Review: 2018 Toyota CH-R XLE

Some cars answer a question that nobody asked. The CH-R might be one of those vehicles. This makes me wonder, what would the question be? Maybe it's, where are all the funky-styled front-drive crossovers? Or perhaps, do you really need good rear visibility? We know it has to involve bringing teal back, however.

Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD

Who buys an FWD crossover? People who don't need AWD, that's who. And this 240 hp Kia Sportage SX is surprisingly fun, luxurious, and fast. It's quite good and quite entertaining. Read more over at Crankshaft Culture.

2018 Ford EcoSport Coming to the U.S.

Ford has finally decided to jump into the subcompact crossover craze, and it's doing so with the EcoSport. The little EcoSport has been sold in other parts of the world since 2004, but is finally coming stateside. In fact, we saw these in New Zealand and Australia and can confirm they are a great size—not too big.

The Chevrolet Spark ACTIV is Ready to Crossover

North America is in love with the crossover, or at least the idea of a crossover. Ideally, they're more rugged than a wagon, less truck-like than an SUV. And as we've seen, compact crossovers are selling like hotcakes. Small, slightly lifted hotcakes with additional plastic body cladding.

Now Chevy has decided to try something a bit different: A "trail-inspired" version of its front-wheel-drive subcompact Spark, which will be called the Spark ACTIV. The Spark already sells surprisingly well for a subcompact, so maybe a butched-up version will sell even better?

2016 Honda HR-V EX-L NAVI: The Introverted Subcompact CUV

The HR-V is a bit of an introvert. It's got AWD capability, it's comfortable, and it's solidly built. But it just doesn't say much. You're at the school dance and there's that guy/gal sitting down who is smart, moderately attractive, but just doesn't seem to have much of a personality—that's the HR-V.

To put it in more automotive terms, if the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is on one side of the subcompact CUV spectrum (the extrovert and rugged off-road type), and the Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring is on the other side of the spectrum (a smooth, edgy on-road handler), the Honda HR-V is pretty much in the middle. In other words, it's not something you'd necessarily want to flog off the pavement, and isn't the one you'd want at the autocross. The HR-V, which is based on the subcompact Fit chassis, is essentially an AWD Fit—complete with Honda's Magic Seats—but with a softer suspension and more power. It is, perhaps, the Goldilocks of the group, which resides in the middle of the subcompact CUV personality spectrum.

December 2015 Subcompact Car Sales and Reflections on the 2015 Small Car Market

By Andy Lilienthal

With falling gas prices throughout 2015, small car sales didn't post up the big numbers they have in the past. That being said, there were winners and losers.

Starting with December itself, the biggest increase in sales vs. Dec. 2014 was the Buick Encore which sold more than double the amount of cars it did last year at this time. Mazda's hot-selling Miata continues to post positive year over year gains, and BMW's electrified i3 sold a healthy 40.4% more cars than Dec. '14.

In the loser category for December, the generally unpopular Fiat 500L was down 79%, followed by the Toyota Yaris, and MINI Paceman. I can't speak for the 500L or the Paceman, but I know the Yaris was in very short supply in the latter months of '15.

2015 SUBCOMPACT CAR SALES AS A WHOLE
So which small model sold the most units total this year? That honor goes to the Kia Soul, which moved a whopping 147,113 units, outselling the Nissan Versa by just 2,585 units. A distant third goes to the Buick Encore, which moved 67,549 units.

The slowest sellers? Well the slothiest goes to the MINI Paceman which managed to move just 1,708 units all year. The Honda CR-Z and MINI Cooper /S Convertible round out the bottom three.

Another interesting foot note is that Mitsubishi proved it can also sell a small car, as the rebounding Japanese brand sold a healthy 21,515 units, making it the company's second best selling vehicle after the Outlander Sport. Taking a page out of the Chevy Spark playbook, the miniature Mirage offers four doors, great fuel economy, and popular tech bits. It is still rather Spartan. It's also very inexpensive. The Spark, by the way, was down 16.2% for the year.

However, where some of the cars slowed down in sales, the subcompact crossover segment more than made up for it.

2015: THE YEAR OF THE SUBCOMPACT CROSSOVER
Next time people say U.S. buyers don't like small cars, point them to this blog post. American's love small cars—as long as they're labeled as crossovers and have available AWD.

Case in point? The aforementioned Buick Encore's 67,549 units sold this year. And guess what? Its twin, the Chevy Trax, moved another 63,030 units. As predicted, Jeep's Renegade is killing it thus far and has sold 60,946 models in nine months. Honda's HR-V has sold nearly 42,000 units, too.

If you add in sales of all the subcompact crossovers sold this year (500X, Countryman, CX-3, Encore, HR-V, Juke, Renegade, and Trax), it amounts to more than 293,000 units sold. And if you include the fairly small Subaru Crosstrek, which sold 89,000 on its own, you get more than 382,000 small crossovers sold in 2015. Yes, the subcompact crossover market was smokin' hot in 2015, and I'll be this trend soldiers on into 2016, too.

Make/Model	% Dec. '15 vs. '14	Units Dec. '15	% YTD Dec. '15 vs. Dec. '14	Units YTD
Buick Encore	109.5	6498	38.2	67549
Mazda MX-5 Miata	86.8	706	81.1	8591
BMW i3	40.4	1422	81.0	11024
Chevrolet Sonic	33.7	7293	-30.7	64775
Huyndai Veloster	33.3	2246	-12.1	24245
Honda CR-Z	31.0	316	-13.7	3073
Kia Soul	22.7	12159	1.2	147113
Nisssan Versa	21.1	11058	3.4	144528
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 4 DR	12.0	1247	1026.8	15189
Mitsubishi Mirage	11.2	1262	28.8	21515
MINI Cooper Countryman	10.7	2148	-26.3	16686
Ford Fiesta	-4.7	3550	2.0	64458
Toyota Prius c	-6.4	2861	-5.4	38484
Nissan Juke	-9.1	1958	-29.0	27121
Smart ForTwo	-31.2	669	-28.4	7484
MINI Cooper /S Convertible	-32.9	147	-12.4	3098
Honda Fit	-34.9	4197	-11.1	52724
Fiat 500	-35.0	1510	-26.0	25084
Kia Rio	-48.2	997	-33.9	23742
Chevrolet Spark	-55.4	1340	-16.2	32809
Hyundai Accent	-68.3	2718	-2.9	61486
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 2 DR	-68.8	956	-8.0	19778
MINI Paceman	-70.5	38	-18.0	1708
Toyota Yaris	-76.5	377	26.4	16779
Fiat 500L	-79.0	308	-37.0	7863
Jeep Renegade	0	8975	0	60946
Chevrolet Trax	0	5323	0	63030
Honda HR-V	0	4737	0	41969
Fiat 500X	0	1996	0	9463
Scion iA	0	1808	0	7605
Mazda CX-3	0	1663	0	6406

Review: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring

By Scott Araujo

The CX-3 is Mazda's entry in the compact crossover/cute-ute market. It's based on the Mazda2 but with a bigger motor and available all wheel drive. We got a Grand Touring model with AWD in Soul Red Metallic with parchment interior. And at an MSRP of $29,540 delivered, it's loaded to the gills with options.

Here's my own 2014 Mazda3 next to the CX-3.

The Kodo "soul of motion" design ethos is readily apparent in the body lines, it really looks great in red. The flow is a bit more compressed than on my 2014 Mazda3 since the car is shorter but it still looks sleek and has a unique look. It's obvious at first sight that the car is raised a bit and the fender flares give it a nice burly edge. The gray rocker panels with bright accent strips are also a nice touch. The 18" aluminum wheels are a mix of graphite gray metallic paint and machined aluminum face. Overall the car's styling is striking, especially for the lowest end model Mazda has in the U.S.

Small Cars, Big Prices: Why is the Subcompact Crossover Market So Hot and Why are They so Expensive?

By Michael Rentfro

Let me remind you all that I live smack dab in the middle of Heartland USA. There are no mountains within a day’s journey, unless you count the triple-decker on-ramp that crosses the Mississippi River into Illinois. There are no beaches you can drive on without being thrown in Army Corps of Engineers jail, and there are no curvy roads of any sort, unless you count the state highway they had to build around Cletus’s farm because he “simply would not sign that there piece of paper them big city muckey mucks threatened him with.” Our roads are straight and flat, and most of our first cars are funded by walking beans, bailing hay, detasseling corn (a practice so strange to city dwellers, MS Word swears it’s misspelled!), or simply passed down from generation to generation. It’s a very simple life, but we often find ourselves behind in the times when it comes to embracing change. This is why it’s so strange to me to see countless Jeep Renegades and Chevy Traxs (exactly what is the plural of Trax?) cruising our laser-straight highways here in the heartland. Even here, the subcompact crossover market seems to be exploding.

Buick Introduces A More Powerful Encore For 2016

By Andy Lilienthal

Buick's subcompact Encore CUV has been a strong seller for the GM brand (30,549 units moved as of June 2015, up 29%). However, if there's been one sticking point, it's been the power. The current Encore makes just 138 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque from the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill, yet has to haul around as much as 3,358 lbs.

GM announced today that there will be a new Encore Sport Touring model for 2016, which will make 153 hp and 177 lb/ft of torque from an all-new direct-injected 1.4-liter engine, which will also feature start/stop technology. And despite the fact the new engine's displacement is the same as the older one, nothing else is.

Review: 2015 Chevrolet Trax LTZ FWD

By Andy Lilienthal

The subcompact crossover segment is simply exploding with new entries, and one of the latest is Chevrolet’s new Trax. Based on the Chevrolet Sonic chassis, the Trax is a mechanical twin to the more upscale Buick Encore which has been selling like super-practical little hotcakes. The Trax isn’t quite as lux-oriented as its Buick cousin (it’s also not available in beige with faux hood vents), but is actually a remarkably neat little vehicle. Admittedly, after speaking to some of my fellow automotive writing cohorts, I thought the vehicle was going to be a disappointment. But it was pretty much the exact opposite.

In The Flesh: 2016 Fiat 500X Easy

By Mercedes Lilienthal
With styling cues from the Fiat 500 Abarth and 500L, the 2016 Fiat 500X is a welcomed addition into Fiat’s arsenal of small car models. What’s new? Everything. The X is Fiat's version of a feisty crossover, their answer to what outdoorsy people might want for a rugged and go anywhere type of ride. FYI, the 500X shares many attributes with the soon-to-be released Jeep Renegade.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets Larger 2.4-Liter Engine

We've always enjoyed the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport except for one thing: The 2.0-liter, 148 hp engine is wheezy in this 3,274 lb vehicle. We've always wondered why the company hasn't installed its 2.4-liter engine, which makes 20 more horsepower than the 2.0-liter; 168 hp and 167 ft/lbs of torque to be exact.

Mitsubishi, which has been on the rebound as of late, has finally decided to add the larger engine to its Outlander Sport. The 2.4-liter MIVEC engine is the same mill found in the Lancer GT and will be available on the Outlander Sport ES and GT trim levels. The ES version will start at $21,295; the GT will start at $23,595. The GT model will include the awesome 710 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with nine speakders and 10-inch subwoofer, too.

All Mitsubishis come with a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty, 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and 7 year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion warranty.

We hope these changes help Mitsubishi regain a solid footing in the U.S. market, and look forward to seeing what other tricks they have up their sleeve. Oh, I wouldn't be opposed to 237 hp Outlander Sport, by the way. And yes, this engine is in the company's parts bin—and probably would bolt right in. Mate it to a twin-clutch gearbox, and you could have one compact, fast crossover.

The Subcompact Crossover Segment Heating Up

The 2015 Honda HR-V will be based on the Honda Fit chassis.

For years we've been told Americans don't like small cars and they don't like hatchbacks. We do know they like all-wheel/four-wheel drive and crossovers, however. So what happens when manufacturers take small hatchbacks, give them AWD, and call them a crossover? You get the quickly growing subcompact crossover segment.

This isn't the first time small 4WD vehicles have been sold in the U.S., however. The 1980s offered vehicles such as the Dodge Colt Vista, the 4WD Toyota Tercel, the Nissan Stanza Wagon, and of course, the Subaru Justy. In the 1990s we saw the Mitsubishi Expo LRV/Eagle Summit Wagon/Plymouth Colt Vista trio and the Nissan Axxes. Things became more mainstream with the advent of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the Subaru Impreza. Over the years, many of these vehicles got bigger, heavier, and their personality changed. It wasn't until 2007 when Suzuki came out with the SX4 that the subcompact crossover segment reappeared on buyers' radar—although not many buyers opted for the Suzuki, and the entire brand—SX4 and all—left the U.S. market in 2013.

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax is based on the Chevrolet Sonic platform.

Now, the small AWD car market is beginning to really heat up and many automakers are offering (or will be offering) small hatchbacks with AWD as an option. This includes:

• Buick Encore
• Chevrolet Trax
• Fiat 500X
• Honda HR-V
• Jeep Renegade
• MINI Countryman ALL4
• Nissan Juke

Allegedly, Mazda will debut a CX-3 in the not-so-distance future; there are rumblings of a small, AWD Hyundai (iX25?); and chatter that Kia's Soul will soon be able to turn all of its wheels.

I'm excited that this segment is getting bigger. We loved the size of our 2010 and 2011 Suzuki SX4; it was that just-right size, and the fact that we could get it with AWD and a manual transmission was icing on the cake. Hopefully this latest crop of vehicles will at least have a shift-it-yourself option. Regardless, this segment is definitely on the rise, and I would expect other manufacturers to hop on on this subcompact bandwagon as well.

The upcoming Fiat 500X

Official: 2015 Jeep Renegade

Low and behold, the rumors are true, and here's the 2015 "Baby Jeep," officially called the Renegade. This is Jeep's first foray into the small SUV market (remember, this is smaller than the Patriot/Compass). The Renegade will also be a global platform, so this little Jeep will be sold all over the world. Jeep is saying the vehicle was designed in the U.S.A., but will be manufactured in Italy. There will be a host of powertrains and transmissions globally, but no word yet on which combination the U.S. is getting. We're not generally a site that simply pastes a press release for a story, but there's a lot to read, so here's the full story from Jeep:

Review: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWC

We last drove the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport back in the summer of 2011. We liked it size, its shape, the panoramic roof, and amazing Rockford Fosgate sound system. It lacked power and wasn’t the most exciting to drive. But man, that sound system was amazing.

Not a ton has changed for the 2013 model. It still looks good (I love the Laguna Blue paint), it still has the panoramic roof, and still has the amazing stereo. In fact, while the Outlander Sport is perfectly good transportation, I prefer to think of it as one of the best AWD mobile sound systems out there.

In the Driveway: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

In the the driveway this week is the all-wheel drive 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover. Upon first impression, I still like the looks, I'm more fond of that bright blue color than I thought I'd be, and the Rockford Fosgate stereo must still be the loudest OEM system known to man—and it sounds amazing. The 2.0-liter engine feels anemic, and it's mated to a CVT with paddle shifters, which actually work very well. Nearly the entire roof on this guy is glass, too.

More later; stay tuned.

VW Polo and Subcompact VW Crossover Finally Ready to Appear in the U.S.?

Volkswagen Cross Polo 

For years we've been hearing rumors of the Volkswagen Polo coming to U.S. shores. Well, the rumor mill is churning again. Motor Trend is reporting that, due to CAFE standards, the Polo will be hitting U.S. shores. For real. Apparently. Hopefully.

In addition, a subcompact SUV/crossover will be here, too. (Remember the VW Rocktan and CrossPolo?) MT is saying the Polo could be here as as 2015; the subcompact CUV/SUV no earlier than 2016. So it might be a bit early to get excited, but we'll see if it actually happens this time.

I'd welcome a smaller VW model, and always dug the Polo. While I'm not holding my breath, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Review: 2013 Ford Escape SE

Photo by Curtis Reesor

The MY2013 Ford Escape marks the third generation for Ford’s compact crossover. Although there was a refresh in 2008, it still looked very similar to the vehicle that debuted in 2001. Many of the Escape’s competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, and Hyundai Tucson, for example, have underwent more modern facelifts in the not-so-distant past, but the Escape had maintained its boxy SUV looks. That is, until now.

In the Driveway: 2013 Ford Escape SE

In the driveway this week is the 2013 Ford Escape SE. This compact crossover is powered by the 178 horsepower 1.6-liter turbochraged EcoBoost engine instead of the 240 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost, and it's a front-drive model, not the all-wheel drive variant. I think it looks very attractive, certainly less boring than some crossovers out there.

Initial impressions are that it has a good amount of low-end power, a modern if not somewhat futuristic-looking interior, and a lot of tech goodies. It seems to ride well and is quite comfy. Yes, it's got Microsoft Sync, and no it doesn't have the fancy swing-your-foot-under-the-rear-bumper-and-the-liftgate-opens tailgate. I tried doing that and just looked like a moron.

More later; stay tuned.

In the flesh: 2013 MINI Paceman Cooper S ALL4

MINI displayed its all-new Paceman model at the 2013 Portland International Auto Show last week. The Paceman rides on the MINI Countryman platform and is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. This model, the Paceman Cooper S ALL4, feature AWD and was powered by the 181 horsepower turbocharged mill and equipped with a manual transmission. The price was in the low $30,000 range. The Paceman is also available with the standard 1.6-liter non-turbo engine.

There's no doubting this is once unique little rig. It's larger and chunkier than the picture suggests. Its interior is modeled after an airplane, complete with an emergency brake that looks like a throttle out of a jet. It's got four bucket seats. It's very different. It's also an amalgam of vehicular styles. It's like a miniature crossover ; maybe an answer to a question that doesn't exist. And how many variations on the MINI body are we going to see?

At first glance, it wasn't my cup of tea. But I haven't driven one, and would like to. Frankly, I think this two-door is a very suitable competitor to the Nissan Juke ... if it had two doors as well. But none the less, both the Juke and the Paceman are slightly wacky, turbocharged, AWD compacts with lots of personalty.