tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41586010161741034202024-03-15T18:09:25.651-07:00Subcompact Culture - The small car blogSubcompact Culture is all about small cars. From news, reviews, and trends, to lifestyle, travel, and events, we cover all aspects of small car culture. Subcompact Culture is the small car blog.Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.comBlogger1875125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-46227656523623430662023-08-23T11:35:00.002-07:002023-08-23T12:27:55.045-07:00Mitsubishi, Kia Kill Their Smallest Cars; U.S. Subcompact Market All But Dead. Here's Why.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSekQIBV6gG9wiR_KtNbsNHFW9h6wahtfLcY-W6kcqgW3kNqTZ0S8K0diR1WXKC0jUMZGfQRJO11uR1S5bZY0nEtagL-I3kRmimwEla_s1Kv8_hcTy6aRoBut-Zt1YuoEJgAa9UABs1O71hxnoWaPpEO_tqMKFMsStTdw6k3p7KcpplYiys08Y9lKn/s1350/19325_2023_Rio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 Kia Rio" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSekQIBV6gG9wiR_KtNbsNHFW9h6wahtfLcY-W6kcqgW3kNqTZ0S8K0diR1WXKC0jUMZGfQRJO11uR1S5bZY0nEtagL-I3kRmimwEla_s1Kv8_hcTy6aRoBut-Zt1YuoEJgAa9UABs1O71hxnoWaPpEO_tqMKFMsStTdw6k3p7KcpplYiys08Y9lKn/w640-h426/19325_2023_Rio.jpg" title="2023 Kia Rio" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On August 15, 2023, <a href="https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts/mitsubishi-drop-mirage-us" target="_blank">Automotive News</a> (paywalled site) reported Mitsubishi may be discontinuing its thrifty Mirage model after MY2024. This really isn't that much of a surprise since automakers have been abandoning the subcompact market for years now in North America. (Mitsubishi Japan already killed off the Mirage, FYI.) Then today, I heard word via <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/08/the-kia-rio-is-getting-the-boot-in-america/" target="_blank">Carscoops</a> Kia is going to stop selling its Rio in the U.S. This leaves just the MINI brand and its small cars and the Nissan Versa as the sole subcompact car offerings in the U.S. I'm not surprised. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Numerous outlets have reached out to Mitsubishi's PR team, who've declined official comment. However, the current Mirage platform, which debuted as a 2014 model year, is aged. Most have speculated that 2024 will be the Mirage's final model year, at least in this form. No word if it'll be replaced. Given the current automotive climate, I doubt it will be. If it is, it'll probably be a compact CUV. Just my hunch.</p><p>Kia, on the other hand, has apparently confirmed that 2023 will be the last year for the Rio in the U.S. It's been dead in Europe and Australia, so this also shouldn't be too surprising either. </p><h3>Why Small Cars Have Disappeared </h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CenwyEXmCCUlkglmTSAtBVPd0yDXtMU7_0YI3OpbWy4vZzbK5kgnLgr71xAhbnpl0N85zDOVfDR623dVIdRrtFgm6Cd7Cn0Ujgw0QChnQMC9_BrhjEx0doomIqkwghy4G0pA0HDWPt4Ze40w7e12aX-DjOsfAdScnX_JZei6hc6kOOjMWPO0p7zT/s1200/2013-500c-Abarth-Front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2013 Fiat 500c Abarth - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CenwyEXmCCUlkglmTSAtBVPd0yDXtMU7_0YI3OpbWy4vZzbK5kgnLgr71xAhbnpl0N85zDOVfDR623dVIdRrtFgm6Cd7Cn0Ujgw0QChnQMC9_BrhjEx0doomIqkwghy4G0pA0HDWPt4Ze40w7e12aX-DjOsfAdScnX_JZei6hc6kOOjMWPO0p7zT/w640-h414/2013-500c-Abarth-Front.jpg" title="2013 Fiat 500c Abarth - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Fiat 500c Abarth</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Many people think small cars have disappeared simply because auto manufacturers don't promote them. That's not 100% true. </p><div>A manufacturer's public relations contact, wishing to remain anonymous, recently told me, that the federal requirements for having all the safety (and accompanying tech) is one reason why cars have become so expensive, further eroding the profitability of small cars which already had a slim (if any) profit. They've become too expensive to produce and make money on. Therefore it doesn't make sense (or cents) to invest gobs of marking dollars into small cars that don't make much money and are getting more pricey regardless. It's a bit of a chicken/egg scenario: small cars don't get marketed, and people don't buy them. People don't buy them, and then they don't get popular. They don't get popular because they're not marketed ... and the cycle continues.</div><div><br /></div><div>The average transaction price of a new car in July 2023 was a semi-astonishing $48,344 according to Kelly Blue Book. Apparently, if you are going to spend just $20,000, most people will buy a higher-end used car than a lower-end new car. Such is the way of the world these days. </div><div><br /></div><div>It should also be noted that bigger cars are getting much better fuel economy than ever before, even non-hybrid or EVs. We just returned from <a href="https://www.boxerfest.com/" target="_blank">Boxerfest in Pennsylvania</a> where we had a 2023 Nissan Sentra SV rental car (MSRP: $21,420 before tax, title, and destination). We put a few hundred miles on it and averaged over 40 MPG combined. That is damn impressive—and a lot roomier than a Mirage or Rio. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3GDRKyYANWLombHYObxjuZHvM-__HBSw_k03_aEVg_jb2e6oCY6r5WP_JAngZiIUY_U0Xo1g0kCHPnylSx_sRczPWjskZQHToCVNwmvjJJYcUd0tQF1iRC2I9fxXybaZBwIbehvYLnOd8Twb1IOmewSr7mcHmCKryi4LGkVZQgTbPmri70l5iJQ6/s3024/20230804_164257.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toyota Aygo X in Iceland" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3GDRKyYANWLombHYObxjuZHvM-__HBSw_k03_aEVg_jb2e6oCY6r5WP_JAngZiIUY_U0Xo1g0kCHPnylSx_sRczPWjskZQHToCVNwmvjJJYcUd0tQF1iRC2I9fxXybaZBwIbehvYLnOd8Twb1IOmewSr7mcHmCKryi4LGkVZQgTbPmri70l5iJQ6/w640-h640/20230804_164257.jpg" title="Toyota Aygo X in Iceland" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyota Aygo X in Iceland</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We recently got back from a two-week trip to Iceland where small cars are alive and well. We saw numerous Kia Picanto hatchbacks, Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai i10, a host of French-made subcompacts, and countless <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/08/yes-we-drove-2019-suzuki-jimny.html">Suzuki Jimny models</a>. It made me a bit sad to think that none of these are available for purchase back in The States. I'd snag any of these given the chance, especially the Jimny. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Bigger Small Car Picture</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskLCoFpYNCpmwExfLBJCKB0Hy0UDfuzaRNousiA2iWKk8VwlbHfPGVGansRY1QbbLwtwxAXb-HROJaxX4UI5MOKTh2cq-nqkyS6RycrDtHTkU7BgUsQmurUi6xtju8rRr4vnH6oDDsUb4vFQ--Z31ug_Tr4IgrPLYPKlzWrMkB8FnpKR_rkmVabnk/s1200/2023%20Nissan%20Nissan%20Versa-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2023 Nissan Versa is one of the last subcompacts left." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskLCoFpYNCpmwExfLBJCKB0Hy0UDfuzaRNousiA2iWKk8VwlbHfPGVGansRY1QbbLwtwxAXb-HROJaxX4UI5MOKTh2cq-nqkyS6RycrDtHTkU7BgUsQmurUi6xtju8rRr4vnH6oDDsUb4vFQ--Z31ug_Tr4IgrPLYPKlzWrMkB8FnpKR_rkmVabnk/w640-h426/2023%20Nissan%20Nissan%20Versa-5.jpg" title="2023 Nissan Versa is one of the last subcompacts left." width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2023 Nissan Versa. Image via Nissan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Mirage and Rio were two of the last "affordable" cars left on the U.S. market, and the Mirage was the least expensive new car out there. Regardless of price, it leaves just the MINI models and the Nissan Versa as the lone subcompact cars on the market. By "cars" I mean sedans or hatchbacks, not CUVs or SUVs. At the time of this writing, the least expensive MINI starts at $25,800 USD; the least expensive Versa starts at $15,980, but after destination, it's $17,075 and that's before tax, title, and license. Also, the Versa isn't exactly tiny anymore with a 103" wheelbase and 177" overall length. That's 25.6" longer than a 2024 Mirage hatchback. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK, you might be thinking, what about the Kia Soul? Kia calls it a crossover, and I'm sure that's done to help bolster sales because no one buys hatchbacks, right? [INSERT TONUGE INTO CHEEK]</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Small CUVs and SUVs Still Around</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptM5qDrjACsZ_2nTPFTOI8n3XUatDSNbGVVLx7EhcIvkXVX3x9wk0HQRJdG7v2XtUigYuJxfo_eIRG1BV7s4U7QUoN7i_xYy9vmBzTjK1xXA0bqLHeU4ysZYEvnGm5pnVYskNwm2syVbAhVI3K-IkbE_qZ3hUNbYWIoupTSaVp3ZHJfmR9DaZgjhx/s1500/hyundai-venue-2024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2024 Hyundai Venue" border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptM5qDrjACsZ_2nTPFTOI8n3XUatDSNbGVVLx7EhcIvkXVX3x9wk0HQRJdG7v2XtUigYuJxfo_eIRG1BV7s4U7QUoN7i_xYy9vmBzTjK1xXA0bqLHeU4ysZYEvnGm5pnVYskNwm2syVbAhVI3K-IkbE_qZ3hUNbYWIoupTSaVp3ZHJfmR9DaZgjhx/w640-h428/hyundai-venue-2024.jpg" title="2024 Hyundai Venue" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2024 Hyundai Venue. Image via Hyundai</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Americans still allegedly don't like small hatchbacks (or sedans) unless you call them crossovers or sport-utility vehicles—then they're amazing, even if they're really just hatchbacks. So yes, vehicles like the Kia Soul and Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona and Venue, and Subaru Crosstrek (among others) are likely hanging around. Granted, most are bigger than the subcompacts of the mid-to-late 2000s. While the segment has always been in a bit of a gray area, I used to say it was a subcompact if the wheelbase was under 100". But even that has been a bit misleading. </div><div><br /></div><div>But buyers in the U.S. are in love with crossovers, and that's just the way it is. Hell, we even sold our 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and eventually our 2007 Toyota Yaris in favor of a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. So perhaps we're part of the problem. But, realistically, automakers have to sell scads of tiny cars at tiny profit margins to make money, and this is a business after all. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, at least at this time in U.S. automotive history, the subcompact market is all but dead. Long live subcompact cars. </div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-58993392686853054872023-02-16T20:22:00.001-08:002023-02-16T20:22:27.357-08:00Our Old Suzuki Sidekick, The Teal Terror, is Still Alive in Eastern Oregon<p> </p><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz7iIiAYDwXa3J_8eQKqbs3oAuJH9_Hk9c4tNcKONz0NSLwri9rTwImDh6eTqPT_vOsIw24XWZXRQvz39aGyxgwp5Q1gtX6-_4G963AfpUHllzSzFImh_2K2QNLwHmzylxigE_ky8oGQtvLo-uNq0Dn3FiMTQP3IULDrkCkTdfQZ1uOpp0Al3cA/s1080/FB_IMG_1673762144586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1995 Suzuki Sidekick - The Teal Terror" border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz7iIiAYDwXa3J_8eQKqbs3oAuJH9_Hk9c4tNcKONz0NSLwri9rTwImDh6eTqPT_vOsIw24XWZXRQvz39aGyxgwp5Q1gtX6-_4G963AfpUHllzSzFImh_2K2QNLwHmzylxigE_ky8oGQtvLo-uNq0Dn3FiMTQP3IULDrkCkTdfQZ1uOpp0Al3cA/w640-h480/FB_IMG_1673762144586.jpg" title="1995 Suzuki Sidekick - The Teal Terror" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is our old Suzuki Sidekick, The Teal Terror. We <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2016/12/the-teal-terror-is-gone-long-live-teal.html">sold our trusty Sidekick</a> in 2016 and I hadn't seen it since until now. <p></p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Frankly, I'd always wondered what happened to the thing and if it was still running. On January 14 of this year, a member of our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795962417374462" target="_blank">Subcompact Culture Facebook Group</a> says:</p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><blockquote><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bought this Sidekick last January of 2021 and it had Subcompact Culture stickers on the sliders. Never knew it was a group. Only vehicles I had ever owned up to that point was full sized Fords pickups and I’ve have never owned a vehicle that was more fun. Wish I still had it.</span></p></blockquote>
Wait, what? How could this be? I was even <i>Facebook friends with this guy!</i> How the hell did this happen? This is amazing; I mean, there it is!<div><br /></div><div>It turns out the person who posted this in the group had bought it from someone else who was really hard on it. That guy probably bought it from the dude I sold it to in 2016. He explained, "The guy I bought it from was super hard on it and didn’t do any maintenance so needless to say, I drove it for about a month before the transmission burned up on me."</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, this is sad because I spent a bunch of cash to have that transmission rebuilt in 2015. </div><div><br /></div><div>"[The person I bought it from] had ran it out of fluid on the trail and put 1.5 quarts back in to get it home. He never topped it off before he sold it. I ended up making a 13-hour round-trip to go pick up another transmission and transfer case and then spent a couple weekends rolling around on my shop floor getting the old trans out and putting new parts in it. I did a lot of work on that little car to help undo some of its previous abuse," he said. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that's nuts. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpcgZQxDuD8Nc0_WLRmF7AvlrzVeTthrVtQdj-D9PAgiscn6YBNdORH7YVyQXARi0hTzXb2CGEDpbnLoH_VFz95950hWvIvauE5R9Y5T_YJ4-aYgSslO-fX7U3Ou0EGfofXIuAJGlvXQyiw7Xx3cPBBVESYbDFPwAxDhHw6WMMITXOY_hV1yhTw/s960/FB_IMG_1673762147925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Custom Suzuki Sidekick" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpcgZQxDuD8Nc0_WLRmF7AvlrzVeTthrVtQdj-D9PAgiscn6YBNdORH7YVyQXARi0hTzXb2CGEDpbnLoH_VFz95950hWvIvauE5R9Y5T_YJ4-aYgSslO-fX7U3Ou0EGfofXIuAJGlvXQyiw7Xx3cPBBVESYbDFPwAxDhHw6WMMITXOY_hV1yhTw/w640-h480/FB_IMG_1673762147925.jpg" title="Custom Suzuki Sidekick" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Clearly the biggest differences between when I sold it and now were the big roof rack and square-tube bumper. Apparently, when the last owner bought it, it had a stock bumper on there, not the beautiful Shrockworks bumper I had re-powdercoated. While these aren't necessarily my taste, they do look functional. Here's what it looked like when I owned it for comparison's sake:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V5K9OXOjcTNP0HLj5U7hHKzjNYMMTObUTlLU5nUg258JaI5-GaSHeAi2tZYCUTPCp0YA5FI_JLTk1kQKJNBB-PmXnvj6oFlImo3oIYr95BoL8s5mF6zI-rD6q9P8iVHnlvgDxCqV7_A_FdW2m5IoUuKJT5hbp3IWTPxvtP8QyqJjFM5_uqpb_w/s1200/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Teal Terror" border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V5K9OXOjcTNP0HLj5U7hHKzjNYMMTObUTlLU5nUg258JaI5-GaSHeAi2tZYCUTPCp0YA5FI_JLTk1kQKJNBB-PmXnvj6oFlImo3oIYr95BoL8s5mF6zI-rD6q9P8iVHnlvgDxCqV7_A_FdW2m5IoUuKJT5hbp3IWTPxvtP8QyqJjFM5_uqpb_w/w640-h414/Front.jpg" title="The Teal Terror" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>There also seems to be a big dent in the front-right corner. But everything else looks intact. The owner also installed an Anderson connector at the front to install a winch on a carrier. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLDhVoGr8D7np64t6REUUijnfPUEzybWJ2OLPUuvl96La4fN_JxdNrfpGoMkT750Ry662Q9Bt7NeF_1W-N4R8UJF-Wru0WSYVz19DBprguh8D-VhJpOIIS7PXkHAaKEf7hHyzGdO-Fl2ubsu6oRniEAYp3eHlUcNY5f7PFV_TR2JkJxgLntJsAg/s1284/321983095_1539488729851883_6871826669848654105_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1995 Suzuki Sidekick with custom bumper and rack." border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1284" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLDhVoGr8D7np64t6REUUijnfPUEzybWJ2OLPUuvl96La4fN_JxdNrfpGoMkT750Ry662Q9Bt7NeF_1W-N4R8UJF-Wru0WSYVz19DBprguh8D-VhJpOIIS7PXkHAaKEf7hHyzGdO-Fl2ubsu6oRniEAYp3eHlUcNY5f7PFV_TR2JkJxgLntJsAg/w640-h480/321983095_1539488729851883_6871826669848654105_n.jpg" title="1995 Suzuki Sidekick with custom bumper and rack." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>More amazingly is the fact it was still running! This meant my <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2016/10/resuscitating-teal-terror.html">crankshaft fix had held</a>. (Loctite Hysol 1C is amazing stuff.) I'm still in shock. This is sort of what it's like running into a friend again for the first time in over half a decade. It's bittersweet.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Importance Of The Teal Terror</h3><div>This little rig was a huge jumping-off point for us and for Subcompact Culture. I learned how to off-road in it, learned how to fix a 4WD, and learned about all the amazing places a 4WD can take you. From Moab, UT to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado; it'd been to Vancouver Island, it'd been down to Flagstaff, AZ, and was even in the Warn Industries booth at Overland Expo - West in 2016. </div><div><br /></div><div>The previous owner, who sold the Teal Terror, says he still sees it zooming around Pendleton, OR all the time. This little SUV is nearly unstoppable. And it warms my gasoline-infused heart to hear that it's still out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Long live the Teal Terror. </div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com0Pendleton, OR 97801, USA45.672075 -118.788596717.361841163821154 -153.9448467 73.982308836178845 -83.6323467tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-13771090762242477282022-08-05T17:12:00.005-07:002022-08-05T17:20:02.733-07:00We Sold our 2007 Toyota Yaris. Long Live The Yaris. Long Live Subcompact Cars.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA69j_foBieThTqbGPQa0vSaPYpGVVslhO70fu1Yl2RRq6fB1JMyZQn3290NPZya2iprL5DEh-MRzy_Y0myaTX7rCyLxEKSzoTue7V2IA382zQDdYAWmf5_H5QwizSZt97AwNTAbF347X3gYVu0ghhz8iC_n2cgN5fqc9Xpyer9f1JkNjNN8GSxg/s880/2007-Toyota-Yaris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="We sold our 2007 Toyota Yaris" border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA69j_foBieThTqbGPQa0vSaPYpGVVslhO70fu1Yl2RRq6fB1JMyZQn3290NPZya2iprL5DEh-MRzy_Y0myaTX7rCyLxEKSzoTue7V2IA382zQDdYAWmf5_H5QwizSZt97AwNTAbF347X3gYVu0ghhz8iC_n2cgN5fqc9Xpyer9f1JkNjNN8GSxg/w640-h640/2007-Toyota-Yaris.jpg" title="We sold our 2007 Toyota Yaris" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Today was a big day. Today we sold our 2007 Toyota Yaris. This marks a lot of milestones. This marks the end of an era. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>We bought our 2007 Toyota Yaris liftback brand new in '07 from a local dealership in the Portland, OR area. We traded in our 2005 Scion xB for it. But this is the car that helped to start Subcompact Culture, and eventually led us to start Crankshaft Culture. This is the car that was a gateway to blogging, to automotive writing, to automotive journalism. This car was the beginning of a movement for us and perhaps many others.</p><p>Prior to this little go-kart of a car, I'd never owned a car for more than about two years. We had this car for nearly 15 years! And to this day, we've never had a car this long. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Beginnings of Subcompact Culture Included Our Yaris</h4><p>At the advice of a friend who saw my passion for small cars, he suggested I start a blog. This was back in 2008. I remember asking him—do people <i>really read blogs</i>? It seems laughable now to type that. But this was back in the day. This was before social media took over the world. Before the massive popularity of Facebook, before Instagram, and well before TikTok. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCWjKza0Wp9zt-vWga0vMChoWwAL_zyMuYtKuG_GV95TdInwrAYiaeXVRqaRzDeTpBDuZ0bCnIKrUseqndooCUl5qiWGZokeNVu6wSk1kYmYVbpld9UalwVcu2rYEH9IS8RQbxsSRso3oj7pnxlWREPgsF0zn4pqRqK-VAqwuYx2kNOaBLQZcOg/s1536/IMG_20140412_093648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2007 Toyota Yaris lowered with Konig Daylite wheels" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCWjKza0Wp9zt-vWga0vMChoWwAL_zyMuYtKuG_GV95TdInwrAYiaeXVRqaRzDeTpBDuZ0bCnIKrUseqndooCUl5qiWGZokeNVu6wSk1kYmYVbpld9UalwVcu2rYEH9IS8RQbxsSRso3oj7pnxlWREPgsF0zn4pqRqK-VAqwuYx2kNOaBLQZcOg/w640-h640/IMG_20140412_093648.jpg" title="2007 Toyota Yaris lowered with Konig Daylite wheels" width="640" /></a></div><p>I figured there might be other people who appreciated cars like the Yaris and other subcompacts. And over the years we found that to be 100% true. We made our first post on SCC on January 23, 2008. It was simply titled <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2008/01/small-cars-i-know-them-and-love-them-i.html">Think Big, Drive Small</a> and it featured a picture of our Yaris, complete with its first set of orange wheels. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">A Changing Automotive Landscape For Us And Others</h4><div>The Yaris had been a constant for us for a decade and a half. When we got this car, we still had a 1998 Honda Civic sedan that we bought while still living in Wisconsin. We went through a lot of other cars while still holding onto the little liftback. This includes a 2009 Suzuki SX4, 2010 Suzuki SX4, 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, 2012 Subaru Forester, 2013 Subaru WRX, 2001 Jeep Cherokee, 1989 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon, 1998 Honda CR-V, and lastly, a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage. But the little Yaris soldiered on as a fun-to-drive runabout. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then Covid hit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once this pandemic was in full swing, we found ourselves working from home. This meant zero commuting and not much need for a commuter car—let alone two (we had the '17 Mirage at this time also). We opted to sell the Mirage to Carmax, and go down to our JDM 4WDs and our Yaris as the runabout. </div><div><br /></div><div>We simply weren't driving much at all with Covid, which kept the Yaris' miles down—it only had about 104,000 miles on it. We found ourselves using our 4WDs for longer trips. The Yaris isn't a great long-distance traveler (especially how ours was modified). It was low, rode stiffly, and was loud. I mean, it looked good, handled great, and sounded angry. It's been that way for 15 years! But the times—and ourselves—were changing. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Of Road Trips and Aging </h4><div>We decided to take the Yaris on a rare road trip in 2021. We drove from Portland to Santa Rosa, CA. It'd been a long time since we'd taken the Yaris on such a long journey. It was refreshing to be in a car that could actually cruise at 75 MPH (unlike the JDM 4WDs we often write about on Crankshaft Culture). But after several hours, we remembered why it excelled on short trips. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P4kM2x4HFBH1i2fsq1XXlbateeIusovhWZLR2TX4KXE-F_Eckrb8qu_55ewUzpwBD8OBVlCb91RggQOEnBj__ROh97mYt0GfjiDuh8I9SZRaFdcKc5KPKDHOvUUYtCJWyxjYjTQMf-t_FG2-mHiidghdxGl6q69wftYBEWeauYlgkB84UAi5Fw/s4032/20210814_094914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Yaris in Healdsburg, California" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P4kM2x4HFBH1i2fsq1XXlbateeIusovhWZLR2TX4KXE-F_Eckrb8qu_55ewUzpwBD8OBVlCb91RggQOEnBj__ROh97mYt0GfjiDuh8I9SZRaFdcKc5KPKDHOvUUYtCJWyxjYjTQMf-t_FG2-mHiidghdxGl6q69wftYBEWeauYlgkB84UAi5Fw/w640-h288/20210814_094914.jpg" title="Toyota Yaris in Healdsburg, California" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>While driving along Highway 53, we noticed a huge plume of smoke ahead of us. We rounded the corner to see people fleeing a wildfire. We had to bust a u-turn. Thankfully, the Yaris has a great turning radius. Unfortunately, we had to drive off the pavement and onto dirt to escape. I remember thinking it'd be my luck that we take <i>the lowered car</i> on a trip and get hung up trying to avoid a wildfire when I have three 4WDs with tons of ground clearance at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, we didn't get stuck. But it was a bit of an eye-opener for us. We talked about this incident. What if we <i>did</i> get hung up? It'd be bad. Something with a bit more ground clearance would probably make a better all-around road trip car. But so be it. </div><div><br /></div><div>For weeks (maybe months) later, we remembered this incident. We also started talking about the practicality of owning a lowered car and JDM 4WDs that were, at a minimum, 26 years old. If we needed to get out of Dodge for a reason, a lowered Toyota Yaris wasn't going to be the car we'd need to have in the snow or to take over a snowy mountain pass. And while our JDM 4WDs have been reliable, we didn't want to have to rely on old turbodiesel JDM Mitsubishis in an emergency. </div><div><br /></div><div>Months later, we decided that maybe we should get something with more clearance, AWD, and the ability to go anywhere at any time. After all, we have older parents in the Midwest and we wanted something that we could drive back at any time in case of an emergency. We decided to buy a new 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. Ironically, we were going to buy a Crosstrek back in 2012, but ended up with a Forester instead, then a WRX. We were able to get a great deal on the car, and it was so good we couldn't pass it up. </div><div><br /></div><div>So then we thought: What are we going to do with the Yaris?</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Time To Go. Long Live The Yaris!</h4><div>We knew we wanted the Crosstrek, but what we didn't know was whether to keep our trusty runabout or not. We waited about three months for our Subaru to show, and when it came, we thought we might just keep the Yaris. But that means we'd have five cars, and on our small property, that's a lot. Plus we still get press vehicles from time to time and that means we'll have six cars in our driveway. Heck, we had seven cars here just a few weeks ago including our <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com/2022/07/05/were-partnering-with-subaru-of-america-for-the-2022-alcan-5000-rally/" target="_blank">2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness for the Alcan 5000 rally</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyuB4H6GkEFd8DLFKhSMKfS5UNjje368wVqC2SpMXvVAhzjrMt-oOSyTQ9JR-idl5qhna9URYwXKtNcPTGkwed7NqOJqj_XYIpEepExywFNU2IJtyYadn38-m398isVJ1571L41JVO8frmJZWwvZnga5NjZaQVFFtZdQUx_WrEC9dBqAui6vh_A/s3024/20220717_132126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with a manual transmission" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyuB4H6GkEFd8DLFKhSMKfS5UNjje368wVqC2SpMXvVAhzjrMt-oOSyTQ9JR-idl5qhna9URYwXKtNcPTGkwed7NqOJqj_XYIpEepExywFNU2IJtyYadn38-m398isVJ1571L41JVO8frmJZWwvZnga5NjZaQVFFtZdQUx_WrEC9dBqAui6vh_A/w640-h640/20220717_132126.jpg" title="Our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with a manual transmission" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>When we first posted the Crosstrek to social media, we were met with a flood of messages asking if we were going to sell the Yaris. We started getting offers. We started getting interest without ever posting it up for sale. </div><div><br /></div><div>Frankly, this was a sign. It's time to sell the Yaris. Long story long, the car went to rally friends of ours who will love it and appreciate it. We just sold it to them a couple of hours ago. Our fleet has been reduced and we don't look like a valet lot quite as much. We'll still own four cars with is more than enough. And hopefully, our new Crosstrek fills the need we are looking for.</div><div><br /></div><div>That little Yaris was the best car we've ever owned. It had almost no problems. We maintained it and treated it right. It helped start this blog. It was on most of our <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/search?q=helens&max-results=20&by-date=true">Mount St. Helens cruises</a>. It took us <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2014/01/visiting-vancouver-small-car-owners.html">up to Canada</a> for the first time. It was with us in times of prosperity and times of austerity. </div><div><br /></div><div>This also means this is the first time we've been without a subcompact car since 2005 when we bought our Scion xB. It's the first time we've been without a Toyota since then, too. But the only thing constant in life is change. </div><div><br /></div><div>Does this mean we're turning the lights out at Subcompact Culture? No. We'll still continue to post and our awesome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795962417374462">Subcompact Culture Facebook Group</a> will still run strong. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can continue to follow us over at our sister site, <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com/">Crankshaft Culture</a>. There you'll find more about our latest projects, adventures, and journeys. So while the Yaris might be gone, we're not going anywhere. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztVCGHRhA2saOZDxRU5F2n88klZsrAlqiTdgCpKH9DAbUyEpcLKORUZ-H4WHSDyAHQreAmrpWL7imA_6YYw5rnUjC6J-QnlhaCPbDAYd61BrJKZBQ83F8lmlU9p0e24ODAB6lvxJRCz2Qk2sa4maosA4vVh_wXAynmKkbOyscMzoxepLeeY_2vQ/s4032/20210813_200933.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2007 Toyota Yaris side shot" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztVCGHRhA2saOZDxRU5F2n88klZsrAlqiTdgCpKH9DAbUyEpcLKORUZ-H4WHSDyAHQreAmrpWL7imA_6YYw5rnUjC6J-QnlhaCPbDAYd61BrJKZBQ83F8lmlU9p0e24ODAB6lvxJRCz2Qk2sa4maosA4vVh_wXAynmKkbOyscMzoxepLeeY_2vQ/w640-h288/20210813_200933.jpg" title="2007 Toyota Yaris side shot" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long live the Yaris!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-36718326226070699442022-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:002022-04-01T07:23:42.403-07:00Suzuki Announces Plan to Return to North American Market - AGAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7aW5VTmuU-y9jFnO-tkSVrm6-IVvKvxp7a2eA7ElECdcTq2OUf0KCoFJCLFYs4IKII6-3hPWHH7OqfZhhJM8-57NyN5eb9SsPTiJ84Bzys1fgOEC-SFLrQTKDvKco7wvrBeFLyCmhA/s1600/New-SX4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki SX4 S-Cross" border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7aW5VTmuU-y9jFnO-tkSVrm6-IVvKvxp7a2eA7ElECdcTq2OUf0KCoFJCLFYs4IKII6-3hPWHH7OqfZhhJM8-57NyN5eb9SsPTiJ84Bzys1fgOEC-SFLrQTKDvKco7wvrBeFLyCmhA/s640/New-SX4.jpg" title="Suzuki SX4 S-Cross" width="640" /></a></div>
Suzuki announced today that it is making plans to return to the North American automotive market in 2023. The Japanese automaker pulled out of the U.S. and Canada in 2013, after only having its subcompact <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/search?q=sx4">SX4</a>, compact <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/search/label/Grand%20Vitara">Grand Vitara</a> SUV, and mid-sized <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/search?q=kizashi">Kizashi </a>sedan as offerings.<br />
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The company, according to a moderately anonymous source maybe, has said it reevaluated the U.S. market and decided to focus on its strength of small crossovers and hatchbacks. It is expected the company will initially offer the latest variant of the SX4 S-Cross pictured above. However, this will be its largest vehicle offering. New dealers might open as soon as Feb. 29, 2023.<br />
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"Suzuki has learned from its experience in the North American Markets, and will be focusing on what we do best, which includes small cars and crossovers," says an anonymous source from within the company. "We're excited to bring our expertise in this vehicle genre back to North America, where we feel we will be extremely successful. We'll also be bringing out a line of wool socks. This is going to be fire!" <br />
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Suzuki also said it plans to introduce a couple of kei cars to the
North American market in an attempt to appeal to more urban crowds and
chase after vehicles that include the Chevrolet Spark, Fiat 500, and
Smart Fortwo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN2b7kLi_LPjyai1j5fSSDU7QVJ-GMy-jwUrq4s17mWj2NMkFB61FeoNkjwRf4koe11R5E07xRgWWo8vMCXLXXGf_OEpUciydfKGg9SWiFTXsRl-FOZAPblzjPGPUHxXAW8RE4QBsAg/s1600/Hustler.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Hustler" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN2b7kLi_LPjyai1j5fSSDU7QVJ-GMy-jwUrq4s17mWj2NMkFB61FeoNkjwRf4koe11R5E07xRgWWo8vMCXLXXGf_OEpUciydfKGg9SWiFTXsRl-FOZAPblzjPGPUHxXAW8RE4QBsAg/s640/Hustler.JPG" title="Suzuki Hustler" width="640" /></a></div>
Suzuki mentioned that its tiny Hustler will appear, although it'll be renamed the Flynt. It is like a smaller version of a Jeep Renegade. With available AWD and plenty of space, the Flynt will be both an urban runabout and a weekend warrior. Power comes from a 658cc three-cylinder making 52 hp. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWm58M-zi4OLJQzK2JCpwZfyb9ykw4goc8FHNZwBgOhIum8jiSMKOGaqBJLaeTzkffNIXmAgZSQKl_oQiCk7AnjR8tLgeWkjzdCxiKvKlHldYgBoiCb0GQdHNBE_dKqF8oGGiN1raqQ/s1600/Alto-Turbo-RS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Alto Turbo RS" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWm58M-zi4OLJQzK2JCpwZfyb9ykw4goc8FHNZwBgOhIum8jiSMKOGaqBJLaeTzkffNIXmAgZSQKl_oQiCk7AnjR8tLgeWkjzdCxiKvKlHldYgBoiCb0GQdHNBE_dKqF8oGGiN1raqQ/s640/Alto-Turbo-RS.jpg" title="Suzuki Alto Turbo RS" width="640" /></a></div>
There are also plans to offer a more sporty hatchback, such as the Alto Turbo RS, which is also available with AWD. The Alto Turbo RS would take aim at the Fiat 500 Abarth and the Ford Fiesta ST, albeit with only 64 hp from its turbocharged DOHC three-cylinder engine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2XiRZsiRUOJJ8LWmlaBs-9I4fsExrlgB_eZSPT6MX3rbBuOITcRGeLg3yj8olQA6EiHW55KtZ5h0hvytWmiYTuD3SZddp2ea56CjNNiqacklo5-AI07xEQdV4iIjhylHzqZHOmFcZeX9AMfighU7cMNCFQIvyL46sjbsgdcR3L0zimgZY1LcpA/s2048/IMG_20190827_101449_615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2XiRZsiRUOJJ8LWmlaBs-9I4fsExrlgB_eZSPT6MX3rbBuOITcRGeLg3yj8olQA6EiHW55KtZ5h0hvytWmiYTuD3SZddp2ea56CjNNiqacklo5-AI07xEQdV4iIjhylHzqZHOmFcZeX9AMfighU7cMNCFQIvyL46sjbsgdcR3L0zimgZY1LcpA/w640-h434/IMG_20190827_101449_615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
The biggest surprise, however, was the announcement that Suzuki would offer the next iteration of its capable off-roader, the Jimny here. The solid-axle-equipped micro 4x4 is capable off road right out of the box, and is the modern successor to the Suzuki Samurai. This could be a serious competitor to the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, too, although the Jimny is much smaller and only makes 100 hp.<br />
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Look for Suzuki dealerships to begin to appear in Bloomington, Indiana; Fargo, North Dakota; Winnemucca, Nevada, and Ness City, Kansas at first. The second round of openings will likely include Hanksville, Utah; Jack, Alabama; Wallagrass, Maine; and Moyie Springs, Idaho.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If you've read this far ... April Fools!</i> </span></div>
Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-65980442143047144792022-03-16T12:54:00.006-07:002022-03-16T13:09:42.464-07:00Small Cars Are Alive and Well in Mexico<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGWDbuvppK0j9xo9LDQQw48hWpCpstGIKcPmJEtj0SpuHCxD4B-JVHFC78MnmkWDINb_Ok_lClewhxMSs48rFtksLXC7_-UflvR0rA0VbcJnPEebMMe8ksIv42XAFlALavtUy7AP4uHqz8Be578IRX7PsBoWVqMdCYi8smveY8sFaqYt0h1H4Tzg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Suzuki Ignis" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGWDbuvppK0j9xo9LDQQw48hWpCpstGIKcPmJEtj0SpuHCxD4B-JVHFC78MnmkWDINb_Ok_lClewhxMSs48rFtksLXC7_-UflvR0rA0VbcJnPEebMMe8ksIv42XAFlALavtUy7AP4uHqz8Be578IRX7PsBoWVqMdCYi8smveY8sFaqYt0h1H4Tzg=w640-h288" title="Suzuki Ignis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Suzuki Ignis in Mexico</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>New subcompact car sales are nearly nonexistent right now in the USA. There are only a couple new tiny cars even available for purchase anymore. However, if you want to see a ton of new and different small cars, all you have to do is cross our southern border. I just got back from a week in Manzanillo, Colima, and found small cars are alive and well in Mexico. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><h3 style="text-align: left;">Small Cars Are Everywhere!</h3><p>While visiting my mother and uncle in this Pacific port town, I was enamored by the plethora of small cars running about the Mexican countryside. Bright yellow Nissan Versa taxicabs could be found en masse waiting to pick up riders. The Chevrolet Spark was ubiquitous in both hatchback and sedan form—a bodystyle the USA never got. (<a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2022/02/to-be-discontinued-chevrolet-spark.html">It is getting discontinued</a>, however.)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9sQDiqJOHIehZZFyl9tJQL8ezmJJbgnBAv2idzRBBmeZxHcUxksfYaVUEkO7Vp9ZQOdNe0mivg-TzsGqzMiAmM1VF_zaoa8sjyRNlFkCbpv0GPDjz1WXBiRuluyz_x-zuBizBw6kIpIHaoi0UAN5Nix6cCTdXSonSmWYomiZp68fV5RBKlT93Qw=s1239" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nissan Versa Taxi in Mexico" border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1239" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9sQDiqJOHIehZZFyl9tJQL8ezmJJbgnBAv2idzRBBmeZxHcUxksfYaVUEkO7Vp9ZQOdNe0mivg-TzsGqzMiAmM1VF_zaoa8sjyRNlFkCbpv0GPDjz1WXBiRuluyz_x-zuBizBw6kIpIHaoi0UAN5Nix6cCTdXSonSmWYomiZp68fV5RBKlT93Qw=w640-h480" title="Nissan Versa Taxi in Mexico" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nissan taxi cabs are popular choices in Mexico. Photo by Mercedes Lilienthal</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>In addition, Manzanillo was buzzing with tuk-tuks—three-wheeled low-speed motor scooters taking people both here and there.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgndw-1lgg-kt1BAbV-RgT5HgtNUXvgrS_7jLaeLwN9IcIOvwqI_N1kEmgR7cLQtJAbKJpSGLwuy07Yk23ijERvtq9vMCZFWA-Bn_X-085nnOl09A7ka2kRx7LjSpzfRLrHQlYsYMPlcPCuBEu__VB1L7JI11WwPP2iRf-UKmUc1NBhBd-etBYiGQ=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tuk-Tuk in Manzanillo, Mexico" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgndw-1lgg-kt1BAbV-RgT5HgtNUXvgrS_7jLaeLwN9IcIOvwqI_N1kEmgR7cLQtJAbKJpSGLwuy07Yk23ijERvtq9vMCZFWA-Bn_X-085nnOl09A7ka2kRx7LjSpzfRLrHQlYsYMPlcPCuBEu__VB1L7JI11WwPP2iRf-UKmUc1NBhBd-etBYiGQ=w640-h288" title="Tuk-Tuk in Manzanillo, Mexico" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Tuk-Tuk zooms past in Manzanillo, Colima Mexico.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why Are Small Cars Popular In Mexico?</h3><p>The USA is a big country with wide roads and interstates with speed limits of up to 85 mph. In contrast, while Mexico isn't a tiny country, its maximum posted speed is only 110 k/mh or 68 mph. Plus, many parts of Mexico still have narrow cobblestone streets, which are better suited to smaller vehicles. Don't get me wrong, there are still pickups and SUVs, but there are far more small cars.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR8OnTTOyU9NPoSVBeqanhyNhctznO2q-NZO2W5jqz8qkp-0iDrNphIDHLcJRzn5ryTpuO5RFNL0lylqxnUOwKYOjipr9Ouxq3q42e0wUBGGDI0-5wwnbSXxi-LnayQxeIbOAXM37NsT4zb0Om5FbbiEa__uoTVgLeiT_JtzEjMusFVaL5SSFh7w=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hyundai Atos" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR8OnTTOyU9NPoSVBeqanhyNhctznO2q-NZO2W5jqz8qkp-0iDrNphIDHLcJRzn5ryTpuO5RFNL0lylqxnUOwKYOjipr9Ouxq3q42e0wUBGGDI0-5wwnbSXxi-LnayQxeIbOAXM37NsT4zb0Om5FbbiEa__uoTVgLeiT_JtzEjMusFVaL5SSFh7w=w640-h288" title="Hyundai Atos" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hyundai Atos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Small cars are also much less expensive than massive trucks and SUVs, and that may also explain why subcompacts are so much more popular. The average Mexican household income per capita was $2,639.78 in 2020. Compare that to $33,740.80 in the USA (source: <a href="https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/mexico/annual-household-income-per-capita" target="_blank">CEIC Data</a>), and you can see why less-expensive cars are more popular in Mexico. They're simply more affordable. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7b8lPSdhwywZar6JNbKtDO4i73ZIOz7DrKW-wL232l3nw5-YQ3qg1NuIhwW6d2bzGL5CLjk1LwS78Pzsp8HgSUPdBxxD3G9w-hcLpp9QmrDTdtDLAonvDxxhw-pYnSmge13o6XNfUCUFwkZ0jFx4Arh3DK7C_HzKi6JcNQNyDcHZFQIJOue8i7w=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Renault STEPWAY in Mexico" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7b8lPSdhwywZar6JNbKtDO4i73ZIOz7DrKW-wL232l3nw5-YQ3qg1NuIhwW6d2bzGL5CLjk1LwS78Pzsp8HgSUPdBxxD3G9w-hcLpp9QmrDTdtDLAonvDxxhw-pYnSmge13o6XNfUCUFwkZ0jFx4Arh3DK7C_HzKi6JcNQNyDcHZFQIJOue8i7w=w640-h288" title="Renault STEPWAY in Mexico" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Renault STEPWAY</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Because of the popularity of small cars, there is also a much wider variety of them available, both new and used. In addition to the aforementioned popularity of the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Spark, there were scads of Mitsubishi Mirages (specifically the G4 model), Nissan Marches, Hyundai Atos hatchbacks, Renault STEPWAY hatchbacks, Suzuki Swift and Ignis models, and Toyota Avanza MPVs. We even saw a new Suzuki Jimny there. Also, there were countless "El Camino"-style cars with truck beds, such as the Ram 700 STL as seen below. Nearly every brand seems to have (or have had) one. We saw these tiny pickups wearing Ram, Chevrolet, Ford, Volkswagen, and Fiat badges. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh50q_jVIylNDaVYFvM_wTnX6hB8eDp65nbpviWlkimfMgpaNyfbf1W_xKLzFuv6J4UDpjZhn45M5N_1umsQGQeVLHNtrraaiZImb2_esdqdN_PKlPNS1u4hVblOSdNs4hbKHnJy_VxBKmV9jFiHlNXgrIQM9S3kKLyBNjUf-aKYxNjBiRMlKbw7Q=s1500" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ram 700 SLT" border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh50q_jVIylNDaVYFvM_wTnX6hB8eDp65nbpviWlkimfMgpaNyfbf1W_xKLzFuv6J4UDpjZhn45M5N_1umsQGQeVLHNtrraaiZImb2_esdqdN_PKlPNS1u4hVblOSdNs4hbKHnJy_VxBKmV9jFiHlNXgrIQM9S3kKLyBNjUf-aKYxNjBiRMlKbw7Q=w640-h360" title="Ram 700 SLT" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mexican-market Ram 700 SLT</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our transportation during our Mexico visit was a fairly new Chrysler Pacifica van, which belongs to my uncle. And while not very big compared to a Chevrolet Silverado or such, it still felt large and lumbering compared to some of the tiny hatchbacks and runabouts around Manzanillo. Between the narrow streets, tight parking spots, and impressive congestion, this area of Mexico was very well suited to the subcompact car genre. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">I'm Envious of the Mexican Small Car Market</h3><p>Truth be told, I was envious of all the small cars in Mexico. Because of the strong sales of B-segment vehicles there, they get global offerings such as the Suzuki Jimny and the new firebreathing <a href="https://www.toyota.mx/modelo/gryaris" target="_blank">Toyota Yaris GR</a>, complete with AWD and gusty turbocharged engine. Add to it practical cargo carriers, efficient runabouts, and practical hatchbacks, and you've got an automotive landscape sure to make any small car enthusiast excited.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDH-nlpFYShF-yf5vp9DszbVbD7kW2YbCMFm4LFGuK0yn3rhUwLCik1Kum87QNU8jRShUWCJzVmqqZ0tOg7rXMz-dSqdCGoStS1yebWGvm0wgrqfPetfQK7BZOnE0tlGdodLmM3KKXJ6Q4fthsD0F76QHBKgdlvbvB5IHOCuChs-sKtxH-JKN_GA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDH-nlpFYShF-yf5vp9DszbVbD7kW2YbCMFm4LFGuK0yn3rhUwLCik1Kum87QNU8jRShUWCJzVmqqZ0tOg7rXMz-dSqdCGoStS1yebWGvm0wgrqfPetfQK7BZOnE0tlGdodLmM3KKXJ6Q4fthsD0F76QHBKgdlvbvB5IHOCuChs-sKtxH-JKN_GA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Traffic in Manzanillo, Colima Mexico, comlete with a Nissan March.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Right now we're in a time of very high fuel prices in the USA. Mexico wasn't immune to this as prices were about $22 MEX/liter, which appears to be around $4.00 USD/gal. I don't expect to see a huge influx in small car sales in the U.S., however. Part of this is because larger cars have become more fuel-efficient. Plus, the U.S.—once again—simply doesn't buy small cars. Sure, we still have the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and small crossovers like the Jeep Renegade and Hyundai Venue. But I don't expect a knee-jerk reaction by automakers to start offering small cars again, nor consumers shifting to subcompacts. But so be it. I guess to get my subcompact car fix, I just need to go back to Mexico. </p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-66866139275470598512022-02-04T09:22:00.003-08:002022-02-04T09:22:30.189-08:00To Be Discontinued: Chevrolet Spark<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07_J7UdWXehZz1aqUlhCOiBKPMkRnsytCowwbWp7gZDEGPMQ76Ho8J5BcyDcjjFjbm3cW8Jc_JVLUPJCzDIfwpbok2HZDDHds3AZmg6p6CXGi9pyw0HnGYyD_GGnU0-nJc8gFEJH9INnDxeugNLTl6Lay1nS-84lRpbvDf_hE0AN3aKAASOjU4A=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 Chevrolet Spark" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07_J7UdWXehZz1aqUlhCOiBKPMkRnsytCowwbWp7gZDEGPMQ76Ho8J5BcyDcjjFjbm3cW8Jc_JVLUPJCzDIfwpbok2HZDDHds3AZmg6p6CXGi9pyw0HnGYyD_GGnU0-nJc8gFEJH9INnDxeugNLTl6Lay1nS-84lRpbvDf_hE0AN3aKAASOjU4A=w640-h320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In what can only be described as "completely unsurprising," the subcompact Chevrolet Spark will be discontinued. There had been reports out of Korea that GM Korea was going to halt production months ago, but Chevrolet's U.S. representatives would not confirm its discontinuation for the North American market at that time. Well, now it's official. </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Spark Has Fizzled</h2><p>Apparently the pint-size hatchback, one of the last on the U.S. market, will cease production in August, 2022 and there's no replacement expected. This will end a decade-long run for the small car. </p><p>We've driven Sparks over the years and always liked them for their size, style, and bang for the buck. We even got my mother-in-law into a 2015 model, which she affectionally calls Sparky. We drove <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2013/01/review-2013-chevrolet-spark-2lt.html">the original spark</a> when it first came out and attended the launch of the pocket-rocket <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2013/07/review-2014-chevrolet-spark-ev.html">Spark EV</a>, which was surprisingly fun to drive. We even rented a 2019 model when we were in Florida. </p><p>Over the years, there was the Activ model, which added some CUV-like body cladding, and the overall car's shape got a bit more round and refined as seen with our rental pictured below. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7BdQeClyK2YrD8Dqr3EZ79sVPpTa1GJD1zAoj3_tdYYyxzdy6r6AiOV3-yoo2tqID5DFAN8Sv_9vDuDmTjquhneJJXC1aU6OAvP0QwvFXzKSfCsgcAHsVx6CrOTKrhFZziw4F8Qf5CNriZoKZ1nMwoS7ak-cQOR8QXRbC7h46JGG0QpQWpSUd3w=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2019 Chevrolet Spark Rental car" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7BdQeClyK2YrD8Dqr3EZ79sVPpTa1GJD1zAoj3_tdYYyxzdy6r6AiOV3-yoo2tqID5DFAN8Sv_9vDuDmTjquhneJJXC1aU6OAvP0QwvFXzKSfCsgcAHsVx6CrOTKrhFZziw4F8Qf5CNriZoKZ1nMwoS7ak-cQOR8QXRbC7h46JGG0QpQWpSUd3w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Spark rental car in May, 2020. </i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage were constantly battling it out in the sales arena, and went back and forth for the title of the USA's lowest-priced car. However, with the Spark's departure, the 78 horsepower <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/search?q=mitsubishi+mirage">Mitsubishi Mirage</a> will soon be the sole low-coast subcompact hatchback for sale in North America. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Not Shocking</h2><p>For our long-time readers, this departure shouldn't be surprising at all. The subcompact market really began to ramp up in the early 2000s, and peaked around 2012. However, American's lust for larger vehicles is never ending. This trend ebbs and flows with economic conditions and fuel prices, of course. Then you factor in the fact that larger cars are getting much better fuel economy these days, and that means the only reason someone would buy a small cars is because it's less expensive, or they happen to actually want a smaller car. </p><p>So this leaves very few options for truly small new cars in the U.S. There's pretty much the Mitsubishi Mirage and MINI models, which aren't all that mini anymore. Sure, there are some compact crossovers, like the Buick Encore, Jeep Renegade, and Honda HR-V. And yes, models like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio are still around, but they're really not that tiny.</p><p>Trends change. Buyer preference shifts. But it will be interesting to see if Mitsubishi sticks with the Mirage, and for how long. The chassis is aged, but for now it remains the smallest and least expensive vehicle for sale in North America. </p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-2085146585681478152021-11-08T19:55:00.000-08:002021-11-08T19:55:18.967-08:00Wrecked: Awesome Lifted Suzuki SX4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVArIut3e2eaVYrJZYLMsw21gRlQGXMMoj6vAPfZX_B5_AkXkKEMzYAUjpQqWZOyGwe17H_fAmcWPPN08nInBx6pSQ9PhSLgZciXU62d2PdT_eNn5no7u929bUNcnDL8Ey6bB5ROIXA/s1163/suzuki+sx4+crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crashed Suzuki SX4" border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1163" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVArIut3e2eaVYrJZYLMsw21gRlQGXMMoj6vAPfZX_B5_AkXkKEMzYAUjpQqWZOyGwe17H_fAmcWPPN08nInBx6pSQ9PhSLgZciXU62d2PdT_eNn5no7u929bUNcnDL8Ey6bB5ROIXA/w640-h480/suzuki+sx4+crash.jpg" title="Crashed Suzuki SX4" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via C.Y. Lee</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Over eight years ago, I ran into one of the most badass Suzuki SX4s I'd ever seen. This <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2013/05/behold-possibly-most-badass-suzuki-sx4.html">lifted Suzuki SX4</a> had big knobby tires, a flat-black paint job, and a custom front bumper among other things. I actually got to know the owner, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cxy/" target="_blank">C.Y. Lee</a>, a bit because of it. Ironically, I had just been talking to C.Y. about this car on October 15, 2021, and then, next thing we knew it, it was totaled by someone who went on a rampage in stolen school bus. Yes, you read that right.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3ElArr_KYednsBBzVuVusB8vYKW-SQcr7cTZR93-bmR025ANcmJ9tg3Km-jJ5fO8IKXVqtN9FrM0rlqG67u24Iw7BliUc-ts1laUje7qms58laYc0ZlNQMkG91Xd3knos19XuqMKAw/s1163/lifted+suzuki+sx4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lifted Suzuki SX4" border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1163" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3ElArr_KYednsBBzVuVusB8vYKW-SQcr7cTZR93-bmR025ANcmJ9tg3Km-jJ5fO8IKXVqtN9FrM0rlqG67u24Iw7BliUc-ts1laUje7qms58laYc0ZlNQMkG91Xd3knos19XuqMKAw/w640-h480/lifted+suzuki+sx4.JPG" title="Lifted Suzuki SX4" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via C.Y. Lee</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I first saw this beast, it was lifted and rode on 29x10.50-15LT Super Swamper tires. It looked amazing. Over the years, C.Y., who bought it shortly after I photographed it in, took the knobby tires off, but kept many of the other aspects, and actually <a href="https://youtu.be/fq5LDylxFa4" target="_blank">rallycrossed the car</a> from time to time. When I was talking with him only a couple weeks ago, he was saying he was going to have a new clutch put in the 2013 Suzuki SX4. </p><p>Then on October 27, 2021, I see this:</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlKDS-3I-Ee2pXof79h-1E8rn4A2RjwnD23etUnjC5ps-IgYtau7J8V6_yO8qDcEw-UOS020fCCnhCFwc1ahiyDkv0bPImEjTMcgCR1Cm8GuSp79xK9V473FLAtMrAIeNo3ARPy5Irg/s1826/247366847_10102784160556728_6455607243899834260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="C.Y. Lee" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1826" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlKDS-3I-Ee2pXof79h-1E8rn4A2RjwnD23etUnjC5ps-IgYtau7J8V6_yO8qDcEw-UOS020fCCnhCFwc1ahiyDkv0bPImEjTMcgCR1Cm8GuSp79xK9V473FLAtMrAIeNo3ARPy5Irg/w640-h358/247366847_10102784160556728_6455607243899834260_n.jpg" title="C.Y. Lee" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>That sure looks like it was from a new station. In fact, <i>it was from a news station! </i>KIRO out of Seattle had done a story titled "<a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/man-stolen-school-bus-goes-destructive-rampage/P7MERN6NZ5HBZFAAU7VTSYDDDY/?fbclid=IwAR1wlq-pw_jyUMFriCOhv2ZXtsd2b3D6ojEhCxbtvgSoadFtmcNMmx3U_pg" target="_blank">Man in stolen bus goes on destructive rampage.</a>" This sounds like something out of Grand Theft Auto or something, but it was very real.</p><p>The story goes like this: C.Y. had indeed brought his SX4 into a shop to have the clutch replaced. Upon completion, the tech doing the work goes to take the AWD subcompact crossover on a test drive. Then next thing you know it, he's hit by a guy in a 33,000 lb. stolen school bus! Needless to say, the little SX4 was totaled. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjvNU_Y4pVdv6eGA3nLwDB_OlAszAIjV4HgRNhzIOsQHQ0HecDq8v0uaWwkc0hLDMUKMoB2jwOraRJ_1lOC5tSj6xPjTjwGXve6X2QNjoqOWzoimv2z6tBybWNHbig3fT8GSa1lm88w/s872/totaled+sx4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Totaled Suzuki SX4" border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjvNU_Y4pVdv6eGA3nLwDB_OlAszAIjV4HgRNhzIOsQHQ0HecDq8v0uaWwkc0hLDMUKMoB2jwOraRJ_1lOC5tSj6xPjTjwGXve6X2QNjoqOWzoimv2z6tBybWNHbig3fT8GSa1lm88w/w480-h640/totaled+sx4.jpg" title="Totaled Suzuki SX4" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via C.Y. Lee</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">C.Y.'s Suzuki wasn't the only car hit. In fact, it was one of <i>20 cars hit!</i> It was, however, the only one that's ever been featured on Subcompact Culture. Thankfully, no one was injured, including the tech who installed the clutch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, the most important thing is that no one was hurt. But it's sad to see this awesome Suzuki is no longer. </div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-90863100612974567742021-09-28T10:24:00.004-07:002021-09-28T10:44:22.500-07:00Small Cars Are Still Here. So Are We. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoANnhgdHUOwfZpNtvdokkOu_ayRvMaTm6iztotwjGirGXkOToupvihM7AELxQajPSZF4ty3snyqLZQ3b0obPV-yoVnET0XpT5c36CIFJHiZWhOSJIs3NamZkbrPN5Yn0Zi0arfpgXg/s4032/20210814_094915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Subcompact Culture Toyota Yaris in California." border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoANnhgdHUOwfZpNtvdokkOu_ayRvMaTm6iztotwjGirGXkOToupvihM7AELxQajPSZF4ty3snyqLZQ3b0obPV-yoVnET0XpT5c36CIFJHiZWhOSJIs3NamZkbrPN5Yn0Zi0arfpgXg/w640-h288/20210814_094915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hey SCC readers. I know it's been a while. We've still been here, still been doing things, but just not as active on the website. For what it's worth, we still have a very active <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795962417374462" target="_blank">Subcompact Culture Facebook Group</a>. Please join! So what've we been up to lately?</p><p></p><a name='more'></a><h3 style="text-align: left;">Toyota Yaris Update</h3><div>Well we still have the trusty 2007 Toyota Yaris, as seen above. I recently swapped out our orange <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2017/08/10-years-with-toyota-yaris.html">Konig Daylite wheels</a> for a set of some of my favorite all-time wheels: Votex Larado. These are 14x6 wheels with a +33 offset that were made in Germany. They were originally a factory option on Volkswagen Golfs in the 1990s. I've always loved them, and they came up for sale on Facebook Marketplace and I had to have them. We shod them with new 185/65R14 tires. In fact I wrote a <a href="https://autowise.com/bfgoodrich-advantage-control-tires-review/" target="_blank">BFGoodrich Advantage Control review</a> for AutoWise if you'd like to read my thoughts. <div><br /></div><div>The Yaris <i>finally</i> broke the 100,000 mile mark—14 years after buying it. To celebrate, we took the car from Oregon down to California for a vacation. It'd been a long time since we'd piloted the car on a road trip that long. The car continues to be a lot of fun to drive. It is approaching a time in its life where it's going to get some maintenance. I have parts for a full brake job, coolant flush, new serpentine belt, and spark plugs ready to go to keep the Yaris running in tip-top shape. Additionally, new shocks are in the car's future. We may take the car in a different direction; maybe lift it up and make it into the RallYaris? </div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you wondering, here's a full rundown of the modifications we have to the Yaris at the moment:</div></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Yaris Modifications</h3><div><u>Wheels/Tires/Suspension </u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>14x7 Votex Larado Wheels (+33 offset)</li><li>185/65R14 <a href="https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/tires/advantage-control">BFGoodrich Advantage Control</a> tires</li><li>Tein S-Tech Springs</li><li>Tokico HP Shocks</li><li>10mm Rear Hub Spacers (Old Penguin Garage Units)</li><li>TRD rear sway bar</li></ul><div><u>Engine/Transmission</u></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/11/product-review-k-typhoon-air-intake-for.html">K&N Typhoon Intake</a></li><li>Golden Eagle Intake Manifold</li><li>DC Sports Header</li><li>Thunder Axle-Back Exhaust</li><li>Non Stop Tuning Short Shift Kits</li></ul><div><u>Interior/Exterior</u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Autometer Autogage <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/05/driving-is-sweeter-with-tach-o-meter.html">Tachometer</a></li><li>Delrin Shift Knob</li><li>Bushwacker Rear Bumper Cover<br /><br /></li></ul></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">No More Mirage</h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhO6Pf0MrcrvLWm7fGBV8g5VHg8yiHXQRkVObPls_5fKsLpyeYFJ3x-UWumq82IGUpMoP5JaoI7r5PPnafdqwzdIhQs_r_70HBAq_6bXjFMtMtvKzXJOILGp6KBIHF3Hc8ac_dSnEA/s1080/50889797_10156971837999851_6097900442652508160_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Modified 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage with a host of accessories." border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1080" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhO6Pf0MrcrvLWm7fGBV8g5VHg8yiHXQRkVObPls_5fKsLpyeYFJ3x-UWumq82IGUpMoP5JaoI7r5PPnafdqwzdIhQs_r_70HBAq_6bXjFMtMtvKzXJOILGp6KBIHF3Hc8ac_dSnEA/w640-h406/50889797_10156971837999851_6097900442652508160_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We bought a new 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage ES in 2017 for $9,600 cash out the door—a fantastic deal. We threw on some Eibach Pro Kit springs, a custom rear sway bar, an intake, and JDM 5Zigen Pro Racer GN+ wheels along with factory fog lights, side skirts, custom floor mats, and a few other goodies—many of these things are <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/08/top-3-things-to-make-mitsubishi-mirage.html">great upgrades for a Mitsubishi Mirage</a>. The car was a miserly runabout that was very reliable and frugal to say the least. Yes, it was a cheap car. No it wasn't luxurious. But it had a simple, Spartan, no-frills charm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and shortly after returning from our <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com/tag/alcan-5000/" target="_blank">Alcan 5000 run in our JDM Mitsubishi Pajero</a>, I started working from home. This mean very little commuting. Since we already had the Yaris, we didn't really need the Mirage anymore. In summer, 2021, I pulled some of the parts (intake, swaybar, floor mats, cargo mat), and we ended up selling the car to Carmax for $200 <i>less</i> than we bought it brand new in 2017, complete with 18,000 miles on it. You've got to love this crazy used car market!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this means our subcompact stable is down to just our Yaris. We have three other 4WD JDM Mitsubishis that often appear on our other site, <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com/" target="_blank">Crankshaft Culture</a>, however. None are as small as the Mirage or Yaris (or the <a href="http://subcompactculture.com/search?q=teal+terror">Teal Terror</a>). None are behemoths, however. Have we fallen out of love with small cars? </div><div><br /></div><div>Hell no. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's Next?</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUstVPNTGl1_Q-dKfLy6VYQ6vNIOeKRCiZNWhvnzDkAMCtVf888P2uAI4Bm2ICSAlrniSli-yZ1XYCeHz43JvgNOL6PQ4k_65X_LSOWMzfjIFC9eCQzBqTo-TyLZj_R2yfIl4SMgrBXg/s4032/20210813_200933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Subcompact Culture Toyota Yaris in Santa Rosa, California" border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUstVPNTGl1_Q-dKfLy6VYQ6vNIOeKRCiZNWhvnzDkAMCtVf888P2uAI4Bm2ICSAlrniSli-yZ1XYCeHz43JvgNOL6PQ4k_65X_LSOWMzfjIFC9eCQzBqTo-TyLZj_R2yfIl4SMgrBXg/w640-h288/20210813_200933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Subcompact Culture was started about 13 years ago with the idea that some people actually enjoy driving small cars. There are people who prefer subcompact vehicles over full-size trucks, giant sedans, or svelte coupes. We don't have anything against those people who like big vehicles, but we recognized there are people who like to think big and drive small. We still do. </div><div><br /></div><div>The subcompact car market is all but gone in the U.S. now, sans some MINIs, the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Chevy Spark, and a couple others. But who knows how long those options will be around. </div><div><br /></div><div>While new small cars might be scarce, there will always be small car enthusiasts (including us). </div><div><br /></div><div>We're continuing to enjoy our Yaris, and as mentioned, might switch it up just a bit. Heck, we might even campaign it in the 2022 <a href="http://www.alcan5000.com/" target="_blank">Alcan 5000</a> summer rally. We haven't officially made a decision yet (we still have 11 months as of this writing). </div><div><br /></div><div>We'll continue to update Subcompact Culture, and we still have that great group on Facebook, too. So don't be shy: come join the action in the group. Also stay tuned here. Also follow us over at <a href="http://crankshaftculture.com" target="_blank">Crankshaft Culture</a> and a host of the other publications <a href="https://muckrack.com/mercedes-lilienthal" target="_blank">Mercedes Lilienthal</a> and I, <a href="https://muckrack.com/andy-lilienthal" target="_blank">Andy Lilienthal</a>, write for. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as always, if you have a story idea or want your subcompact vehicle to be featured in a <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/search/label/Subcompact%20Showcase">Subcompact Showcase</a>, don't hesitate to <a href="mailto:andy@subcompactculture.com">contact us</a>. </div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-30097358012004740992021-04-21T10:03:00.004-07:002021-04-22T10:20:00.312-07:00Top 5 Mitsubishi Mirage Myths Debunked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59JC-nS5jInZ6MqQUNAaxys6kEgCavPobx8Q-ytSrmup-ZJfPLoo215ztO_21pvJqUKjbWjacgQzHgpGwS_jZUS-je6th_ywCmpd49JowQ3XpyOv4VY_H-oUO72FtPXHMg5XYVh9Z_g/s3129/20200927_133807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="3129" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59JC-nS5jInZ6MqQUNAaxys6kEgCavPobx8Q-ytSrmup-ZJfPLoo215ztO_21pvJqUKjbWjacgQzHgpGwS_jZUS-je6th_ywCmpd49JowQ3XpyOv4VY_H-oUO72FtPXHMg5XYVh9Z_g/w640-h346/20200927_133807.jpg" title="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Back in 2017, we sold our 265 horsepower Subaru WRX for a 78 horsepower Mitsubishi Mirage ES Hatchback. Crazy, eh? Well, this summer will mark four years of Mirage ownership. Despite the Mirage being on sale in the U.S. since 2014, there are still people out there that have questions about these cars. From roadworthiness to fuel economy, and other ownership items, I decided to debunk some Mitsubishi Mirage myths. </div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HlPKUnOCkpIVPkKr_3Ec41AgHwsvYndmldWYNIU_XdvD3P4WbbtPMQf6BUfDn0pASyiCHNrDu2jABAukE2gGCpb08JsPHsDeatDzEE8f74GQkRrbiTj5ASXkxWaVBg8emVAHoPiKeQ/s1200/3C6A4607-1200x800.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HlPKUnOCkpIVPkKr_3Ec41AgHwsvYndmldWYNIU_XdvD3P4WbbtPMQf6BUfDn0pASyiCHNrDu2jABAukE2gGCpb08JsPHsDeatDzEE8f74GQkRrbiTj5ASXkxWaVBg8emVAHoPiKeQ/w640-h426/3C6A4607-1200x800.jpg" title="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2021 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback</td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;">MYTH: With only 78 horsepower, the Mirage can't keep up with traffic.</h4><div>You don't need 300 HP to navigate America's highways and byways. Heck, you don't even need 100 HP! Around town the Mirage easily zips about, sure, but what about on the Interstate? The reality is the car does just fine. No, it's not as fast as a Ferrari, but it will easily cruise at 70 or even 80 MPH. While it's not going to get its optimal fuel economy at those speeds, it will do the legal speed limit. Passing? Yes, passing needs to be a bit more calculated than if you're driving something with more power, but it's doable. While the car only has between 74–78 HP, it also weighs as little as 1,973 lbs. Remember: People have been driving across this country in 40 HP VW Beetles for decades. A Mirage is a rocket ship comparatively. FYI, the fuel economy is underrated at 37 city and 43 highway. We just got 47 MPG on a 300 mile road trip and we weren't even trying.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6wp-fy9fkQzlFeQCLQI-QsuxqYyyL3JuQYaqvTC0fHps0bG4pj_3LwPzzi9LR1DcXmqL32OPPiJ0NHFGiALCRrQ5-RlAokeQ137diV0nksKtwg5Dk858F83dIFaAaYSakBWO4gp1vA/s2048/20171122_142246_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage waiting in line for the ferry in British Columbia" border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="2048" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6wp-fy9fkQzlFeQCLQI-QsuxqYyyL3JuQYaqvTC0fHps0bG4pj_3LwPzzi9LR1DcXmqL32OPPiJ0NHFGiALCRrQ5-RlAokeQ137diV0nksKtwg5Dk858F83dIFaAaYSakBWO4gp1vA/w640-h330/20171122_142246_HDR.jpg" title="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage waiting in line for the ferry in British Columbia" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2017 Mirage waiting in line to board a ferry in British Columbia. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>MYTH: A Mirage may not be able to take longer trips. </b></h4><div>Some people have said they don't think the Mirage's 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine would be able to make longer road trips. Now, I don't know what people think would happen, but this 1,200cc engine is perfectly capable of long trips. While we only have a tick over 18,000 miles on our '17 Mirage, it has been driven from Portland to Montana and back, from Portland to British Columbia and back, and up and over the mountains of central Oregon and back. Mitsubishi—or any automaker—isn't going to sell a vehicle that can't handle hills or extended periods of driving. The Mirage is fully capable of cross-country drives. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC8isXDzk7zPcTi8B57z2vnnTHUEPwWldgkX7sz4yCATd5JvbQhVuhTsFOZUpQv1IYQBx21zTwSWZWgvWbzf0WnQOJy1ohOJ2_y1-91uSAExPeSA02PbFn9Jg3CphzdST3m52apZxhQ/s2048/CR9A1486-source.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="High mileage Mitsubishi Mirage" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC8isXDzk7zPcTi8B57z2vnnTHUEPwWldgkX7sz4yCATd5JvbQhVuhTsFOZUpQv1IYQBx21zTwSWZWgvWbzf0WnQOJy1ohOJ2_y1-91uSAExPeSA02PbFn9Jg3CphzdST3m52apZxhQ/w640-h426/CR9A1486-source.jpg" title="High mileage Mitsubishi Mirage" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's 414,000 miles, not kilometers!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">MYTH: A Mirage is a throw-away car that isn't capable of longevity.</h4><div>Tell that to Jerry and Janice Huot of Minnesota. They put 414,000 miles (yes, miles, not kilometers) <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2020/12/meet-414000-mile-mitsubishi-mirage.html#more">on their 2014 Mirage</a>. And yes, it had a CVT, not a five-speed manual. Like any vehicle, keeping up on maintenance is important to high mileage. While the Mirage isn't an expensive car, there's no reason you can't hang onto it for a long time and put a lot of clicks on the odometer. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB_Yj-myCdBTILNej3fwCsT0ecUDF9-nnmQXq3VtTs3VJOJbs-NxJnEDpBoNUhwltemvzlXgKEKnE4YYBFX9bNuIzhfwjhHsGFQZ5nWLpCGFw2g8Mz75bY_ioAeDyVbeyadWKPWvDZQ/s1280/2014+Mirage+Crash+Test.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mitsubishi Mirage IIHS Crash Test" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB_Yj-myCdBTILNej3fwCsT0ecUDF9-nnmQXq3VtTs3VJOJbs-NxJnEDpBoNUhwltemvzlXgKEKnE4YYBFX9bNuIzhfwjhHsGFQZ5nWLpCGFw2g8Mz75bY_ioAeDyVbeyadWKPWvDZQ/w640-h360/2014+Mirage+Crash+Test.jpg" title="Mitsubishi Mirage IIHS Crash Test" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Mitsubishi Mirage crash test</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>MYTH: The Mirage is unsafe.</b></h4><div>The Mirage has gotten mostly high scores from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mitsubishi/mirage-4-door-hatchback/2021" target="_blank">IIHS</a>) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/MITSUBISHI/MIRAGE" target="_blank">NHTSA</a>). The 2014–2015 Mirages, however, get a "poor" rating for their small overlap: front driver's side test. Mitsubishi redesigned the car for 2017 and improved this score. All other scores have been top-notch.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2020, the Mirage got the unfortunate top spot on the <a href="http://iseecars.com">iseecars.com</a> list of most dangerous cars sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2017. According to their website, "iSeeCars.com analyzed fatality data of model year 2013-2017 cars from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and more than 25 million used cars from the same model years to determine the vehicles that are most often involved in fatal accidents." </div><div><br /></div><div>Being this is a juicy headline, many news outlets glommed onto it. I urge you to read the iseecars.com commentary about why the Mirage, and other subcompact cars, rank high on this list. </div><div><br /></div><div>My last note on this: I'd say that with all the airbags, crumple zones, and other safety features, a Mirage is still likely a lot safer than cars that are older, and certainly safer than cars without airbags. But you can't argue against physics. If you're not comfortable driving a small car, then buy something bigger. Motorcycles are dangerous too, but people still ride them.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTGBzrPByZ6tT4YWzyah302zQ91QSZzFmHbRvvRFwqNFK2V8tVFsmXpdhue7ZL0Msmj6KavExvA3qZkgX0gftWgK1XfT7LEHyeyvazyVPB4WSEOdt3LBCPy26R226KbqeI7N2QQA0PA/s1000/20170901_175223.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="New Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1000" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTGBzrPByZ6tT4YWzyah302zQ91QSZzFmHbRvvRFwqNFK2V8tVFsmXpdhue7ZL0Msmj6KavExvA3qZkgX0gftWgK1XfT7LEHyeyvazyVPB4WSEOdt3LBCPy26R226KbqeI7N2QQA0PA/w640-h378/20170901_175223.jpg" title="New Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Mitsubishi Mirage brand-new in 2017.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">MYTH: No one actually wants a Mirage. It's only for those with poor credit. </h4><div>In 2017 we sold our 265 HP Subaru WRX. We took that cash, put it in the bank for other project cars and travel funding, and bought our Mirage brand-new for $9,600 USD out the door. The entire reason Subcompact Culture exists is because there are some people who generally like small cars. We bought this car because we wanted to, not because of credit issues. Sure, Mitsubishi may sell a fair bit of these low-cost cars to people with not-so-great credit, but there are plenty of users on <a href="http://MirageForum.com" target="_blank">MirageForum.com</a> and the multiple Mirage groups on Facebook that have good credit, but appreciate the car's frugality, minimalist-nature, and quirky personality. By the way, in places like Indonesia and the Philippines, these cars have a big following and are often equipped with extensive modifications. Heck, <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2018/08/people-are-racing-mitsubishi-mirage-in.html">they even race them</a>. </div><div><br /></div><hr /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a_woMKySGgyGBAXTAIiAPdMsEZLclLND29yT8eRE3ya2qApfJt2ld22LFeB2f_9bIhj2UU3zcWsePerI_YmeURu2O7rkPfqcac021YITeiOPQsK1VHdmN_W_yxT90zr7bzhj4dsaEQ/s1383/20190804_175627_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lowered Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1383" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a_woMKySGgyGBAXTAIiAPdMsEZLclLND29yT8eRE3ya2qApfJt2ld22LFeB2f_9bIhj2UU3zcWsePerI_YmeURu2O7rkPfqcac021YITeiOPQsK1VHdmN_W_yxT90zr7bzhj4dsaEQ/w640-h434/20190804_175627_HDR.jpg" title="Lowered Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">A bit about our Mirage, aka, The Rage</h4><div>Our Mirage, which we call The Rage, has a host of improvements to make the vehicle look, perform, and sound better. This includes:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs (1" drop)</li><li><a href="https://mirageforum.com/forum/showthread.php/5816-Daox-products-amp-price-list" target="_blank">Daox rear sway bar</a> (available from MirageForum.com)</li><li>15x5 5Zigen Pro Racer GN+ (et +45) kei fitment wheels</li><li>175/55R15 <a href="https://www.nankangusa.com/passenger-tires/as-1/" target="_blank">Nankang AS-1 tires</a></li><li>Black Gorilla lug nuts</li><li><a href="https://mirageforum.com/forum/showthread.php/7965-My-Custom-Intake" target="_blank">Custom-made air intake</a></li><li>Genuine Mitsubishi Side Sill Extensions</li><li>Genuine Mitsubishi Fog Lamps</li></ul></div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-72388751317384877362021-03-23T09:37:00.000-07:002021-03-23T09:37:03.250-07:00Driven: 2021 Nissan Kicks SR<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k7LBqc7X0r0YpbBuzbo9ErycOAa-J2RzSAG7Ba4iItVgXndwbmXDRgI3o5Fg5eIdPc4mVsLiCynP4UlVs0ux8TdQ0f9F-QAcb1NW-yH7QyV9-ZYU0ogM_ZfP3kFlDcQ-1AlvTYYdIg/s1536/2021++Nissan+Kicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Nissan Kicks SR" border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1536" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k7LBqc7X0r0YpbBuzbo9ErycOAa-J2RzSAG7Ba4iItVgXndwbmXDRgI3o5Fg5eIdPc4mVsLiCynP4UlVs0ux8TdQ0f9F-QAcb1NW-yH7QyV9-ZYU0ogM_ZfP3kFlDcQ-1AlvTYYdIg/w640-h346/2021++Nissan+Kicks.jpg" title="2021 Nissan Kicks SR" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'd wanted to drive a Nissan Kicks since they first debuted in 2018, but never got around to getting one for a press loan until just last week. So does the Kicks kick out the fun? Does it kick butt? Does it have pumped up kicks? I'll stop. You're welcome. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>My full review of the Kicks was just posted over at AutoWise.com, where I said it is a funky compact CUV with a lot to offer, just not in the speed department, and that's totally it. It's got a really neat interior, a semi-sporty exterior, and handles surprisingly well for what it is, which is clearly its highpoint. It is pokey, FWD only, and is saddled with a CVT as its only transmission option. I'm not a fan of most CVTs, and this one keeps it that way. However, the car does have high points, and you get a lot of car for the cash. You can read my entire review of the <a href="https://autowise.com/driven-2021-nissan-kicks-sr-review/" target="_blank">2021 Nissan Kicks SR on AutoWise</a>.</p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-48929023715017921832021-03-17T09:31:00.001-07:002021-03-17T10:23:38.756-07:00Subcompact Showcase: Wild Widebody Scion iQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lbxDUuFpt7A23Zk3U_wBghZa_QQMDrU1yD4GKbadAREwVHqpxmkAHEN1AOR21khIisr_CqJM-p6myQEv7TlhXkZu7SaaJIgttVgcDuWUjEBYaT58c0024tYKO6g2zD0bzNqjplXvKQ/s1080/147285713_147907323727918_6068788333748627056_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Widebody Scion iQ" border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1080" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lbxDUuFpt7A23Zk3U_wBghZa_QQMDrU1yD4GKbadAREwVHqpxmkAHEN1AOR21khIisr_CqJM-p6myQEv7TlhXkZu7SaaJIgttVgcDuWUjEBYaT58c0024tYKO6g2zD0bzNqjplXvKQ/w640-h420/147285713_147907323727918_6068788333748627056_n.jpg" title="Widebody Scion iQ" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>From 2012 to 2015, Toyota's Scion brand offered what might be the company's most unique vehicle. The Scion iQ microcar was squarely aimed at another microcar, the Smart Fortwo (iQ vs Smart—get it?). It's not like the Smart Fortwo was setting the American small car segment on fire with sales, so it was always curious that of all companies, Toyota decided to go after the Fortwo. But Scion—the funky youth-oriented arm of the Japanese automaker, did indeed target Smart. Their tactics were far different than Smart's. And like most of the Scions, they played to enthusiasts who did some really neat things with these petite people movers. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><div>Joe Gallardo of Downey, California, who goes by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingiq/" target="_blank">@kingiq</a> on Instagram, is one of these iQ owners who took the car not only to the next level but to levels hardly imaginable. His little Scion is a 2012 model with a metal widebody kit and a ton of customization. </div><div><br /></div><div>"I purchased the iQ back in April of 2012 as a commuter car for my wife. She wanted to add a few things to make it stand out," says Joe. "We started modifying it a few weeks later. After a few months, my wife handed me the keys and said 'It's yours!' That's when things really started to take off and the plan to become the Scion King began. Shortly after, we were offered a feature spot at SEMA 2012."</div><div><br /></div><div>So why an iQ? Joe said it's different and the platform is mostly ignored in the show scene. He adds it's the most difficult Scion platform to modify. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's take a look at this incredible iQ and see what makes it one of the most unique modern microcars out there. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Widebody Ways</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv_L2_7QbseT4G970ICFrVcVp1Mdq51sR9JwZWNVogarWeKCc7dI7F1tX3Wxo8N9eySwlxP3943r1vwW4O7IWJu4zUFNnTtGENU3Sq051aPDWk9rJPOsvmfG2HxF72iKUUN027BuW6w/s1080/144364685_1163582397390241_4015175105891007071_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus RX front end on custom Scion iQ" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv_L2_7QbseT4G970ICFrVcVp1Mdq51sR9JwZWNVogarWeKCc7dI7F1tX3Wxo8N9eySwlxP3943r1vwW4O7IWJu4zUFNnTtGENU3Sq051aPDWk9rJPOsvmfG2HxF72iKUUN027BuW6w/w640-h426/144364685_1163582397390241_4015175105891007071_n.jpg" title="Lexus RX front end on custom Scion iQ" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>For starters, the car has this crazy widebody kit. Joe claims it's the only true widebody iQ in the U.S. It has a custom Lexus RX front end and Tiffany blue color with a variety of multi-color lowrider patterns. Unlike the Smart Fortwo, the Scion iQ had the motor under the front hood. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI5PxgKPUvDlWrWxZ4DII8X56XEJ3uxYl-BsQ912yhWM_CT2ewrn9xHCrQV0wSucvTTLc5CgGaRGLnoxnF9veAg7BKSdi3npq-sr-TDHewk8wbdf1kwue8SUsB3RJp8ZgmQmcE8Oi7Q/s1042/124371056_2166007983530673_2481681594051855697_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Airbrushed hood Scion iQ" border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1042" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI5PxgKPUvDlWrWxZ4DII8X56XEJ3uxYl-BsQ912yhWM_CT2ewrn9xHCrQV0wSucvTTLc5CgGaRGLnoxnF9veAg7BKSdi3npq-sr-TDHewk8wbdf1kwue8SUsB3RJp8ZgmQmcE8Oi7Q/w640-h486/124371056_2166007983530673_2481681594051855697_n.jpg" title="Airbrushed hood Scion iQ" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The hood on this iQ is a motorized tilt version with a King Arthur airbrush mural. Yep, you read that right. The custom airbrushing continues with designs on the door jambs, rear hatch, and even under the hood. Exterior trim pieces are by GR-one Coronado. To continue the wide-and-low look, the iQ has custom side skirts, a custom front lip, and a custom rear diffuser and wing. And if that wasn't enough, the windows, windshield, and headlights are all custom-etched. The car has vertical doors, and last (and certainly not least), it's got a fully motorized ragtop. To say this iQ is customized is a gross understatement. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Radical Rollers</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocXD26KRWIEORcRMfvtwu6VJ2yCoIgYRKLdUJx-Z2yfHBLGGiZ7Ij7SV2PFMmoonYh0ahAwbf8vi1r-nLSYpeRaHayFzwwnvNpOmmjTBzoX7uXp5aRtrKfU2PW6TDsPH8Z-uVV0IaEA/s1000/122142583_1328288114187259_6208097212251211671_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Infinitewerks SSL1" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocXD26KRWIEORcRMfvtwu6VJ2yCoIgYRKLdUJx-Z2yfHBLGGiZ7Ij7SV2PFMmoonYh0ahAwbf8vi1r-nLSYpeRaHayFzwwnvNpOmmjTBzoX7uXp5aRtrKfU2PW6TDsPH8Z-uVV0IaEA/w512-h640/122142583_1328288114187259_6208097212251211671_n.jpg" title="Infinitewerks SSL1" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div>A ride like this has to have just the right rolling stock. Joe selected Infinitewerks SSL1 three-piece wheels and wrapped them in 215/35R18 Nexan tires. At the time of this writing, Joe says his wheels are out for engraving, too. A ride like this doesn't just have lug nuts, either: it has engraved True Spike lug nuts, covers, and spikes. Behind those rollers are R1 Performance engraved rotors and drums. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Slammed Suspension Setup</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gzPv45PrFz8fpUCXrSzzWhU9T0N6_2NQTTe8OFmtxJ4m_PHKRqxMdDz2KbQr7no4fXm4-aWjnXqP36JehYhcBs8kvF3JjRUcKb623bplchFVm2hmrDWLlENN8MEzAZVixOzaUlb1Kg/s1080/115800480_316872623029529_5919029240497520671_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lowered Scion iQ on air ride" border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1080" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gzPv45PrFz8fpUCXrSzzWhU9T0N6_2NQTTe8OFmtxJ4m_PHKRqxMdDz2KbQr7no4fXm4-aWjnXqP36JehYhcBs8kvF3JjRUcKb623bplchFVm2hmrDWLlENN8MEzAZVixOzaUlb1Kg/w640-h454/115800480_316872623029529_5919029240497520671_n.jpg" title="Lowered Scion iQ on air ride" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When you're doing a widebody vehicle, you've got to get that stance nailed. So Joe uses a custom air ride system, with many of the components located on the undercarriage and then powdercaoted. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXYL1iBj_7Y8XXBRp3n_LUqyHdI3hH9GeyEQZNV05iEaUl480yXia3N5IyoSoqXIiKV_zVGc7BEZxSiuWCn4x_VnpJF_Eoh32kr7fQP2JzVu-rHYnBH1fsvI3vP2juFlvJeVTmtx9YQ/s1080/101532085_254928675765510_7234891070764636236_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Custom underbody Scion iQ" border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1080" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXYL1iBj_7Y8XXBRp3n_LUqyHdI3hH9GeyEQZNV05iEaUl480yXia3N5IyoSoqXIiKV_zVGc7BEZxSiuWCn4x_VnpJF_Eoh32kr7fQP2JzVu-rHYnBH1fsvI3vP2juFlvJeVTmtx9YQ/w640-h428/101532085_254928675765510_7234891070764636236_n.jpg" title="Custom underbody Scion iQ" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>This includes the airbrushed five-gallon air tank with chrome hard lines, dual Viair compressors, and chromed and engraved switch boxes. And if that wasn't enough, the rear subframe is also powdercoated. There's a chromed and engraved Tanabe strut tower brace. Joe mentioned he's having the undercarriage chromed and polished. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Engine Enhancements</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2pjaVqHUTUU4lT7GBipcl9V5AKvp4CRDJJhQ5JUJmSXaQvGqpy13KUEfmsjJUOzeHZfYywG3Kbowyz-oq5UYGoGOpbeg3JW49DfJd5ZKcZjk77oRA6CEiOFzSu_HzAYkmPYWDp84TQ/s2048/iq+engine+bay+custom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2pjaVqHUTUU4lT7GBipcl9V5AKvp4CRDJJhQ5JUJmSXaQvGqpy13KUEfmsjJUOzeHZfYywG3Kbowyz-oq5UYGoGOpbeg3JW49DfJd5ZKcZjk77oRA6CEiOFzSu_HzAYkmPYWDp84TQ/w426-h640/iq+engine+bay+custom.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>While the iQ isn't going to be burning through tires due to extreme performance, Joe did invest in some additional power. He's got a Power Commander fuel injection module and a DC Sports exhaust kit. He's got an HPS hose kit and intake that's been powdercoated and engraved. Other goodies include a powdercoated and engraved VMS Racing oil and radiator cap, and a Fullriver deep cycle battery. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Interior Intrigue</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqbTcjgnUhDM3wy4TuS32aWhgaBzY8X-Xv5G_0G_O25QciL8fs34KYpfexKev86VM7dUj_XgXOaz089-dGPe20-z4ZS7K2JoWN_FyRVTFw5jMD0xt7bt0Fd4txtw2QuvabrS9Mdi76A/s1350/101009374_617078025548744_5492462959854065734_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Custom Scion iQ interior" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqbTcjgnUhDM3wy4TuS32aWhgaBzY8X-Xv5G_0G_O25QciL8fs34KYpfexKev86VM7dUj_XgXOaz089-dGPe20-z4ZS7K2JoWN_FyRVTFw5jMD0xt7bt0Fd4txtw2QuvabrS9Mdi76A/w512-h640/101009374_617078025548744_5492462959854065734_n.jpg" title="Custom Scion iQ interior" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>With all this customization, you <i>know </i>the interior is going to be fresh. It starts with two-tone leather and suede on the door panels, dash, pillars, seats, belts, headliner, carpet, and floor mats. There's custom LED lighting as well. The etched theme continues on the plexiglass center console, pedals, and little tree car air freshener holder. ICE includes a SNES mini gaming console, double-din head unit, fiberglass rear side enclosures with two 8" Soundstream subwoofers, and 2.5" component speakers. There's a rear seat delete (yes, the iQ had a rear seat) with more plexi and lighting. There's also a 12" subwoofer and two 8" TV screens. Finally, a custom amp rack showcases three Soundstream amplifiers in a plexy housing with an 11.2" screen. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">A Little Car With a Lot of Passion</h4><div><div>I asked Joe what his favorite part of the car is. </div><div><br /></div><div>"There's so many to list! The one-off metal widebody would be at the top of the list. There are very few show cars out with a true widebody," he states. "You mostly see over-fender kits at all the shows." </div><div><br /></div><div>He also loves the Lexus RX grille. He modified and molded it to the bumper. "I was the first to do a Lexus front end and after that, I started seeing FR-S/86s with Lexus front ends". Joe also mentions the lowrider-inspired paint job, which features 10 different colors along with the airbrushed murals. And all that etching? He says he hasn't seen any other import with it in all his years in the scene (dating back to 1998).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It's obvious there's a huge amount of passion that went into a not-so-huge car. But that's what makes enthusiasts who they are. They yearn to be different. They strive to create something unique. And even if it's not your passion, the amount of effort, love, blood, sweat, and tears that go into something like this deserves a lot of respect and recognition. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Building this car taught me a lot about creating something unique," says Joe. Needless to say, Joe did that in spades. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_O5e-OnJKNAEVoERZgxySRtx2o4f9AMd0GgspMQjG5H0xuMJDgfXnp4aLVWzjat-2tVJ9t2TU11kWQjbbUgMpwO38wYszmRNgpEgQzpOv_uw4NzwGDuPSWZbih55V01PzUcnObgaRw/s1080/120301995_354665852561069_1182425625758154098_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Widebody Scion iQ Show Car" border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1080" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_O5e-OnJKNAEVoERZgxySRtx2o4f9AMd0GgspMQjG5H0xuMJDgfXnp4aLVWzjat-2tVJ9t2TU11kWQjbbUgMpwO38wYszmRNgpEgQzpOv_uw4NzwGDuPSWZbih55V01PzUcnObgaRw/w640-h476/120301995_354665852561069_1182425625758154098_n.jpg" title="Widebody Scion iQ Show Car" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1Downey, CA, USA33.9401088 -118.13315935.6298749638211518 -153.2894093 62.250342636178843 -82.9769093tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-42388224188198493492021-01-27T11:07:00.006-08:002021-01-27T11:49:14.912-08:00Subcompact Showcase: Jake Brown's Lifted Toyota Yaris<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisap2Bz2C6lTNuQNDPFtpfSsc0algLp-undujg-0UyWEXYm_6KC09TKsyCMB0WW8V3_MVGT7EtPCQuF3xuayIonHOebRROBpXTk8L2kW-DkMFvBaKb8UDVZlNFgIyG4tQJQpvAT3iR9g/s1280/Y2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jake's Lifted Toyota Yaris" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisap2Bz2C6lTNuQNDPFtpfSsc0algLp-undujg-0UyWEXYm_6KC09TKsyCMB0WW8V3_MVGT7EtPCQuF3xuayIonHOebRROBpXTk8L2kW-DkMFvBaKb8UDVZlNFgIyG4tQJQpvAT3iR9g/w640-h480/Y2.jpg" title="Jake's lifted Toyota Yaris" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I've said it before: lifting is the new lowering. In fact, I wrote about this trend <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2014/09/are-lifted-cars-next-big-thing.html">back in 2014</a>. Five years later, I keep seeing cars that used to be typically lowered getting lifted. Heck, there are even Facebook groups that celebrate this, such as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/safariallthecars" target="_blank">Safari All The Cars</a> group. Lifting cars is definitely a thing. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Enter Jake Brown, who lives in Maine. Jake took his 2009 Toyota Yaris and gave it some extra ground clearance so he could better explore New England year-round. If you're a long-time reader, you may remember the <a href="By the way, this isn't the first time we've featured a lifted Toyota Yaris.">lifted Toyota Yaris Overlander</a> I wrote about back in 2014. This is a similar idea. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sVIs2kaMzz9p4mTIFtGjqKoKatJSVg-gjMuofqIu6RQ_UIZ0-1SCXSd0V5ovlezwFawvnOihzca9yfFXwJ2u4CexRDKhUDGPD13Pejr5huzk9xzl_05tG6Gq9s1Ax-fY4ITdYZuh0Q/s2016/Y1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stock 2009 Toyota Yaris liftback" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sVIs2kaMzz9p4mTIFtGjqKoKatJSVg-gjMuofqIu6RQ_UIZ0-1SCXSd0V5ovlezwFawvnOihzca9yfFXwJ2u4CexRDKhUDGPD13Pejr5huzk9xzl_05tG6Gq9s1Ax-fY4ITdYZuh0Q/w640-h480/Y1.jpg" title="Stock 2009 Toyota Yaris liftback" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><p>The car has been Jake's daily driver since 2014 and was stock before the transition, as evidenced above. It spent most of its life in Mississippi but recently moved with Jake to the western foothills of Maine.</p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIBGWNyFVnJViibMELioSJYogQJbQcvuoxyemuY4LcKsuOq5ZR2mREps5pZEIlq997KcNbq8xStpJQ3jNhAi6upyVr_w-IOfCzTbxSlw4lIKdItny9quVIVb543-mRhakVEGWLMf5Kw/s2016/Y4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lifted Toyota Yaris in snow" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIBGWNyFVnJViibMELioSJYogQJbQcvuoxyemuY4LcKsuOq5ZR2mREps5pZEIlq997KcNbq8xStpJQ3jNhAi6upyVr_w-IOfCzTbxSlw4lIKdItny9quVIVb543-mRhakVEGWLMf5Kw/w640-h480/Y4.jpg" title="Lifted Toyota Yaris in snow" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><p>"I knew I'd need a heavier vehicle to handle the winter road conditions, but the Yaris is unparalleled for fuel economy, and it doesn't hurt that you can park it in a tight spot," says Jake. His brother-in-law, Matt, came up with the idea to lift the car. Matt, a car enthusiast and skillful mechanic, hashed out the details. This could help transform the vehicle into something that could better handle the harsh Maine winters.</p></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jake said the unique build had appeal. Since the car was sold in the U.S. from model years 2007–2019, there were plenty of them around for parts. Plus, he'd never seen one modified quite like this. "We knew this vehicle would turn heads."</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ5vsrPHQKbjmIaFn17nbRkodZ0y2ZqaurKJQVqchdJljQhroSk4AHsZVGpgLRVrZLnIs3Fu_-_AeQ6tjJQgKCA6AwRXAKPYIWObXavNyBkqWjvXeFPiCm49Tub2f-uNPqSe9u9qH3g/s2016/Y3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lifted Toyota Yaris with 205/75R15 General Grabber Tires" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ5vsrPHQKbjmIaFn17nbRkodZ0y2ZqaurKJQVqchdJljQhroSk4AHsZVGpgLRVrZLnIs3Fu_-_AeQ6tjJQgKCA6AwRXAKPYIWObXavNyBkqWjvXeFPiCm49Tub2f-uNPqSe9u9qH3g/w640-h480/Y3.jpg" title="Lifted Toyota Yaris with 205/75R15 General Grabber Tires" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A 30mm (1.2 inch) lift was installed using custom spacers. More ground clearance comes by way of 205/75R15 General Grabber tires wrapped around Sparco Terra wheels. The rolling stock is more than 3-inches larger in diameter (that's 14.3% bigger) than the stock 185/60R15 tires providing extra ground clearance, albeit there's a tradeoff in acceleration. Plus, the all-terrain tires provide excellent traction in snow and rough conditions. Sounds like just the right setup for Maine.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgcWwOEoye5_VunpM-fuk_kReuO3mEMPQGcvvWZ7Mr8BEusvYsGmFwrM9S3EVgIoBMcIAuAaEPHxzph-thWm6k3x1CprIY8BsCLkX7Prop4UF-fDCtQ-OQyBbb5HtnKiTGd5C1Jr72w/s2016/Y6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Custom Toyota Yaris roof rack" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgcWwOEoye5_VunpM-fuk_kReuO3mEMPQGcvvWZ7Mr8BEusvYsGmFwrM9S3EVgIoBMcIAuAaEPHxzph-thWm6k3x1CprIY8BsCLkX7Prop4UF-fDCtQ-OQyBbb5HtnKiTGd5C1Jr72w/w640-h480/Y6.jpg" title="Custom Toyota Yaris roof rack" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To haul more gear, Jake added a custom-welded rack to the roof and vintage Thule crossbars. Jason says the roof basket improves the overall utility, allowing transport for camping and hiking gear on adventures to Maine's outdoor attractions. A coat of polish and some decals finish the basket's look. We're firm believers in the utility of <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/05/profound-practically-of-roof-rack.html">roof racks on small cars</a>, so this seems like a great way to expand the Yaris' versatility.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTKNUhd8wPvsF7WU-IQ2IoGjBii6x37JixAbi6gU2JYTF7QVsmIZ0Kteq1R940aO3iNuYnSi51GCi8nH1hWaL3NeVc0O6XXW8bGFKD3tdiOjv199Sg31O7Smo4U2VDdkf3QUBQ_2Zaw/s2016/Y7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="205/75R15 General Grabber tires on Sparco Terra wheels" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTKNUhd8wPvsF7WU-IQ2IoGjBii6x37JixAbi6gU2JYTF7QVsmIZ0Kteq1R940aO3iNuYnSi51GCi8nH1hWaL3NeVc0O6XXW8bGFKD3tdiOjv199Sg31O7Smo4U2VDdkf3QUBQ_2Zaw/w640-h480/Y7.jpg" title="205/75R15 General Grabber tires on Sparco Terra wheels" width="640" /></a></div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Other Modifications</h4><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jake's modifications aren't limited to a lift and wheels/tires. The car has a K&N air filter and replaced MAF sensor as well as a TRD exhaust system. Other niceties include roof drip moldings, a stubby antenna, TRD decals, and a host of stickers. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FFxgmfYm3zDSd0YtvHYSXY04dXgh2YkkISKRORn10LzGVhtg4ssYvehzHrWg2qwDbU1sCcxhyCdBsCO1toifmTOXM5kTrQMscde8bdHDFTlcW_2zJJNYpgwpYqMppmLItwJx2kmnrw/s2016/Y5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Yaris TRD exhaust" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FFxgmfYm3zDSd0YtvHYSXY04dXgh2YkkISKRORn10LzGVhtg4ssYvehzHrWg2qwDbU1sCcxhyCdBsCO1toifmTOXM5kTrQMscde8bdHDFTlcW_2zJJNYpgwpYqMppmLItwJx2kmnrw/w640-h480/Y5.jpg" title="Toyota Yaris TRD exhaust" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"As an outdoor enthusiast, I plan to use this vehicle to its full capacity as I explore New England, adding more memories (and stickers) along the way," says Jake. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the full list of mods and supplies:</span></h4><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><ul><span style="color: #500050; font-family: inherit;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="display: inline;">30 mm lift kit (strut spacers) -- front and rear</div></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Tires/Wheels - 205/75R15 Grabbers with Sparco Terra Rims (Phillips TPMS)</li></span><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TRD exhaust</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Custom fabricated rack welded to roof </span></li><span style="color: #500050; font-family: inherit;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Basket (Apex RBC-4938HD) -- attached to roof rack with refurbished Thule Racks and U bolts</li></span><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">MAF sensor replacement </span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">K&N air filter</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roof drip moldings</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Litty Stubby antenna</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Replaced headlights (headlamp renewal kit)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New wiper blades (including rear)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TRD decals</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stickers</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jake would like to thank the people that helped to contribute this Yaris and its story including Ashley E. Priebe Brown, and his brother-in-law, Matthew Priebe.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div>I think Jake's build is great. It's not over-the-top crazy, yet ads capability and versatility to a fuel-efficient, proven platform. And if this build is any evidence, you can expect to see more lifted cars rolling around your neck of the woods soon. </div></div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-53904608804041507202021-01-20T15:57:00.001-08:002021-01-20T15:57:27.808-08:00The Volkswagen Golf: Dead (For The U.S. Anyway)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPsKTL6mwPuNLvLMopQdxcM-qHev0lvewtiPdMzKLhyPJVeAaiM1MLz1b6cj502GlsvY9JykNqRh0COUkO_7Lpg1EAUvibg1ie0ODnBBmxSp8qjefnswZXqlGKdVzJvKqChoQxnxHWQ/s1500/Small-9634-GolfRange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Every Generation of Volkswagen Golfs" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPsKTL6mwPuNLvLMopQdxcM-qHev0lvewtiPdMzKLhyPJVeAaiM1MLz1b6cj502GlsvY9JykNqRh0COUkO_7Lpg1EAUvibg1ie0ODnBBmxSp8qjefnswZXqlGKdVzJvKqChoQxnxHWQ/w640-h426/Small-9634-GolfRange.jpg" title="VW Golfs" width="640" /></a></div><p>We've lost a host of small hatchback choices over the last few years from the U.S. market. Most of these departures weren't terribly surprising. Then I read today that the Volkswagen Golf—a mainstay of the U.S. compact car landscape for over 46 years—is being axed. Wow.</p><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I won't go into a long history of the car. Just know that it showed up as the VW Rabbit in 1974 and continued for over four decades as one of the most affordable European cars out there. There were a multitude of trim levels and engine choices. From small, gas-powered four-cylinders, diesel-powered fuel misers, and GTIs with both V-6 engines, turbocharged four-cylinders, and normally aspirated four-pots: they were always known as driver's cars. </p><p>There had been speculation about the stoic hatchback's disappearance from this market, and VW made it official today. The car, made in Puebla, Mexico, will no longer be produced for the U.S. after selling nearly 2.5 million cars. There was no press release for the Canadian market, which makes us believe the car will continue there. </p><p>It should be noted the redesigned Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R <i>will</i> return to the U.S., but the regular "Golf" will be driving away into the sunset. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Accolades and a Long History</h4><p>According to Volkswagen, "A Golf model has earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list for the last 15 years in a row, and the current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year."</p><p>Here's a bit about each generation:</p><p><b>Seven Generations of Golf (U.S. Model Years)</b></p><p>Golf I: MY 1975-1984</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First sold in December 1974 as “Rabbit” in the U.S.</li><li>1.5-liter engine with 70 hp</li><li>GTI introduced in 1983 with 1.8-liter 90 hp engine</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf II: MY 1985-1992</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sold as “Golf” in the U.S.</li><li>Dimensions grow by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase, and 2 inches in width</li><li>Standard engine is revised 1.8-liter with 85 hp, GTI introduces 2.0-liter engine with 131 hp</li><li>Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking system and power steering debut</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf III: MY 1993-1999</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Design shifts to wedge shape</li><li>Base powertrain is 2.0-liter with 115 hp, GTI goes to available 2.8-liter VR6® with 172 hp</li><li>Front and side airbags debut, advances in body construction result in improved crash safety</li><li>VR6® engine and cruise control offered for the first time</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf IV: MY 1999.5-2005 </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>All-new design with flatter windshield, and roofline carried further back with steeper rear window</li><li>Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags debut</li><li>1.8T engine introduced for GTI, bringing turbocharging to this generation of GTI</li><li>R32 introduced for 2004 with 240 hp, six-speed manual, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf V: MY 2006-2009</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>New multi-link rear suspension; rain-sensing wipers introduced</li><li>Sold as “Rabbit” again in the US</li><li>DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmissions debuts as an option for GTI and the standard transmission for R32; Bi-Xenon® headlights introduced on both models</li><li>Base engine is 150 hp 2.5-liter, GTI moves to 200 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine</li><li>R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf VI: MY 2010-2014</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>“Golf” name returns for the U.S.</li><li>Prominent character line runs from headlights to taillights</li><li>Base powertrain is 2.5-liter with 170 hp</li><li>Golf R introduced for 2012, with the VR6 engine replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine pushing 256 hp</li></ul><p></p><p>Golf VII: MY 2015-2021</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture</li><li>Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite a plethora of new and upscale features</li><li>Facelift in MY 2018 features included revised headlight and taillight designs, redesigned bumpers, and infotainment and driver assistance updates</li><li>Base 1.8-liter TSI 170 hp engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway, later replaced by the 1.4-liter TSI engine in 2019</li><li>GTI and Golf R powered by new versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine, with up to 228 hp for GTI and up to 288 hp for Golf R (both achieved with premium fuel) Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control</li></ul><div>If you've been on the fence about a Golf purchase, you'd better do it fast. The seventh-generation will be the last of the U.S. </div><p></p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-56979685328738253502020-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:002020-12-03T09:51:00.144-08:00Meet the 414,000 Mile Mitsubishi Mirage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7qJQ5-ld86-Y0Wd302xIKkaVJkBfnn_6QIVw6xC8ExlKMKbhlJQKLXFll8gegcMHBP9OZKUnst7AbvVqOay2VyubH1bxmaUc_irViifCO-hUbfQQ1AP-jMHkIuYyvEc2tGqWiIw3_Q/s2048/CR9A1486-source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mitsubishi Mirage with 414,000 miles - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7qJQ5-ld86-Y0Wd302xIKkaVJkBfnn_6QIVw6xC8ExlKMKbhlJQKLXFll8gegcMHBP9OZKUnst7AbvVqOay2VyubH1bxmaUc_irViifCO-hUbfQQ1AP-jMHkIuYyvEc2tGqWiIw3_Q/w640-h426/CR9A1486-source.jpg" title="Mitsubishi Mirage with 414,000 miles - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>People criticize the <a href="https://www.mitsubishicars.com/mirage/2020" target="_blank">Mitsubishi Mirage</a> for being inexpensive, having three cylinders, and being basic. But guess what? The Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. Oh, and guess what? It's one heck of a runner. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>This 2014 Mirage—and yes, it has a CVT—has taken a Minnesota couple 414,000 miles (that's 666,268 km) until Jerry and Janice Huot decided to trade it in at <a href="https://www.whitebearmitsubishi.com/" target="_blank">White Bear Mitsubishi</a> in White Bear Lake, MN. And what did they trade it in for? Yes, another Mirage. </p><p>According to a press release sent by Mitsubishi, the Huots dubbed their Mirage the “Purple Won,” and outfitted it with a vanity plate that played off the car’s color and the nickname of Minnesota’s favorite son and rock legend Prince. The paint color also closely matched that of the Huot’s favorite NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings, which at one point, prompted Jerry to dress up the Mirage with Viking horn decals for Janice’s birthday. Listen, we at Subcompact Culture may be Green Bay Packers fans, but we totally respect this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t-xqbZMzTOICwHvGahvqHPGR2s0ppyIcXRi7BHf2iDZdHx4-u-e_oouahYFWMlhV6DMfEZeTuVC-QlEGBS_0hSx701ntcuOSM-5KpN9tk04Puco5WO-qgObL6iq3cr18NZcRvXH1iA/s1200/CR9A1481-1200x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Plasma Purple Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t-xqbZMzTOICwHvGahvqHPGR2s0ppyIcXRi7BHf2iDZdHx4-u-e_oouahYFWMlhV6DMfEZeTuVC-QlEGBS_0hSx701ntcuOSM-5KpN9tk04Puco5WO-qgObL6iq3cr18NZcRvXH1iA/w640-h426/CR9A1481-1200x800.jpg" title="Plasma Purple Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On the way to 414,000 miles, the Purple Won was a commercial delivery vehicle, hauled rocks and mulch for a landscaping project and required nothing but standard maintenance. To me, this only highlights the fantastic versatility of subcompact hatchbacks. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Like ... how? </h4><p>So how (and where) does one put the better part of a half-million miles on a 74-horsepower car? According to Jerry, "Janice drove it mostly for the first 7,000 miles or so, but when winter came, she wanted all-wheel-drive, so she got a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. But then I started using the Mirage for my business. I am a courier. I deliver samples from various doctors’ offices to labs, so I drive up and down the state and around town in Minneapolis all the time. The Mirage never missed a beat. It got me up and out of our gravel driveway, even in the middle of winter, when others got stuck in the snow."</p><p>The couple says there weren't any major issues with the car, either. They had to replace the wheel bearings sometime after 150,000 miles, and the starter motor was replaced at somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, but that was all covered under warranty. And other than regular oil changes, nothing else was done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E5076qVa04LeKtKj86KCZZBoWj7UGcssV5iRp6MLD9TMx8221WhWcYYybZ-rk9ONfP0O_NPR2M4yaGPHa0dY5QVsCjUG1bnTCtaq3hYVRzvvEO0WQOfsMnqnoRl9zuGSDGT9pxmngg/s1200/CR9A1418-1200x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Couple with 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E5076qVa04LeKtKj86KCZZBoWj7UGcssV5iRp6MLD9TMx8221WhWcYYybZ-rk9ONfP0O_NPR2M4yaGPHa0dY5QVsCjUG1bnTCtaq3hYVRzvvEO0WQOfsMnqnoRl9zuGSDGT9pxmngg/w640-h426/CR9A1418-1200x800.jpg" title="Couple with 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>In Purple Won's place is a 2020 Mirage with a few more bells and whistles, like HID lights, heated seats, and a nicer stereo. As a Minnesota native, I can attest to the value of heated seats. Good choice, Huots! We love our 2017 Mirage, and we hope they love their 2020, too. </p><p>Not only is this a testament to the Mirage's durability, but also showcases how cars overall have greatly improved. Even a car as inexpensive as a Mirage has the ability to run a very, <i>very</i> long time. Just keep up on the maintenance and you're likely good to go. Who know, maybe even more than 414,000 miles. FYI, the restyled <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/11/mitsubishi-releases-2021-mirage-g4.html">2021 Mirage</a> is set to go on sales Q1 of '21. </p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com23400 Hwy 61 N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USA45.044042999999988 -93.036325116.733809163821142 -128.1925751 73.354276836178826 -57.8800751tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-86808522940340465142020-11-24T14:22:00.005-08:002020-11-26T10:05:55.832-08:00Installing a Mitsubishi Mirage Throttle Controller <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUuThqN-Wt4Nv0oAswuI45FzWwWXgXUzOMMpayscLbUUjPghLHqVE2ZatDXNr0xdAO3nfOoqVX7vC3w5CAFQDTWpqD9KVE4ZROjH1t2K5UaHSENCLaWny7XgTSLpnl5JiLuHsaBtzbQ/s781/iDrive+Thorttle+Controller.jpg"><img alt="EVS Throttle Controller by iDrive Performance for Mitsubishi Mirage" border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="781" height="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUuThqN-Wt4Nv0oAswuI45FzWwWXgXUzOMMpayscLbUUjPghLHqVE2ZatDXNr0xdAO3nfOoqVX7vC3w5CAFQDTWpqD9KVE4ZROjH1t2K5UaHSENCLaWny7XgTSLpnl5JiLuHsaBtzbQ/w640-h597/iDrive+Thorttle+Controller.jpg" title="EVS Throttle Controller by iDrive Performance for Mitsubishi Mirage" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div>We know the Mitsubishi Mirage isn't a performance car. But there are certain <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/08/top-3-things-to-make-mitsubishi-mirage.html">things you can do to make it more fun to drive</a> and peppier. We've already modified the suspension and put on an intake. But one thing the Mirage suffers from greatly is poor throttle response. After a lot of searching, I found a throttle controller for the Mitsubishi Mirage. In fact, <a href="https://youtu.be/ZEI_fNVfmSg" target="_blank">I've made a video all about it</a>. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZEI_fNVfmSg" width="800" youtube-src-id="ZEI_fNVfmSg"></iframe></div><br /></div><div>Unsurprisingly, I haven't been able to find any reputable company offering a throttle controller for the current generation Mirage. After all, it's not typically a car lots of people modify in North America. One company I was familiar with was <a href="https://idrive-usa.com/" target="_blank">iDrive USA</a> because I know someone who happens to work there. iDrive does have a number of throttle controllers for Mitsubishi vehicles, but the Mirage was not listed. Figures. In an attempt to perhaps let them know people with Mirages might just be interested in a controller, I filled out the contact form and let them know I had a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and if they ever came out with one I'd be interested. To my surprise, I got a reply.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was familiar with iDrive USA because I had met someone who worked there at an off-road show. Amazingly, he sent me an email and told me they actually <i>do have a Mirage throttle controller</i>, but it isn't listed on the site. Fast forward, a few days and my EVC Throttle Controller by iDrive USA showed up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Truth be told, I'd seen these sorts of things before but had never used them. They don't increase the vehicle's horsepower, but rather recalibrate the throttle. The Mirage, like most new cars, uses an electronically controlled throttle. Devices like the EVC controller let you manipulate that throttle tuning for better control.</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole works comes in a very nicely packaged box, much like that of a high-end mobile phone. You get the controller, the harness, two zip ties, an alcohol cleaning pad, sticker, and instruction manual. The control module is <i>much</i> smaller than I anticipated. For some reason, I thought it'd be about the size of a deck of cards. Rather, it was the size of a matchbook. </div><div> </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Easy Installation</h3><div>iDrive Performance claims a 10-minute installation. Frankly, that's about right. The first step is to disconnect the accelerator pedal. It's literally one large plug. On the Mirage, you may want to remove the cover under the dash, which is held in by three fasteners. </div><div><br /></div><div>The throttle controller is composed of a harness that bridges the connections between the gas pedal and the car with a controller attached. Next, simply plug in both ends of the throttle controller. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now you'll need to decide where to mount the control unit. It has super-strong double-sided adhesive that'll easily stick to a dashboard. They also include an alcohol wipe to clean the surface. Run the wiring for the controller before mounting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I found a suitable place and ran the wiring, I tucked the wiring up underneath the dashboard and secured the wiring with the included zip ties. When finished, reinstall the lower dash cover. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clean the dashboard you'll use for the controller with the included alcohol pad. Peel back the controller's adhesive, and carefully stick it to the dash. You're done. I'd say their 10-minute install time is pretty accurate. Granted, I'm fussy about my wiring, so it took me a little longer because I wanted everything nice and tidy. I also used a couple more zip ties. </div><div><br /></div><div>I powered the car on and the bright blue digital display pops to life. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How Does It Perform? </h3><div>The EVC throttle controller by iDrive has four drive modes, two of which have 10 levels of adjustment. The first one is simply the stock calibration shown by two horizontal lines on. Next, you have the E mode, which is going to damp the throttle control making the response more numb. This is good for trying to get the best fuel economy, or if you're on low-traction surfaces, such as ice, snow, or dirt. The next mode is why I bought this. The U mode stands for Ultimate. This is the one that's going to improve the throttle response. Again, you have levels 0–9. Finally, there's the AC mode, which is the automatic control. This will automatically adjust the throttle based on how hard you mash the gas pedal. </div><div><br /></div><div>On a Mirage, the hypermiler might appreciate the E mode and its adjustability. It definitely makes the throttle less sensitive. The U mode, however, is what I was most interested in. I started out at U-0 and there was a tiny improvement in pedal response. I went all the way up to U-9 next and it made a drastic difference. In fact, possibly for the first time in its life, I broke the front wheels free on dry pavement! The power delivery is much quicker than the stock tuning. U-9, however, felt too touchy for regular driving. I found U-5 offered a sporty feel without being overly touchy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Being that the throttle response on the Mirage is tuned for fuel economy and drivability from the factory, the change with the EVC controller made a world of a difference; in fact, it made the car much more entertaining to drive. Add this onto the Eibach springs, rear sway bar, and grippier Nangank AS-1 tires, and the Mirage is transformed from a dowdy runabout to a zippy subcompact. Again, this thing isn't making more power, it's simply making better use of the throttle. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Bottom Line</h3><div>The EVC throttle controller by iDrive USA retails for $209 USD. And while that isn't chump change, it definitely changes the car's character. If you're looking to make your Mirage sportier, this will certainly help. My initial impressions are very good, and it's definitely helped get rid of some of that horrible throttle lag the Mirage is plagued with. You can find this controller on their website. They make one for a <a href="https://idrive-usa.com/collections/mitsubishi" target="_blank">2014-2015 Mirage, and one for 2017+</a>. </div><div><br /></div>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-32838271069086607382020-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:002020-11-11T09:24:00.633-08:00Is Toyota Racing an AWD Prius Rally Car at Olympus Rally?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3cXxPn5s2Iq8Zyzxiq84Fr1czn6-pKoOIVWAhUzxzEJFIGqw34OKCHFp7PiB376bhXE0DSNYL2fOJpH_oldmkgbTqMKgPTag19mi90y1IXyQEvayjlCNdwVc1FnRvZIkPdAKHMIf7A/s2000/20190404_122038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Prius AWD Rally Car" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3cXxPn5s2Iq8Zyzxiq84Fr1czn6-pKoOIVWAhUzxzEJFIGqw34OKCHFp7PiB376bhXE0DSNYL2fOJpH_oldmkgbTqMKgPTag19mi90y1IXyQEvayjlCNdwVc1FnRvZIkPdAKHMIf7A/w640-h320/20190404_122038.jpg" title="Toyota Prius AWD Rally Car" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We at Subcompact Culture are rally fans. We participate in TSD rally, we go to stage rally, and have always had a thing for the WRC. This weekend is the <a href="https://www.americanrallyassociation.org/olympusrally" target="_blank">2020 Olyumps Rally</a> in Washington. While looking at the entry list something caught my eye. Specifically, car #871 driven by racer Jamie Bestwick. The entry? A 2020 Toyota Prius—in the NA4WD class. Could this be an AWD Prius Rally Car?</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>As you may know, Toyota sells the Prius AWD-e these days. In fact, the photo above is from when I went to a regional Toyota event where we got to drive the vehicle. Toyota was adamant that the majority of Prius vehicles sold in the Pacific Northwest would be the AWD model. It has 0.2" of extra ground clearance, and uses an electric motor at the back to drive the rear wheels up to speeds of 43 MPH. At the time, several of us joked about rallying the Prius, but apparently, this is going to be a thing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1n444nKlx1C9wEcdtAmlb5DrnHvULjg0A97J0qR0GMzXDqOQmdPrjOl2vHEbKK66HfCwgBXyozmU38cI5CIqCKMkiQOgy-ceLbvAuu1o_GoyR5V7ZO6LwX2QoULD7tbeTVF4k69iBQ/s885/olympus+rally+prius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="885" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1n444nKlx1C9wEcdtAmlb5DrnHvULjg0A97J0qR0GMzXDqOQmdPrjOl2vHEbKK66HfCwgBXyozmU38cI5CIqCKMkiQOgy-ceLbvAuu1o_GoyR5V7ZO6LwX2QoULD7tbeTVF4k69iBQ/w640-h128/olympus+rally+prius.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to find any info about this alleged rally car. Not via Toyota's media site, not on Jamie Bestwick's social media, nowhere. Being that it's going to be piloted by Bestwick (who also has driven a road-race-prepped Yaris as well as a vintage Toyota Corolla, among others), would suggest Toyota has likely constructed an AWD hybrid Prius rally car to debut at Olympus.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Not The First Rally Hybrid ... Sorta </h4><p>In the past, Honda has campaigned a FWD <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZIUcEcwhaczGd7i_7_0cDBb2WSRjoEJVGa218maUdtNx9QMcA9piIXL3nPz2wz0WidY7Jj-tso0l2_04mAhMLPQjK2NZ_loWV2yjj0nnt-FlfldDdRvVyxHSePTAvU4cTqCvqvHE9g/s1600/HondaCRZ.jpg">Honda CR-Z rally car</a>, however, apparently, the electrics were removed from that vehicle for safety purposes. So who knows what we'll see, but I would bet Toyota will put out a press release about this vehicle either shortly before the race or afterward, depending on how the Prius finishes. </p><p>We've reached out to Toyota's PR team to get clarification and will report back anything we hear. </p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-59163314975145583492020-11-10T09:21:00.003-08:002020-11-10T09:21:52.482-08:00We're Still Enjoying Small Cars<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLS195aqqrA0jicBMHORTqsiTHxsR60DrlZtAedg4Up128XoQZpg2UnIcGYhMD3oH3ht-m2UOeuHpPj88pLVqG0jciXrLiviNOikyYfn0G8y9DjGW9B9AkTxb7OZPOeQwbwH1dJ-LZA/s3024/20201031_093200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Yaris TSD Rally Car - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLS195aqqrA0jicBMHORTqsiTHxsR60DrlZtAedg4Up128XoQZpg2UnIcGYhMD3oH3ht-m2UOeuHpPj88pLVqG0jciXrLiviNOikyYfn0G8y9DjGW9B9AkTxb7OZPOeQwbwH1dJ-LZA/w640-h640/20201031_093200.jpg" title="Toyota Yaris TSD Rally Car - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">To be honest, I'm tired of writing about how small cars are disappearing in the U.S. and Canada. I originally started this post with yet another glum note about the disappearance of small cars on the North American market—a screed about the woefully small amount of subcompact car choices. But I'm done griping. The bottom line is this: Times change, buyer's tastes change, and life moves on. However, doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying small cars. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Admittedly, the majority of our time has been focused on our sister site, <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com" target="_blank">Crankshaft Culture</a>, which embraces the idea that <i>every vehicle is an adventure.</i> We talk four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and two-wheel drive adventure vehicles—some of which aren't your typical truck. However, we still enjoy driving our small cars. This includes our modified 2007 Toyota Yaris pictured above and 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage below. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Yaris</h4><div style="text-align: left;">In fact, two weeks ago we opted to use our Yaris liftback in the <a href="http://www.cascadegeargrinders.org/Ghouls-Gambol-2020.html" target="_blank">2020 Ghouls Gambol</a> road rally held by the Cascade Sports Car Club. It was a 100% tarmac time-speed-distance (TSD) rally, and it turns out the Yaris was the <i>perfect</i> choice. There were lots of curves, twists, and switchbacks on the route, and none of our lifted 4WD diesel-powered JDM Mitsubishis would've been able to keep the pace as well as our sporty Yaris. In fact, we took 2nd in our class and 3rd overall at the Halloween-themed rally in our sporty little Yaris. To be honest, this really sparked something in me. </div></span></div><p>It reminded me why I love our nimble hatchback and small cars in general. It also made me think about changing it up a bit; keeping the flame alive. The Yaris was such a great little car for TSD rally, we might just add a bit more rally bits to it to make it our dedicated TSD car. Maybe we'll lift it up a bit, add some driving lights, perhaps some mud flaps to protect the paint on dirt routes. We're already entered into the <a href="https://alcan5000.com/" target="_blank">2022 Alcan 5000</a> summer rally. Maybe we'll take the Yaris instead of the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero we used on the <a href="https://crankshaftculture.com/tag/alcan-5000/" target="_blank">2020 Alcan 5000</a> winter rally?</p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlWAPHDg7TO2xa62UP87pwYBQIjscAb9A7iUUyY7o6GpkKkWw4-mk0oXWUS2W3FNS19oCvsllNRhefdGVG2gn22U7CenKiq-oOgklhJbDuCky6y1rv84G8pedF9zWBH2qsJfaVPlNWg/s3129/20200927_133807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="3129" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlWAPHDg7TO2xa62UP87pwYBQIjscAb9A7iUUyY7o6GpkKkWw4-mk0oXWUS2W3FNS19oCvsllNRhefdGVG2gn22U7CenKiq-oOgklhJbDuCky6y1rv84G8pedF9zWBH2qsJfaVPlNWg/w640-h346/20200927_133807.jpg" title="2017 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">All 'The Rage'</h4><p>Our Mitsubishi Mirage (akaThe Rage) continues to be a great little super commuter, despite the fact we're no longer actually, you know, commuting. It's not exactly rapid, but its no-fuss nature and frugal fuel economy are still endearing. Plus, with the Eibach Pro Kit springs, rear sway bar, Nankang AS-1 tires, and 15" JDM 5Zigen Pro Racer GN+ wheels, it's actually fun to drive in the twisties. It is, however, what we call a "momentum car." We have an intake on it that makes a lot of noise, probably doesn't make an iota more power, but presents the illusion of speed—something small cars have always been good at. I've threatened to put a custom muffler on it too just to make it sound a bit better. The Mirage's throttle response is admittedly dreadful for performance driving, but I hope to have a device in the making that should combat that. Stay tuned. </p><p>So instead of focusing on how few new small cars are on the market these days, maybe we need to turn our attention to why we love the ones we have, how we might obtain that one we've always wanted, and simply continue to enjoy the aspects that have always made us passionate small car enthusiasts. </p>Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1Portland, OR, USA45.5051064 -122.6750261-30.493797184871156 96.699973900000032 90 17.949973900000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-66003469863441729792020-07-22T06:28:00.003-07:002020-07-22T06:28:52.239-07:00Redesigned 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Coming to North America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkw5V7hmPXrNnDULdqhqdGOSUj0QR8Zq7KfYUGmdRh9Vk4FqDpFrzUAvvWWw-v6KFD6anlYLkyxMsF7U63_WhL8qqoA-URUZ0oQHRylf3KAs9dDDcYrIGMBSGY4H8uxHSR0VqhLW88Q/s1600/preview-928x522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="928" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkw5V7hmPXrNnDULdqhqdGOSUj0QR8Zq7KfYUGmdRh9Vk4FqDpFrzUAvvWWw-v6KFD6anlYLkyxMsF7U63_WhL8qqoA-URUZ0oQHRylf3KAs9dDDcYrIGMBSGY4H8uxHSR0VqhLW88Q/s640/preview-928x522.jpg" title="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage - Subcompact Culture" width="640" /></a></div>
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News just came in from Mitsubishi Motors North America that the reskinned 2021 Mirage and Mirage G4 <i>will </i>be coming to the U.S. and Canada. Despite the company talking about pulling back in certain markets, Mitsubishi has plans for North America and it includes the strong-selling Mirage.<br />
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Details aren't plentiful on the North American-spec '21 Mirage yet. According to a press release, the refreshed Mirage will go on sale Q1 of 2021 as a '21 model.<br />
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"With an extensive exterior redesign, the U.S.'s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline-fueled vehicle becomes an even more compelling value. Mirage has never looked richer or better equipped, with bold styling and standard safety equipment putting it into a new level of consideration," says the release.<br />
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We fully assume its <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/11/mitsubishi-releases-2021-mirage-g4.html">specs will be the same as other global markets</a> as we reported in November 2019. This includes the retention of the miserly 78 hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, CVT or five-speed manual transmission, but with a restyled front, rear, and new upholstery. I happen to <i>love</i> the new yellow paint, by the way. We'll be sure to report on other changes as we're notified.<br />
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This is a bit of good news for the subcompact car market as other brands <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2020/07/youre-witnessing-small-car-die-off.html">continue to axe their smallest offerings</a>.<br />
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Mitsubishi also announced significant changes to the rest of its model lineup which signifies to us that the brand isn't intending to leave the U.S. market anytime soon despite many naysayers.<br />
<br />Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-8645684169793489352020-07-20T11:04:00.000-07:002020-07-20T11:17:35.592-07:00You're Witnessing the Small Car Die-Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ycyAC3b3S8BNhxhSXLts5ZNoCq_6PgORu8hQchxVSL9V5itJRnVLtLQ_sJ4hh_oLOovUF_QZgUyAX-vJVud8DCj7YwefG6okxWs4A0bV7jwPVJpg0UcxzWRpd5PacrvqlBf6z474tw/s1600/small-cars-gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="You're Witnessing the Small Car Die-Off" border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1000" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ycyAC3b3S8BNhxhSXLts5ZNoCq_6PgORu8hQchxVSL9V5itJRnVLtLQ_sJ4hh_oLOovUF_QZgUyAX-vJVud8DCj7YwefG6okxWs4A0bV7jwPVJpg0UcxzWRpd5PacrvqlBf6z474tw/s640/small-cars-gone.jpg" title="You're Witnessing the Small Car Die-Off" width="640" /></a></div>
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Twelve years ago when we started Subcompact Culture on <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2008/01/small-cars-i-know-them-and-love-them-i.html">January 23, 2008</a>, we were witnessing the growth of the small car segment in the U.S.—something that many thought would never happen. After all, it was long thought that Americans didn't buy small cars. But 12 years, 5 months, and 27 days after starting Subcompact Culture, we're witnessing the segment's extinction. As much as I try not to sound fatalist here, we are witnessing the small car die-off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Why Small Cars are Disappearing</h3>
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What once was a bustling segment is now barely alive. Fuel is inexpensive. People want crossovers. The automotive market, as a whole, is in the toilet thanks to COVID-19. Small cars have small profit margins so there isn't much motivation to sell them. A dealer is going to make more off of a Corolla than they will of a Yaris, and frankly, the cost difference isn't that much more. Maybe only several bucks a month if financing. And in the U.S., bigger is almost always better. </div>
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The sales decline has been going on for a couple of years now, but the die-off is in full swing right now as more and more manufacturers are getting rid of their smallest, most frugal, and least-expensive options. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA7FjQNUJd6156SSJun3OWitVWhCns6iq0XT-VZ64FPm-jamcMqM_x75q2YX-uT1gIdbOrx2okOgNyCg4Z4orxSocjq-JlKOtyzpzt4DR9avE83hdO5HSRlzdE6aHiqHuq5CgcK_Wpw/s1600/Fiest-ST-fuel-economy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA7FjQNUJd6156SSJun3OWitVWhCns6iq0XT-VZ64FPm-jamcMqM_x75q2YX-uT1gIdbOrx2okOgNyCg4Z4orxSocjq-JlKOtyzpzt4DR9avE83hdO5HSRlzdE6aHiqHuq5CgcK_Wpw/s640/Fiest-ST-fuel-economy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford Fiesta ST</td></tr>
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<h3>
It Was A Growing Segment</h3>
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Twelve years ago, we were talking about the growth of the B-segment and later the A-segment in the U.S.; a country that didn't buy small cars. We had things like <a href="https://www.wired.com/2009/12/ford-is-fiesta-movements-big-winner/" target="_blank">The Fiesta Movement</a> (a groundbreaking social media marketing campaign by Ford), presentations by automakers in which we were told "small cars are the future," and nearly every automaker moving to add a small car to their lineup. Gas was expensive, the economy was headed south. People were jettisoning their gas guzzlers for smaller, less expensive, and more fuel-efficient modes of transportation, and <i>nearly every automaker </i>was on board. But things have changed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLARdU-qYE_hYFaDvoYkgrQoW5bktVUtNKKvosQi5-eNtQjhHkLm4jBuf9Yyr27702j_02NqFA2tFQHNLs2xBQjHWz0awIK7ZpQ0iv9_xhveWm5RuCkKJukacnLctr33PyoW8xb7Ofw/s1600/2013-500c-Abarth-Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLARdU-qYE_hYFaDvoYkgrQoW5bktVUtNKKvosQi5-eNtQjhHkLm4jBuf9Yyr27702j_02NqFA2tFQHNLs2xBQjHWz0awIK7ZpQ0iv9_xhveWm5RuCkKJukacnLctr33PyoW8xb7Ofw/s640/2013-500c-Abarth-Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 500c Abarth</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Demise of Small Cars in the U.S.</h3>
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, companies were getting rid of small cars. Long ago, Mazda axed the Mazda2. Nissan offed the Juke. The Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 were both killed off. Smart stopped selling the ForTwo. We were the first to report on <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2020/02/confirmed-us-market-honda-fit-to-be.html">the death of the Honda Fit</a> back in February, something that was confirmed again by Honda last week. Then it was announced that the <a href="https://autowise.com/the-toyota-yaris-will-be-discontinued-after-2020-model-year-autowise/" target="_blank">Toyota Yaris sedan and hatchback would cease production</a> for the U.S. in June of 2020. We also recently heard <a href="https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a33263070/the-chevy-sonic-is-dead/" target="_blank">Chevrolet will not be re-upping the Sonic</a> for 2021.<br />
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This leaves only a handful of subcompact cars for purchase on the U.S. market. This would include the Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Rio, Kia Soul, MINI Cooper, and Nissan Versa. One could argue the Veloster and Versa aren't even that small, let alone any MINI other than the two-door hardtop/convertible. And is the Soul a crossover? Is it even "small"?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ-FOdY537yufC8OglZI7azfpShgO5MNDnWOJ1O36oW204IqfucpZxd_byTVZcPCLm1EU645Glp1d11BTeaug5QHPtjlgcXmxOq7eFRip82ohzIZ09E-WvwFrgFktzEoXig-SQhGDqQ/s1600/2018_Nissan_KICKS__orange_3_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1200" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ-FOdY537yufC8OglZI7azfpShgO5MNDnWOJ1O36oW204IqfucpZxd_byTVZcPCLm1EU645Glp1d11BTeaug5QHPtjlgcXmxOq7eFRip82ohzIZ09E-WvwFrgFktzEoXig-SQhGDqQ/s640/2018_Nissan_KICKS__orange_3_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nissan Kicks</td></tr>
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<h3>
Still Lots of CUV Options</h3>
Yes, you still have a host of subcompact CUVs to choose from in lieu of traditional sedans or hatchbacks. This would include the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, and others. But if you're not looking for a subcompact crossover, you now have only a few choices remaining.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGNH9kNshKxY-oTRzEdF7j7lvDVHOK8_Cj54ygNSl1UiouE6KGPihgdvMU2yyV8ZT5N2P1Of9S-NSjKvc9nH0VS5Tkv46fGrrv_4OicQGm8B_P_hL3LuuajW_prb2mpuUR3gIf6WR4g/s1600/2020_mitsubishi_mirage_hatchback_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback" border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGNH9kNshKxY-oTRzEdF7j7lvDVHOK8_Cj54ygNSl1UiouE6KGPihgdvMU2yyV8ZT5N2P1Of9S-NSjKvc9nH0VS5Tkv46fGrrv_4OicQGm8B_P_hL3LuuajW_prb2mpuUR3gIf6WR4g/s640/2020_mitsubishi_mirage_hatchback_004.jpg" title="2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback</td></tr>
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<h3>
2021 Models Still Uncertain</h3>
Not all companies have announced their plans for 2021. We're awaiting Mitsubishi's line and whether we'll get <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/11/mitsubishi-releases-2021-mirage-g4.html">the redesigned Mirage</a>. We'd assume Nissan will continue to offer the recently redesigned Versa. (Then again, Toyota axed the new-for-2020 Yaris Hatchback just six months into 2020). I'd also think Chevy would keep its popular Spark. But there is much uncertainty in the world these days, so nothing would surprise me.<br />
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Times change as much as buyers' tastes in automobiles. But in just 12 years, we've witnessed the rise and fall of the small car in the United States. To put it lightly, 2020 has offered countless surprises, so anything might be possible. </div>
Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-5747590289053441352020-04-21T09:12:00.001-07:002020-04-21T09:12:07.420-07:00Run What You Brung: Subaru Justy Rally Car<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLe97Nq_q-iFalC6E55nZHd3tauPbDhBZKUt8ik-Qf9j2c3VoX8Kg4qayMpcJFyzI65nBo4NN_HGgjWIbBKIuV4IpjynZtefimMGqR8nv2epy9paXPXF0sqQ2eije93_Enm3s3yIQxw/s1600/justy_rally_car2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="950" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLe97Nq_q-iFalC6E55nZHd3tauPbDhBZKUt8ik-Qf9j2c3VoX8Kg4qayMpcJFyzI65nBo4NN_HGgjWIbBKIuV4IpjynZtefimMGqR8nv2epy9paXPXF0sqQ2eije93_Enm3s3yIQxw/s640/justy_rally_car2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's just something about getting out there with the car you got, having a blast, and going racing! As you may have seen with the recent <a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2020/03/the-fiat-126p-is-best-rally-car.html">Fiat 126p</a> post, you don't have to be fast to slide it into the corners and go rallying.<br />
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This example was shown to me by my friend and rally enthusiast, Ian Andrews, who did the <a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2018/11/the-mongol-rally-short-film-16.html#more">Mongol Rally</a> in a very slow car. This is a Subaru Justy rally car. No, it's not some fire-breathing WRX-swapped maniac hatchback. It appears to be, for the most part, stock. Stock as in 73 hp. Stock as in 12" or 13" steel wheels. I believe it's out of Hungary. Regardless of its lack of velocity, the driver and co-driver are out there giving the little hatchback all it's got and it looks like a blast! Have a look:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="391.5" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JswbHw9FYtg" width="696"></iframe></center>
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Now tell me <i>that</i> doesn't look fun? Despite the fact the Justy makes just north of 70 horsepower (when new, at the flywheel), this has got to be a hoot. And despite its pokey pace, they're out there. It simply reiterates the idea that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.<br />
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For whatever reason, I'm absolutely enthralled with low-power race cars, and this, my friends, is definitely a low-power racer. Go Justy!Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-10079226963811742592020-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:002020-03-26T11:05:30.756-07:00Will COVID-19 Change Automotive Buying Trends?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUxq4HmDl9OfL3HDAr4X8zOf87qgFHfxfHIIOudyqUdzuSXXBwcDhPgPOVHbmXzG1N44eBcv8GQRdG2zvP15AS_LC8KktFEvfUhBcMZ1P98EzAjSdBiBlFNFKb3MqR56xCv2YV_qVSQ/s1600/Large-40049-2020Venue-Miami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hyundai Venue" border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUxq4HmDl9OfL3HDAr4X8zOf87qgFHfxfHIIOudyqUdzuSXXBwcDhPgPOVHbmXzG1N44eBcv8GQRdG2zvP15AS_LC8KktFEvfUhBcMZ1P98EzAjSdBiBlFNFKb3MqR56xCv2YV_qVSQ/s640/Large-40049-2020Venue-Miami.jpg" title="Hyundai Venue" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Great Recession of 2007–2009 changed the automotive landscape. For a time, people's cash flow was lower and many traded in their big SUVs and trucks for smaller, more compact cars. Although the true impact the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to be seen on North American economies, it's not looking great.<br />
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We've already seen automakers offering 0% financing for crazy-long terms (I saw an ad for 0% for up to 84 months yesterday!), loan forgiveness/discounts, and such. I'm already reading reports of a"cataclysmic" jobs forecast, and many Americans may be getting government stimulus checks. Obviously the automakers and dealerships are trying to get ahead of this. And the situation is slightly different than the Great Recession. </div>
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One major differences is fuel prices. Gas prices in 2008 were averaging $3.27 a gallon in the U.S. As of today, March 26, 2020, the average price is a scant $2.07 according to AAA, a full $1.20 a gallon cheaper. Fuel economy is likely not to be a big selling point unless people are really pinching pennies. </div>
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However, if the economy does start to skim bottom, I would think more people are likely to simply put a new car purchase on hold versus buying a less-expensive small car. Of course, this is just my anecdotal guess. I think we'll probably see a very bad March and April in terms of car sales overall, and not just for the U.S. and Canada, but globally. </div>
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Could the COVID-19 benefit small car sales? It is possible. They're less expensive and may appeal to those in financial need (and those who actually <i>need</i> to buy a new car). However, I'm going to guess it's unlikely. </div>
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Make no mistake: I'm not hoping for this deadly pandemic to increase small car sales; that would be selfish. From a purely economic viewpoint, it will be interesting to see how this does play out for the auto industry, and if there are any changes that could even shift the car buying paradigm. </div>
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Please be safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. Automotive stuff for me is both my work and a distraction from all of the grim news. So be good to one another, help those in need, and do your part. You can also join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/subcompactculture/" target="_blank">Subcompact Culture Facebook Group</a> and interact with others who share your same passion. </div>
Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-90509369441107534982020-03-24T12:26:00.000-07:002020-03-24T12:26:00.802-07:00The Fiat 126p is the Best Rally Car. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbV0hbz4s1kalw3A78BBy2e_jSZ1OcSeIFVBUlsiw4ykp4VRbNbhWO5qOyag2kIL-zvQwpichKyzWYVPkQSwllyKYv4BoRjxdQr76WLJayVJjuwuCVMyjnkxydmIQGtmU6dkGYruOVQ/s1600/Annotation+2020-03-24+121625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fiat 126p rally car" border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="959" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbV0hbz4s1kalw3A78BBy2e_jSZ1OcSeIFVBUlsiw4ykp4VRbNbhWO5qOyag2kIL-zvQwpichKyzWYVPkQSwllyKYv4BoRjxdQr76WLJayVJjuwuCVMyjnkxydmIQGtmU6dkGYruOVQ/s640/Annotation+2020-03-24+121625.jpg" title="Fiat 126p rally car" width="640" /></a></div>
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We love rally cars. But I have to say that my favorite rally car in the world may be the little Fiat 126p. These were produced under licence by Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) under Polski Fiat (Polish Fiat) from 1973 to 2000—yes, nearly 30 years.<br />
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As you might guess, they were slow (24 hp from the larger 652cc engine), basic, and by the way, rear engined. Global production of the car was 4,673,655 units: 1,352,912 in Italy, 2,069 in Austria by Fiat-Steyr and 3,318,674 in Poland, so to say there are a few around would be a gross understatement. </div>
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As you well know, people will race anything, and that is doubly true with regards to rally. And sure enough, the 126p has become a great little (and slow) rally car, but it is <i>my favorite</i> rally car. They can be driven flat out, can be easily flung around, and you know they can't be terribly cheap. They all seem to sound identical. In the video below, I'm certain you could just have one audio track that goes nonstop. They are so entertaining to watch. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u1zgl2JsecM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1zgl2JsecM?feature=player_embedded" width="560"></iframe></div>
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I completely and utterly love these. Have you ever owned one? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section. </div>
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Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-67272235953220103782020-02-20T09:46:00.000-08:002020-02-20T13:44:19.227-08:00Confirmed: U.S. market Honda Fit to be dropped after current model year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3ktLyvZGmdZd0IFQB3rD-R5n3xg34-21daX3RlwY_n0lEUlrQgLcz1Soer2YWAYqjnmaatEW4e13l1YcGvAC9-Kz933LSbOLxsAV4CcOVy94R_YJ1xDKI-aDK6zfArVY_JG2m2eHLg/s1600/preview-928x522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="928" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3ktLyvZGmdZd0IFQB3rD-R5n3xg34-21daX3RlwY_n0lEUlrQgLcz1Soer2YWAYqjnmaatEW4e13l1YcGvAC9-Kz933LSbOLxsAV4CcOVy94R_YJ1xDKI-aDK6zfArVY_JG2m2eHLg/s640/preview-928x522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, we just got the official word from Honda: the Fit will be dropped from the U.S. lineup after the current generation.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Despite being a super versatile, practical car, Honda said that, due to low take rates, the next generation Fit will not come to the U.S.<br />
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The fit debuted in the U.S. as a 2007 model and has been a staple of the subcompact market since. The Fit joins the Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 as small cars that will be leaving the U.S. market.Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-50042861725088399602020-01-20T07:30:00.000-08:002020-01-20T07:51:59.487-08:002019 Subcompact Sales Summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AkO2ni9flqSAQ-zH1qzqqTH4Svv4tlBjsVaW0sKhwanmU7JT9oH0LWRgKKLpje-a-AN8uxaf2dTdmDVx7xpDQhOm6e4FHeQCxmnorguiRSK3CtX2pSwqVISogkXGhMnhGd0AUNRlMQ/s1600/2019-Chevrolet-Trax-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Chevrolet Trax" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1500" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AkO2ni9flqSAQ-zH1qzqqTH4Svv4tlBjsVaW0sKhwanmU7JT9oH0LWRgKKLpje-a-AN8uxaf2dTdmDVx7xpDQhOm6e4FHeQCxmnorguiRSK3CtX2pSwqVISogkXGhMnhGd0AUNRlMQ/s640/2019-Chevrolet-Trax-004.jpg" title="2019 Chevrolet Trax" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's been a long discussion about how small car sales are waning and how larger vehicle sales are gaining in popularity in the U.S. Heck, many thought 2019 would not be a strong car sales year for all cars. Well, the U.S. sales <i>were</i> down, but there were still 17 million vehicles sold (that five years with more than 17 million car sold, FYI). Pretty dang good. How'd the smaller cars do? Let's look.<br />
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For being a slow sales year (<i>note sarcasm</i>), small cars sold pretty well overall. General Motors takes the sales cake for '19 moving 116,816 Chevrolet Trax and 102,402 Buick Encore models. Those two models alone come in at 219,218 units! That's not something I expected as both models sold under 100,000 units in 2018. Honda Sold over 99,000 HR-Vs, Kia sold just under 99,000 Souls, and Jeep's pint-sized crossover moved just over 75,000 units. And yes, the top six cars on the list are, you guessed it, crossovers. That is if you consider the Soul a crossover, which Kia Motors America, Inc. does.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFb5LD0Fl4czYFg_1z7noTIbF7FYZSzNgRAVtT8uIQdEkwnajThznOwfvUr_MORYtIlKtr9Mxvq9z9YCwSPojERWzvLoP8N5ZaPbbQUlD4putnKpHkznZSzWoJH-uG-upa_wnXiMMBQ/s1600/Fiat+500L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Fiat 500L" border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1500" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFb5LD0Fl4czYFg_1z7noTIbF7FYZSzNgRAVtT8uIQdEkwnajThznOwfvUr_MORYtIlKtr9Mxvq9z9YCwSPojERWzvLoP8N5ZaPbbQUlD4putnKpHkznZSzWoJH-uG-upa_wnXiMMBQ/s640/Fiat+500L.jpg" title="2019 Fiat 500L" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's talk about some of the slower-moving vehicles. Not speed wise, but in a sales sense. At the bottom of the list is Fiat's 500L. This sales sloth has was second to last the previous year, and scrapes bottom for '19 moving a scant 771 units all year long or about 64 cars a month nationally. And just above it is the entire rest of the Fiat lineup. Now remember: Fiat announced it'd be pulling the 500 off the U.S. market this year, but that shouldn't matter too much as there are scads of them still out there. It does, however, highlight the problem the brand has in the U.S. While we don't have a crystal ball, it wouldn't be surprising to see the brand exit the North American market, especially with the recent FCA and Groupe PSA merger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA7DrgCRS-D6_edBSFMtZMVc_h3Lf7bYdK1V5vWKlAFPRpIQkjIkBRK2s4KE7WrZjJvNfsiDjmh0fXFy3SaoqeuVGSXotw33Mgv7vi4jElfH75cUCwFjnCA58tp8bOZWznaj7f-y2TA/s1600/2019+Spark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Chevrolet Spark" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA7DrgCRS-D6_edBSFMtZMVc_h3Lf7bYdK1V5vWKlAFPRpIQkjIkBRK2s4KE7WrZjJvNfsiDjmh0fXFy3SaoqeuVGSXotw33Mgv7vi4jElfH75cUCwFjnCA58tp8bOZWznaj7f-y2TA/s640/2019+Spark.jpg" title="2019 Chevrolet Spark" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite small car sales battles, however, has been between the least expensive cars: The Chevrolet Spark and the Mitsubishi Mirage. Well, for '19 the Spark takes back the Most Popular Cheap Car by 4,325 units. It should be noted that both models were up in sales, but the Spark was up a whopping 32.5% (vs. Mirage's 10.3%). This shows me the market does need low-priced vehicles out there. I'm glad to see both models outpacing last year's sales.<br />
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Were there any surprises last year (other than Trax/Encore sales)? For me, the biggest surprise is Ford Fiesta sales, which topped 60,000 units, up 16.3% vs. last year. The company moved the most Fiestas since 2015. Hey, I thought FoMoCo was going to discontinue the car? Also, the Nissan Kicks was WAY up in sales, but it's likely because it had a late 2018 introduction, so the number is inflated.<br />
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I think '19 was an interesting year for small cars. The cars I listed here totaled 1,169,034 units. That's approximately 6.9% of total cars sales in the U.S. No, it still isn't a mega number. For perspective, light truck sales (e.g. pickups) sold 3,113,943 units and there are only 13 truck models in total.<br />
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Anyway, we'll see what happens with 2020. Hyundai has its new Venue out there, but I haven't heard much about any other new small cars coming down the pipe. But we'll see; I have a feeling '20 could be an interesting year.<br />
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<tr> <th>Make/Model</th> <th>Sales 2019</th> <th>Sales 2018</th> <th>% Change</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>Chevrolet Trax</td> <td><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>116,816</b></span></td> <td>89,916</td> <td>29.9</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Buick Encore</td> <td>102,402</td> <td>93,073</td> <td>10.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Honda HR-V</td> <td>99,104</td> <td>95,494</td> <td>15.9</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Kia Soul</td> <td>98,033</td> <td><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">104,709</span></td> <td>-6.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Jeep Renegade</td> <td>76,885</td> <td>97,062</td> <td>-21.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Hyundai Kona</td> <td>73,326</td> <td>47,090</td> <td>55.7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Nissan Versa</td> <td>66,596</td> <td>75,809</td> <td>-12.2</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Ford EcoSport</td> <td>64,708</td> <td>54,348</td> <td>19.1</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Ford Fiesta</td> <td>60,148</td> <td>51,730</td> <td>16.3</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Nissan Kicks</td> <td>58,193</td> <td>23,312</td> <td><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">149.6</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Toyota CH-R</td> <td>48,930</td> <td>49,642</td> <td>-1.4</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Honda Fit</td> <td>35,414</td> <td>35,300</td> <td>0.3</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Chevrolet Spark</td> <td>31,281</td> <td>23,602</td> <td>32.5</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Mitsubishi Mirage</td> <td>26,966</td> <td>24,316</td> <td>10.3</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Hyundai Accent</td> <td>25,628</td> <td>29,090</td> <td>-11.9</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Kia Rio</td> <td>24,961</td> <td>22,975</td> <td>9.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Toyota Yaris</td> <td>21,916</td> <td>27,210</td> <td>-19.5</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Hyundai Ioniq</td> <td>19,574</td> <td>15,076</td> <td>29.8</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Chevrolet Bolt</td> <td>16,418</td> <td>18,019</td> <td>-8.9</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Mazda CX-3</td> <td>16,229</td> <td>16,899</td> <td>-4.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Chevrolet Sonic</td> <td>13,971</td> <td>20,613</td> <td>-32.2</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>MINI Countryman</td> <td>13,969</td> <td>17,565</td> <td>-20.5</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Hyundai Veloster</td> <td>12,849</td> <td>10,871</td> <td>18.2</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 2 DR</td> <td>8,462</td> <td>9,950</td> <td>-15.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Mazda MX-5Miata</td> <td>7,753</td> <td>8,971</td> <td>-13.6</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Cooper /S Hardtop 4 Door</td> <td>6,065</td> <td>6,450</td> <td>-6.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>BMW i3</td> <td>4,854</td> <td>6,117</td> <td>-20.6</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Cooper /S Convertible</td> <td>4,031</td> <td>5,334</td> <td>-24.4</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Cooper /S Clubman</td> <td>3,565</td> <td>4,385</td> <td>-18.7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Fiat 500</td> <td>3,267</td> <td>5,370</td> <td>-39.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Fiat Spider</td> <td>2,644</td> <td>3,515</td> <td>-25.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Fiat 500X</td> <td>2,518</td> <td>5,233</td> <td><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">-52.0</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Fiat 500L</td> <td><span style="color: red;"><b>771</b></span></td> <td><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">1,413</span></td> <td>-45.0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Hyuindai Venue</td> <td>787</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sales are for the U.S. only. </span></i><br />
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<b>RELATED STORIES</b><br />
<a href="http://www.subcompactculture.com/2019/01/2018-subcompact-sales-results.html">2018 Subcompact Sales Results</a><br />
<a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2018/01/2017-subcompact-sales-summary.html#more">2017 Subcompact Sales Summary</a><br />
<a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/2017/01/how-subcompact-sales-stacked-up-in-2016.html">How Subcompact Sales Stacked Up in 2016</a><br />
<a href="https://www.subcompactculture.com/search?q=2015+sales+december">2015 Subcompact Sales</a><br />
<br />Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-70296325005966038432019-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:002019-12-30T11:36:36.599-08:00Yes, You Can Buy a New Suzuki Hustler in the USA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWJcoNUG3rG-Wx9n3KkUfutLFfpMGvVFEbk_W23oQ9jxf5SAuMNLnOA7rWz-3AbvhkXApvJO-jECPxWSblzxngjhPCQIK_1dIXYoeSvnS2xNwkbB0_JL7mA3dkqEHO4SGaGZTQHW2VA/s1600/3550-wm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Busy Badger / Suzuki Hustler " border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWJcoNUG3rG-Wx9n3KkUfutLFfpMGvVFEbk_W23oQ9jxf5SAuMNLnOA7rWz-3AbvhkXApvJO-jECPxWSblzxngjhPCQIK_1dIXYoeSvnS2xNwkbB0_JL7mA3dkqEHO4SGaGZTQHW2VA/s640/3550-wm-1.jpg" title="Suzuki Busy Badger / Suzuki Hustler" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was having lunch with a good friend yesterday and we got talking about Suzuki cars. He told me how much he liked the new Ignis which he saw in Mexico. I told him I saw them in Iceland last summer. I then told him I am in love with the Suzuki Hustler, a small, tall kei car. He said, you know you can buy one in the U.S. right? Wait, what?<br />
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How could this be possible? Suzuki pulled out of the U.S. in 2013, so it wouldn't be from a dealer. However, there is a company importing them and calling them the Busy Badger LS. Yes, you read that right.<br />
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An outfit in Jackson, MI called <a href="https://newminitrucks.com/" target="_blank">RSM & Associates Co.</a> (aka Gung Ho Minitrucks) currently has a <a href="https://newminitrucks.com/product/lsvs-msvs2018-busy-badger-ls/" target="_blank">2019 Suzuki Busy Badger LS</a> on its website for $19,974. This is literally the same thing as a Suzuki Hustler, granted this is a lower-end spec. The listing says it's a low-speed vehicle. It also says it's all-wheel drive, has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and is road legal. Heck, it looks like it even has airbags. Now, since this is a LSV (low speed vehicle), there is likely a governor on the engine restricting the Busy Badger to speeds under 25 MPH. We all know that a Suzuki Hustler can do well over that, however. But federal law states than an LSV:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Has four wheels.</li>
<li>Within one mile can reach a speed of more than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface.</li>
<li>Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 3,000 pounds.</li>
<li>Must be certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to be registered and operated on public streets, roads, or highways.</li>
<li>Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Frankly, kei cars have been imported and registered under this LSV provision for years, and each state had different ins and outs for registration. At the college I attended, we had a Suzuki Wagon R and Daihatsu Hijets. These were used as grounds-maintenance vehicles and for deliveries on campus.<br />
<br />
So the big question is, could this Suzuki be registered for non LSV use? The answer is most likely no. At least not legally. Or at least not easily and legally. RSM & Associates even has a section that specifically says, "Can you change my LSV so it goes faster than 25 after I buy it?" They specifically state that the rules prevent them from making an LSV go faster than the mandated limits after you buy it. They also say that if you buy a LSV, plan to use it for local use only. No overland trips, ok?<br />
<br />
In a wonderful tidbit of info, RSM says that 25 MPH or 21.72 nautical miles per hour, is the same speed that the container ships travel at to go from Japan to the US and they cross the Pacific (8,600 miles) in two weeks. Huh.<br />
<br />
So while you may be able to legally buy a Suzuki Hustler in the U.S., you may not be able to take it very far or very fast, but you could have one.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVA3RBaWbbLKlP8dFzXRKwip8wXPEK49tLptFSkgzc3N7palqp1hZwDUPa7B_wFgnwx0BuQip_TBzwHtGoxvADFVlk18SMLzznZRmeS9s-BgdKlays0k99O0G0yjXxedGGiJ3p9hQUg/s1600/3550-wm-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Hustler - rear" border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVA3RBaWbbLKlP8dFzXRKwip8wXPEK49tLptFSkgzc3N7palqp1hZwDUPa7B_wFgnwx0BuQip_TBzwHtGoxvADFVlk18SMLzznZRmeS9s-BgdKlays0k99O0G0yjXxedGGiJ3p9hQUg/s640/3550-wm-4.jpg" title="Suzuki Hustler - rear" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Andy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.com1