"What the hell?" double header: Makeshift Festiva taxi and VW Beetle downforce edition

Mercedes (my wife, not the car) comes through with some locally spied oddities.

Oddly enough, I posted a tiny taxi yesterday, however, this isn't quite the same thing. Not sure I'd want to ride in this one. Then again, the happy face in the "0" on the door might me reconsider. Of particular note: the paint detail on the tires. This Festiva is both awesome and not awesome, but is definitely leaning toward awesome.

This chap earns extra points for adding a huge aluminum spoiler to the sloping back end of an original, air-cooled VW Beetle; it was likely difficult to get it straight. Wait, is it straight? Anyway, I'm sure that downforce keeps the ass-end down on the superspeedway tracks. However, I'm going to assume this is a tongue-in-cheek modification aimed at the hilarity that this truly is. This is really is a winged beetle.

Yaris taxi in Taiwan

Yarisworld.com member, "Kimona," posted up this photo of a certain subcompact taxi while on a visit to Taiwan. No, there isn't a lot of room for luggage, but this Toyota Yaris likely gets way better fuel economy than a Crown Victoria. If gas continues to climb here in the U.S., I wouldn't be surprised to see more downsized taxis here. Of particular note: silver front and rear bumpers. The next big trend in taxi cab customization. You heard it here first, folks.

Follow up: 40 (MPG) really is the new 30 (MPG)

Back in November, I posed the question, "Is 40 (MPG) the new 30 (MPG)?" After seeing the small cars from the 2011 New York Auto Show, you can believe it is.

Hyundai's Accent and Kia's Rio both joined the 40 MPG club. That means the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze ECO, Smart ForTwo Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio are all among the 40 MPG club. Of course, the Volkswagen TDI is there, too, but on diesel. Yes, there are a number of hybrid models here, too.

The next-generation Nissan Versa has been announced, and its mileage is only 34 on the highway, which might prove too little for fuel-thrifty buyers (assuming gas prices continue skyward). and it gets 37 mpg on the highway. The new Yaris is due for its debut soon, as is the Toyota iQ, so we'll see how many MPGs they'll get. Ditto that for the upcoming Chevrolet Sonic. Until then, we've got the elite bar-raising 40 MPG club. We'll see who's inducted next.

Spotted: 1970s Honda Civic CVCC

Keeping a beat on the streets, my wife, Mercedes, ran across this gem of a first-generation Honda Civic. She reports this CVCC model was in outstanding shape. Of particular note, what looks to be a factory roof rack and alloy wheels, plus a five-speed transmission badge on the right. I can't quite make out what it says on the doors, but this vintage Honda looks great. Certainly better than my 1979 Civic 1200 (non CVCC model).

Today's bit of trivia: CVCC stands for Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion. This was Honda's technology to pass emissions without a catalytic converter.

Happy Easter from Subcompact Culture

Just wishing everyone a Happy Easter! With that being said, how about a picture of the Cadbury Creme Egg car? Delicious! Here's a video of it in action.

2012 Kia Rio debuts at New York Auto Show

I've posted up photos of the 2012 Kia Rio before, but now we've got specifics. Like the '12 Kia Soul and '12 Hyundai Accent, the Rio will get the company's 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) powerplant, good for 138 hp and 123 ft./lbs. of torque. Fuel economy will be 30 city, 40 highway. A six-speed manual and automatic will be available.

No curb weight was given, but the wheelbase extends to a lengthy (for a subcompact) 101.2 inches. The overall length is 153.9 inches, which is only one inch longer than the current model. This tells me Kia has pushed the wheels to the corners, which probably helps handling, but typically looks better, too.

The '12 Rio will be available as a sedan and hatchback, just like before. I find both extremely attractive; possibly the best looking '12 subcompact cars I've  seen yet. Really dig the '12 Rio5.

2012 Kia Soul at New York Auto Show

Kia introduced its updated Kia Soul at the New York Auto Show. Changes to the exterior include projector-beam headlights, some LED running lights, and new colors.

The big news come under the hood. The Soul will get the all-new 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) four cylinder making 135 hp and 121 ft./lbs. of torque. The GDI engine will now be rated at 28 city, 34 highway with the six-speed manual transmission (up from 26/31). The Soul will still offer a 2.0-liter option, and it now gets 160 hp and 143 ft./lbs. or torque; it is rated at 27 city and 33 highway. (up from 24/30).

The Soul has been a strong seller since its introduction, and these improvements will likely make the car a choice to those who thought the fuel economy was a bit too low. More pics at KiaWorld.net.

Thanks to "Mike" for the tip.

SOURCE:
Kia World

2012 Hyundai Accent bows at New York; first USDM subcompact with GDI

 The 2012 Hyundai Accent has debuted at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Completely new, this generation Accent should prove to be a worthy competitor in the subcompact market.

Available in both sedan and five-door versions, the car will offer a 138 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection engine making 123 ft./lbs. of torque; it's the first American-market subcompact with GDI. Fuel economy is rated at 30 city, 40 highway, and 34 combined for the six-speed manual; same numbers (but 33 combined) with the six-speed automatic transmission. Curb weights range from 2,430 lbs. on the manual hatchback, to 2,630 lbs. on the automatic sedan.

I'm really looking forward to driving one of these; heck I just want to see one in person. I think Hyundai did a very good job with the styling. Can't wait to see performance numbers, either. This one could be a big hit.

2012 Nissan Tiida/Versa

Here are photos of the next generation Nissan Versa, which were released at the Shanghai Motor Show. These are actually photos of the Asian-market Nissan Tiida , but the Versa should look the same. I see a bit of Nissan Leaf styling here. According to Autoblog, the car will have 108 horsepower and be mated to a CVT. They said EPA ratings should be around 28 city, 34 highway. They also mention the word "turbo," and since Nissan already has the turbo mill in the Juke, perhaps that could happen.

I'm not very fond of the new Tiida/Versa's styling, and 24 city MPG isn't terribly impressive. I am looking forward to hearing more specs so as to better judge the size of the vehicle. How much more has it grown (or shrank)? Will the USDM get the 108 hp mill, or will it get more power, like the current Versa? We'll see. The Versa has been a strong subcompact seller, so it will be interesting to see how this model pans out in the U.S. Also, will there be a sedan variant?

Three sweet Samurais at Easter Jeep Safari

 I'm currently in Moab, UT for the Easter Jeep Safari. Although there are a lot of Jeeps, there are also a lot of other rigs, too. Representing some of the smaller vehicles, were these three Suzuki Samurais. Two of them has the 1.6-liter 8-valve engine; the other a 1.8-liter 16-valve engine out of a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport.

I believe they were all outfitted with Toyota axles, and a host of other goodies. One thing was for sure, these were extremely capable vehicles. These photos were taken as they were lining up for a trail run. Very cool rigs! Love to see the small trucks out there.

Fiat 500 gets loopy

How could you not like this? The new Fiat 500 does a complete loop-da-loop. Coolness.

Off to Moab

I will be in Moab, Utah for the next seven days for the Easter Jeep Safari. Although it is mostly Jeep vehicles, you see all kinds of four-wheel drives there. I'll be sure to snap some picks of the small rigs, such as Suzuki Sidekicks, Samurais, and other mini off roaders. Ok maybe not as small as the vehicle in the photo, but small none the less.

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The Sidekick gets a stereo

When I bought my project Suzuki Sidekick, there was no stereo, and it appeared it had been stolen at one point (broken bezel, cut harness, etc.). I had considered a couple other options for replacement. I had an old Pioneer CD player that had been given to me. It needed a new harness, and didn't have an auxiliary input. I also consiered buying a cheap amplifier and wiring that up, then using RCA cables to a stereo jack to plug in my iPod or mobile phone. However, I wanted it done right, so I brought it in. I went to Stereo King in Clackamas, Oregon and got a low-end Kenwood head unit, but it still has an aux input, which is important. The price (including installation) was very fair, and now I've got tunes. By the way, this was my second good experience with the local Stereo King franchise. I like.

Other good news is that the Polk Audio speakers still work, and sound pretty good, too.

Regardless, it all beats singing to myself in the car. And when the weather gets nicer, it'll be great—people in traffic won't have to hear me singing when the Sidekick's top comes off.

Oh, and pay no attention to the missing vent, the cracked bezel, and other dashboard imperfections. I'm workin' on it.

Road Trip: 3 days, 1395 miles, 1 Yaris

There's nothing like that spontaneous road trip. I had last Friday off, so Mercedes and I decided to take a last-second jaunt down to the San Francisco area. We left Portland, OR on Friday, went to wine country on Saturday, and headed back Sunday. This totaled 1395 miles on the dot.

The Yaris' worst mileage was 32, it's best 38. In California, we paid between $4.16/gallon and $4.36/gallon. Yikes. Good think it's frugal.

Aside from the awesome wine tasting (and great beer at Bear Republic), the driving highlight was HWY 29 from Calistoga to Lower Lake. Amazing switchbacks, breathtaking views, and gorgeous scenery. Don't get me wrong, most of the scenery on I-5 was great, too. The mountain passes in Oregon were very cool as was Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area. Northern California truly is beautiful.

And where other than California can you see a white Yaris with orange wheels alongside the biggest BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, Bentleys, jacked-up 4x4s, and even a murdured-out Toyota Prius in the car pool lane? Probably not a whole lot of places. Great trip.

Mitsubishi Expo LRV commercial is terrible and wonderful

When I tell people my first car was a 1992 Mitsubishi Expo LRV, they usually nod their head. But, frankly, most people don't have a clue as to what they were unless they either owned one or read my Nostalgic Subcompact article on them.

The Expo and it's near identical Eagle Summit Wagon and Plymouth Colt Vista twins weren't hot sellers, and I don't think this terrible commercial filmed in 1991 (according to the YouTube video) probably didn't help, either. Regardless, it's wonderful to see some of the obscure marketing material about this often-forgetten DSM vehicle.

And the Expo LRV was indeed more than a four door. It was a two door with a sliding side door and a hatchback ... and I still want to get another one and put a 4G63T swap in it. Then it really will be more than a four door.

If you had to buy a daily driver tomorrow, what would it be?

The everpresent "what would you buy" question.

Here's the scenario: You wake up in the morning/leave work/exit the mall, only to see that your current commuter has been totaled by a meteorite. It is gone. Finished. Totaled. It's made its way to the auto wrecking yard in the sky (or perhaps it's not been so lucky!). Now, you need to buy a car, and you've got 24 hours to do so. You've got to replace it with the money the insurance company would likely give (or not give) you.

If the meteorite stuck my Yaris today, I'd likely go out and buy a 2011 Mazda2. It's affordable, frugal on the gas, entertaining to drive, and practical. It helps that I enjoy its looks, too. Naturally, I'll take a white one with a five speed and the Touring package.

Then again, there's the "no car payment" option, too, I suppose. If I were to skip the car payment thing, I'd probaby find a used Yaris sedan, I might even look into used Scion xAs.

So what would you get? New or used? Would you rebuy what you had, or switch it up?

March 2011 subcompact sales

So what's the big news for March 2011 sales? Kia Soul ... again. Yes, the Kia Soul continues its ascent to the top of the small car sales heap. However, also of note, the newcomer: The Ford Fiesta is third in overall sales thus far. The Mazda2 also had a sales spike during March, selling 2,500 units. Also note the addition of the Fiat 500 to the list, which sold (semi ironically) 500 units.

The big loser again this month: the Toyota Yaris, down nearly 50% overall, and 42.1% from this time last year. The Nissan Versa, however, continues to sell the most overall units despite having 19.8% fewer sales in March '11.

Make/Model	Mar. '11 vs. Mar. '10	Units Mar. '11	YTD '11 vs. '10	YTD sold '11
Kia Soul	+96.4%	10028	+103.8%	22057
Honda Fit	+43.4%	6995	+48.3%	15469
Scion xD	+37.4%	1089	+14.0%	1089
Hyundai Accent	+35.6%	5739	-5.2%	14487
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+35.4%	3043	+18.9%	6476
MINI Cooper/S Convertible	+8.3%	537	-22.0%	1018
Kia Rio	-7.2%	2070	-25.7%	4885
MINI Cooper/S Clubman	-10.2%	778	-21.8%	1978
Suzuki SX4	-14.0%	1070	-10.0%	2836
Nissan Versa	-19.8%	11075	-3.2%	30335
Nissan Cube	-28.0%	3035	-24.5%	6944
Chevrolet Aveo	-31.8%	2715	+1.6%	8214
Smart ForTwo	-37.2%	425	-9.3%	1267
Toyota Yaris	-42.1%	2825	-47.9%	6610
Ford Fiesta	--	9787	--	20327
Nissan Juke	--	4089	--	10169
Mazda2	--	2500	--	3849
MINI Crossover	--	1729	--	3301
Honda CR-Z	--	1685	--	3670
Fiat 500	--	500	--	500

Meeting other enthusiasts, getting new ideas

It's been several days since the last post, and I just wanted to assure you that I'm still here. I've been on the road an awful lot for work and haven't had much time to post, but next week should be better!

One thing that's been cool is that I've been able to hook up with other gearheads from across the country and the world. Every now and then, the subject matter turns to small cars and trucks, and it's cool to meet other fans of "small, stupid cars," as I jokingly refer to the small/subcompact car market, or my admiration for some of the more obscure vehicles in the world. I've run into people with MINIs that pull teardrop trailers; fans of Japanese kei trucks; people who dig the Toyota "Aygo Crazy;" and fans of 4x4 Suzukis. It's really cool.

Getting to spend a few days at the Overland Expo for work has given me not only the itch to travel, but some great ideas for the project Sidekick, plus urge to someday own an off-road teardrop trailer, such as this one from SoCal Teardrops. Man, they are so cool! Anyway, more content soon, including the March 2011 subcompact sales report. Stay tuned.