.

Bigger prices for smaller cars

An article in the July 7 edition of Automotive Newsthat said the transaction price, aka the price that's actually paid by the consumer, of some small cars has increased for the month of June.

The article states that sales price of the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Chevy Aveo have increased 1.7% to an average of $14,825.

A few subcompacts decreased in transaction price, including the Nissan Versa (-1.5%) and the Hyundai Accent (-4.6%). For reference, the top overall vehicle was the Toyota Matrix with a +12.9% increase; the Jeep Patriot wast he biggest loser with a -10.6% decrease in paid price.

It's not surprising that people are now willing to pay a bit more to have a car that uses a bit less due to the cost of gasoline being so high.

If you've got a subscription to AN you can read the full story below.


LINK
Small-car transaction prices rise in June

Four-door Yaris for the U.S.

Since its introduction in the U.S., the Toyota Yaris has been available as a two-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Just about everywhere else in the world, a five-door hatchback has been available, too and now the U.S. can be added to the list according to both Autoblog and Motor Trend.

Many Yaris enthusiasts, including myself, figured since the Scion xD was based on the Yaris chassis, we'd never see the five-door in the U.S. However, this apparently isn't the case.

I personally love the five-door, and would've bought one instead of my two-door, simply for ease of access for passengers. Since Yaris sales have been up more than 50% over last year, it makes sense to to increase it's presence, and compete more directly with the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.

LINKS
Motor Trend
Autoblog.com