Thursday, May 7, 2009

What subcompacts do you want but can't get?


You know what they say: You always want what you can't have. That rings true in the automotive world, whether you've always dreamed of having a car that costs more than the GDP of a small nation, or simply want a car that's not available where you live.

The U.S. is starting to get a lot more small cars, which is great. However, we still don't have access to some of the world's coolest, critically acclaimed subcompacts. Here is a list of three subcompacts I'd love to have ... if they ever came to the U.S.:

Suzuki Swift
Since the new Swift came out in 2004, I've loved the shape and it's garnered great reviews from the automotive press. I'll take the Sport model powered by the 1.6-liter, 126 hp engine. Make mine white, just like the German-spec version above. Engines range from a little 1.2-liter to the 1.6-liter engine mentioned above. Mine would no doubt end up with a smattering of aftermarket goodies, too. Allegedly, the Swift is supposed to come to the U.S., and perhaps will end up in my driveway someday. However, until it actually appears on U.S. shores, it'll end up on my "can't have it" list.

Mitsubishi Colt
Another subcompact that I've admired for some time is the Mitsubishi Colt (2002+ model, however, previous model years were pretty cool, too). Although the Colt was sold in the U.S. in some iterations as the Mitsubishi Mirage, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, and Eagle Summit for a while, we haven't seen the hatchback version since 1992.

The newer Colt is available in multiple trim levels with various engine choices. Of course, the one I'd want is the souped-up Ralliart Version-R, complete with the great-looking body accents, nice wheels, and 154 hp turbocharged engine. My family has owned about eight Mitsubishi products; the Colt is the one that'd get me back into the showroom.

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa
Finally, the other little car I'd wish to own is the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. This little car has a wide range of engines from a 1.0-liter 60hp unit all the way up to the 192hp turbo 1.6. The OPC is the hot model (pictured above). GM brought over its big brother, the Astra, and labeled it as a Saturn, although it might end up as a Buick; maybe it will do the same with the Corsa? Maybe monkeys will aviate from my rectum. However, I think if GM ever wants to get serious about subcompacts in the U.S. (e.g. something other than the Aveo), the Corsa might be a good choice.

So, my question to you is: What subcompact car do you want but simply can't get? Post your responses in the comments section.

4 comments:

T.G. said...

I have quite a few favorites I'd love to see in Canada and the U.S.My French faves are the Citroen C2,Peugeot 206 convertible,Renault Twingo,Renault Clio,and the Modus.As for Spain the SEAT Ibiza and my selections from Italy aside from the Fiat 500,would be a Fiat Grande Punto and the magnificent Alfa Romeo MiTo.As for Japan the Nissan Micra/March especially the convertible version because it reminds of the rare and beautiful Figaro.Also the Daihatsu Materia otherwise known as the current Toyota bB.

Andy Lilienthal said...

I'd have to say, I love the Toyota bB/Daihatsu Materia. I also love the Nissan Micra.

murphyseanm said...

I would love to have a Swift Sport more than any other car. But I would also like to get a Green March for my wife because she loves that car.

Steven Rahn said...

I wanted the 500 Abarth most, but also liked the Swift and the Colt. I don't know when or if the Swift or the
Abarth are coming, but in this economy I doubt it will be soon. Maybe in 2011? Meantime, I am enjoying my Ebony Accent SE hatch, with B&M short-shifter and AEM intake. It's yummy.