Inaugural Yaris Club Sport Challenge

Motor Trend has coverage of the inaugural Yaris Club Sport Challenge featuring prepped versions of the Yaris (such as the one I photographed above at the 2010 SEMA Show). Yes, there is now a Yaris club racing series ... kinda. It's nine employees of nine media outlets who compete on the Streets of Willow, then compete at Gran Turismo 5 in a prepped Vitz (Yaris). You can read all about it on Motor Trend's website.

Here's a video from Playboy (of all magazines) that has some info on the event. Yes, there is a bit of cleavage, so you can't say I didn't warn you.

Suzuki debuting two "very special" models at New York Auto Show

Suzuki announced that it is doing a "very special global debut of two special Suzuki vehicles" at the New York Auto Show. So what could it be? Turbo Kizashi? Suzuki Swift? Suzuki Jimny? Hopefully it's cool whatever it is. I'm banking on a higher-performance Kizashi and the Suzuki Swift. We'll see, so stay tuned.

Nostalgic Subcompact: Suzuki Mighty Boy

From 1983 though 1988, Suzuki offered a pint-sized pickup called the Mighty Boy. Not to be confused with Mitsubishi's Mighty Max pickup, the Mighty Boy was a kei car sold in Japan, Australia, and naturally ... Cyprus.

What was so Mighty about this car? Not the 28 horsepower from the 543cc engine, nor its 1,168 lb. curb weight. It can't be its payload capacity. So maybe the most mighty thing about this ute was its diminutive size, odd shape, and strange export market of Cyprus.

Like anything else on the planet with four wheels and an engine, the Mighty Boy has a fan base in Australia, they even have a website: Team MightyBoy.

Unless you live in the three above-mentioned countries, you'll probably never see a Mighty Boy, but they're mighty neat, and totally strange. Don't forget to check out the crazily overpowered Mighty Boy video I posted a while back, too (it's the last one in the post).

AutoAnything sweepstakes: Win cash!

Auto Anything (a Subcompact Culture advertiser), is giving away a $250 VISA Gift Card. The winner will be announced April 6. And every Wednesday before that, they're giving away a $50 VISA Gift Card. You can increase your chances to win by inviting friends: if they refer a person who wins, they also win a VISA Gift Card of equal value. Cool, huh?

Anyway, check it out on their Facebook page, and good luck!

Does America need (or want) a compact pickup again?

Chevrolet showed pics of its next-generation Colorado pickup concept, a compact-like pickup to take on the Ford Ranger. No, not the Ford Ranger that we get in the U.S., but the next generation Ranger everyone gets but us in the U.S. Granted, there hasn't been official word whether or not we'll get the Colorado replacement, it brings up a question: Does America need a compact pickup again?

It wasn't too long ago when Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota all offered a rather small pickup. However, over the years those models either got bigger or disappeared. Ford still sells the Ranger, but it's slated for the graveyard (even though it recently outsold its own Mustang lineup). Chevrolet/GMC still sells a smaller-than-fullsize pickup (technically a midsize), the Colorado and Canyon, respectively. Toyota sells the Tacoma. However, none are really that small (or that efficient), and are now typically classified as the aforementioned midsized truck.

Critics will argue that small pickups don't sell, and will point to the lack of market share. However, much like the subcompact market before around 2001, if there aren't any (or many) options, how are they expected to sell well? I'm not arguing a case for the tiny Kei trucks, merely something smaller than the current midsized offerings.

Pickups are a part of the American landscape, and they're here to stay. However, would a genuine small truck sell here in the U.S., or do consumer want big trucks only?

What's up with white wall tires?

So this is a totally random post, but while browsing my local craigslist ads, I noticed a few cars that have had new tires put on them. But not just any tire ... white wall tires.

I'm certain these cars have white walls on them because the tires were cheap (e.g. the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4 I saw). I mean, who nowadays goes into a tire store and says, "Get me your best white walls for my 1995 Toyota Tercel?" I remember in the 1980s when my dad demanded that our 1985 Dodge Colt have white walls on it. I also remember my Grandma's 1984 Buick Century having them (and my dad having to clean them). But that was then. Big "wide whites" on a hot rod or classic are one thing. But putting cheap white wall tires on a modern car just looks dumb. The mere fact that tire companies still make a whitewall tire is beyond me.

Is there really a market for people wanting a one-inch strip of white rubber around their car's tires to justify their sale? Apparently.

Sign up for the Mt. St. Helens cruise on Facebook

Those of you interested in attending the 5th Annual Mt. St. Helens cruise can sign up on the Subcompact Culture Facebook page. I hope to see some Subcompact Culture readers there (whether you own a small car or not!).



LINK
5th Annual Mt. St. Helens Cruise Event Page (Facebook)

Road Race Motorsports nabs fifth Fiat 500, plans special editions

Rob Tallini, the owner of Road Race Motorsports, managed to nab the fifth Fiat 500 sold in the U.S. yesterday. "The first official bath of salable cars came yesterday and we are planning to jump on it with our own special edition," says Tallini.

Tallini says the Road Race Motorsports version will be called the CLUB /// SPORTIVO. Fiat dealers will be able to buy it and the first one will go to Motor Village L.A.

The car will be a track-day-ready vehicle with upgraded suspension, brakes, four-point harnesses, a CLUB /// SPORTIVO graphics package, powdercoated wheels, and minor engine upgrades like intake and exhaust.

There are just a couple of quick renderings of what the CLUB /// SPORTIVO Fiat 500 will look like. It's great to see aftermarket companies getting in on the 500 bandmodwagon so soon. Can't wait to see the real deal!

Mark your calendars: 5th Annual Mt. St. Helens Cruise

That's right, folks: The 5th Annual Mt. St. Helens cruise date has been set: June 5. We've had as many as 40 cars on this event, and it'd be great to have even more. The photo above was taken from the 2007 event.

Although final details haven't been ironed out, they've been similar for the last five years. We'll meet in Castle Rock, WA at the Shell station, drive up the amazing road to Johnston Ridge Observatory, drive back down, and have a potluck lunch.

The cruise is open to any and all cars, regardless of make and model. We've traditionally had mostly Scions (it started out as a ScionLife.com event I organized). However, we've had Nissans, European Ford Fiestas, Honda Fits, turbocharged VWs, Audis, Toyotas, and others. We get people from all over the Pacific Northwest, even from as far away as Vancouver, British Colombia Canada.

It's been a great event each year we've done it, and I'm sure it'll be great again this year. Hopefully we'll get some Subcompact Culture fans on the cruise!

More info soon, so stay tuned.

Hot hatch version of the Kia Rio?

Maybe you've seen photos or drawings of the upcoming Kia Rio (which looks awesome, frankly). Today, rumors of a hot hatch version of the Rio. Could it happen? According to Autocar, it could happen ... at least in Europe.

However, in the U.S., looking at the upcoming hot hatch landscape, it might just make sense here, too. First off, you've got Chevrolet announcing there will be a 1.4-liter turbocharged version of its upcoming Aveo replacement, the Sonic. You've got Ford all but confirming there will be a hot, turbo version of the Fiesta. You've already got a force-fed MINI Cooper. We'll see.

LINK
Autocar

Thoughts and prayers for those in Japan

Just a quick note to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan during this nightmarish time. This country will be cleaning up and rebuilding from this travesty for many, many years. My heart goes out to all of those affected by this disaster.

-Andy Lilienthal

What the hell? Daihatsu Midget II wearing Citroën clothing

Sometimes you find the darndest things searching Google Images. For example, this Daihatsu Midget II with bodywork and paint to make it look (OK, resemble) a Citroën military vehicle. From Japanese-truck.com, this is one odd yet awesome little Midget II. However, I did ask ... what the hell?

LINK
Japanese-Trucks.com

The CorkSport Mazda2

CorkSport is not only a renowned tuner of Mazda vehicles, but it's also a local company (based in Vancouver, WA). The company now offers a host of parts for the Mazda2, including an air intake, exhaust system, strut tower braces, a rear torsion bar, and a host of other upgrades, such as suspension components, from other companies.

The CorkSport Mazda2 was at the Portland International Autoshow, which is where I snapped a photo of their hot hatch.You can read all about the company's tuned 2 on the CorkSport blog.

LINK
CorkSport Mazda2 Performance Parts 

Would anyone like a Canadian Cappuccino?

No, the Suzuki Cappuccino was never sold in the U.S. Heck, it was never sold in Canada, either. However, due to Canada's rules about importing older JDM vehicles, our neighbors to the north can get their hands on some cool Japanese vehicles.

I found this 1992 Cappuccino for sale on Suzuki-Forums.com. Complete with the 660cc 12-valve turbocharged/intercooled engine making 64 hp, this micro convertible has 88,845km (55,205 miles) on the odometer. The seller is asking $8,500 for the highly caffeinated convertible. Oh Canada! How cool would this be?

Slammed Toyota Vios from the Philippines is slammin'

Holy hotness. This is a Toyota Vios (aka Belta or Yaris sedan), and it belongs to Yaris World member jpadua. His Vios is lowered on AMR coilovers, and he's rocking a set of polished 18x8 and 18x9 three-piece OZ Futura wheels wrapped in 215/35/18 tires. He's added a smidge of camber for that stanced look. There are a host of other goodies on the car, too. I'm still stuck on that awesome stance, though.

Frankly, this is one of the hottest Yaris/Belta/Vios sedans I've seen. Nice work.

2012 Kia Rio bows at Geneva

Here are official photos of the 2012 Kia Rio. I must say, I think it's hot looking! It kind of has a European look to it, ala VW Golf/Audi A3. However, it's still different. I've read some comments that some think it looks a bit like a Fiesta, too.

There will be a number of four-cylinder powertrains: a 1.25-liter making 83 hp and 87 ft./lbs. of torque; a 1.4-liter making 108 hp and 100 ft./lbs. of torque (likely the engine we'd get in the U.S.), and two diesel engines—a 1.1-liter three banger, and a 1.4-liter. All will get a six-speed manual (sans the 1.25 liter, which gets a five-speed); the 1.4-liter gas burner will get a four-speed auto option, too.

Whatever you want to compare it to, I think it looks fantastic. Yet another possible hit by the continuously upcoming Korean manufacturer.

Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES Five-Door

For years, there’s been a consensus that Americans didn’t like small cars or hatchbacks (or small hatchbacks, for that matter). It’s also been said America can’t build a good small car. Well you can forget about that nonsense, because the Ford Fiesta is an excellent car—regardless of its small size, and people are buying them.

The Ford Fiesta proves that the American auto manufacturers are taking the small car market very seriously. It also proves that Americans are finally embracing hatchbacks. In fact, Ford stated that the majority of its Fiesta models—which are available in both sedan and hatchback form—are being sold as hatchbacks.

This was my first time spending more than a few hours in the subcompact Ford. Luckily for me, it is a great place to spend time, as this is a small car with substance. The Fiesta’s interior showcases a very well-engineered dash board and great overall ergonomics; outstanding interior materials with easy-to-operate tech features; optional heated leather seats—it’s very comfortable. My top-of-the-line SES test model had all the bells and whistles, too including a great stereo with Ford’s SYNC voice recognition and easy-to-use Bluetooth functions; color-changing lighting in the foot wells, dash board, and cup holder; and slick stereo/media center interface. Really, this isn’t just a great small car interior, this is a great interior for any sized car.

Hatchbacks are known for their ability to swallow scads of cargo with the rear seats folded down. While the Fiesta's rear seats do fold down, they don’t fold flat, so you can’t get quite as much stuff in a Fiesta that you can some other hatchbacks. If you’re looking to haul people as cargo, the Fiesta holds up to five people (four comfortably), but the back seat is a bit tighter than some of its competitors. There is, however, a deep, moderately sized (for a subcompact car) cargo area behind the seats. So although not the largest interior in its class, the Fiesta is still very nice inside. It is also very nice on the outside, too.

The Fiesta's European good looks have made their way to America. It's sophisticated, modern, and attractive. It’s not overly polarizing like a Kia Soul or Nissan Cube, but isn’t bland like the Scion xB or Toyota Yaris (and I own a Yaris). Of note, the front bumper’s chrome inserts, which house white LED lights; a chic touch. In fact, that is one of the few visual cues that separates it from the European models. The SES’s 16” alloy wheels, high-mounted rear taillights, and distinctive front end set the Fiesta apart from the competition in the appearance department.

On the road, the Fiesta feels substantial. It’s got wonderfully weighted steering and it rides firmly, yet smoothly. Once again, this does not feel like what most people would envision as a “subcompact car.” The car is comfortable on the highway, although passing does require downshifts. Luckily, the shifter is good, with precise movements, albeit, somewhat long throws. Power isn’t neck snapping, but it isn’t glacial, either. When equipped with a manual transmission, the Fiesta is EPA rated at 28 city, 37 highway; my time with the Fiesta yielded 30 MPG in mostly city driving. Not bad.

Handling is outstanding, and makes the Fiesta very entertaining in the curves. Really, it's a hoot to drive. I had a chance to really test the vehicle’s handling months ago at the vehicle’s launch in San Francisco where we took a highly spirited drive through the hills. My week with the Fiesta in Oregon reinforced the fact that this car loves the corners.

Dare I say this car is the best in its class? Indeed I would. The mix of high quality interior materials, outstanding driving dynamics, and plenty of available amenities makes this a class standout, if not the leader. Plus, the car is a solid value: The top-level SES starts at $17,120; this specific car was $19,305 (it had heated leather seats and a host of other options). This car truly is that good, inside, outside, under the hood, and at all four corners. It is 100% proof positive that not only can America build a good small car, it can build a world-class small car that can take on the best from Japan, Europe, and Korea.

LINK
Ford Fiesta on Ford.com

February 2011 subcompact sales

Month 2 of 12 is in the book and it's a weird one, frankly. With the exception of the seemingly ever-present Kia Soul (+85.7% vs. 2010), there were some odd results.Scion xD was up more than 28%; the Smart For Two was up 9.5%; Nissan Versa was down 8.9%. Kind of strange. Then again, maybe it's just a shift. Next month we'll see.

As mentioned, the big winner was Kia's popular Soul. The big loser was the MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertibles, down more than 53%. The Toyota Yaris was close behind with a sales decline of 53% compared to last year in February, although it's experienced the biggest drop off in year-to-date sales.

One thing that is constant is the sale of the latest small models. Fiesta, Juke, CR-Z, Countryman, and 2 in that order. The 2, however, is starting to sell a bit better.

Here's the full chart, for your viewing pleasure.

Make/Model	FEb. '11 vs. Feb. '10	Units Feb. '11	YTD '11 vs. '10	YTD sold '11
Kia Soul	+85.7%	6684	+109.4%	12029
Honda Fit	+43.6%	4200	+51.4%	8514
Chevrolet Aveo	+33.9%	2760	+34.0%	5499
Scion xD	+28.5%	807	1.0%	1433
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+12.4%	1931	+7.4%	3433
Smart ForTwo	+9.5%	484	+16.9%	842
Suzuki SX4	+4.0%	788	-8.0%	1766
Kia Rio	-5.0%	1852	-35.2%	2815
Nissan Versa	-8.9%	10578	+9.9%	19260
Hyundai Accent	-15.1%	4504	-20.8%	8748
Nissan Cube	-20.1%	2248	-21.4%	3909
MINI Cooper/S Clubman	-28.5%	427	-30.9%	768
Toyota Yaris	-53.0%	1946	-51.6%	3785
MINI Cooper/S Convertible	-53.4%	259	-40.5%	481
Ford Fiesta	--	6270	--	10540
Nissan Juke	--	2985	--	6080
Honda CR-Z	--	1091	--	1985
MINI Countryman	--	886	--	1572
Mazda 2	--	870	--	1349

Suzuki Jimny + tracks = sweet subcompact 4x4

EDIT: The video has been turned to "private." Insert sad face.

I'm a huge fan of the Suzuki Jimny. That little solid front and rear axled 4x4 that the North American market doesn't get (think modern Samurai). Anyway, this Jimny from Sweden (or at least the YouTube user's account says Sweden) showcases a Jimny outfitted with tracks for that go-in-the-snow ability. I'll take one with or without tracks, thank you.

LINK
Suzuki Jimny In the Snow, Part Three

Other small cars at the Geneva Motor Show

There are a few other small car concepts at the Geneva Motor Show this year. One of my favorites is the Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe concept pictured above. It's a bit racier than a standard Fiat 500, and I really dig the rear pillar. Autoblog has some great photos of the real deal, which is finished in a sort of pearl mustard color (can you have pearl mustard?).

Another small car is the far less interesting Mitsubishi Global Small. Certainly not a name that will confuse onlookers, the Global Small is likely a hint at what the next generation Colt will look like. Although not bad looking, it certainly isn't going to take your breath away, either.

Finally, there's the Rinspeed BamBoo. This all-electric car (I guess it's a car) can allegedly do up to 75 MPG for 65 miles. Painted a two-tone red and human flesh color, the BamBoo features an inflatable roof beach blanket, a tablet PC with the ability to display stuff on its grille (no really), and the propensity to scare small Swiss children by simply appearing unprovoked in their dreams. OK, I lied about the last part. In fact, it look a bit like a Little Tikes toy. A- for effort, though.

Suzuki Swift Concept-S at Geneva

Suzuki officially showed its Swift Concept-S model at the Geneva Motor Show. Wearing the same yellow paint that the Swift rally cars war, this tarted up hot hatch features an aggressive aero package, large wheels/tires, and big Brembo brakes. Allegedly, there's a tuned version of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but no specs are available at this time. All I can say is that I love it, and that I hope a Swift is in the North American market's future—turbocharged or not. Click the link below to see some more photos.

LINK
Suzuki Swift Concept-S revealed (Auto Express)