Been having some good debates on the future of the wife's Hyundai Accent and the state of the subcompact market (b-segment) here in the United States. By our estimation, it has been on a slow but continuous decline that has coincided with the market recovery from 2008 or thereabouts (by my estimation) as gas has been lower and folks opt for the bigger rides or the cute crossovers that are neither cars, trucks, nor SUVs. Perhaps not the case elsewhere in the world, but seems to be the state of affairs here. Curious to see what the future holds with gas on the rise again and many companies slashing car models left and right.
Yet as mostly urban dwellers we always appreciate the parking efficiency, mileage, and "fun to drive" factor some of the subcompacts showcase. Have been fans of the Peter Schreyer designed Rio that we have as our primary car, and have always been partial to the Accent...though were a bit disappointed the new Accent line does NOT have a hatchback here in the United States (+1 Canada)...so what to do?
The Accent may or may not be headed for retirement so we are pondering the next car. We don't typically opt for new as this will be a secondary car...but stranger things have happened. So, what are folks favorite subcompacts? I guess I'm thinking from 2007 to present but all time is cool, as are models from around the world. City cars, hatchbacks, you name it...and if you think there' something we should think about give a shout. Cheers.
Yet as mostly urban dwellers we always appreciate the parking efficiency, mileage, and "fun to drive" factor some of the subcompacts showcase. Have been fans of the Peter Schreyer designed Rio that we have as our primary car, and have always been partial to the Accent...though were a bit disappointed the new Accent line does NOT have a hatchback here in the United States (+1 Canada)...so what to do?
The Accent may or may not be headed for retirement so we are pondering the next car. We don't typically opt for new as this will be a secondary car...but stranger things have happened. So, what are folks favorite subcompacts? I guess I'm thinking from 2007 to present but all time is cool, as are models from around the world. City cars, hatchbacks, you name it...and if you think there' something we should think about give a shout. Cheers.