Will COVID-19 Change Automotive Buying Trends?

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.

The Fiat 126p is the Best Rally Car.

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.

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. 

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 my favorite 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. 

I completely and utterly love these. Have you ever owned one? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section. 

Confirmed: U.S. market Honda Fit to be dropped after current model year

Well, we just got the official word from Honda: the Fit will be dropped from the U.S. lineup after the current generation.

2019 Subcompact Sales Summary

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 were 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.

Yes, You Can Buy a New Suzuki Hustler in the USA

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?

Mitsubishi Releases 2021 Mirage, G4 Photos

Mitsubishi Motors debuted its Thai-made 2021 Mirage (aka Space Star) and Mirage G4 (aka Attrage) in Thailand yesterday. The new subcompact hatchback and sedan receive an exterior and interior refresh, and how feature the company's Dynamic Shield front end. Both cars will be on display at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2019 on November, 28.

The Next Honda Fit Debuts in Tokyo

Honda has unveiled its redesigned 2020 Fit at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. According to Honda, without compromising its spacious cabin and excellent visibility, the fourth-gen Fit was developed with the intention of becoming the globally accepted standard for compact cars suited to this new era.

Quick Drive: Hyundai Veloster N w/Performance Package

Photo by Doug Berger

Hyundai revamped its funky Veloster for 2019. It maintained much of the said funkiness from the previous model while offering up new style and new features. We always enjoyed the Veloster Turbos we've driven, as reviewed in the past. When the latest generation was announced, we were told a high-performance model was going to come out in its new N lineup. I got to drive the Veloster N with the Performance Package, and must say that it's at the top of the hot hatch game.

Small Car Stereotype: Poor, Bad Credit, Horrible Life

There's a good discussion on The Truth About Cars' "Ace Of Base: 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage" post. It seems to be one of the few articles I've seen about the Mirage that doesn't simply trash it and reader comments don't add fuel to the dumpster fire. However, one post caught my eye.

New 2020 Toyota Yaris to Debut at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota showed off its next-generation Yaris liftback today on its global website. This means after more than a decade, the Yaris will finally get a full redesign. It will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, which begins October 23.