subcompact Archives

Report: Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S.

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Volkswagen

jonathan browning, vw Volkswagen is working hard to make sure it accomplishes its North American assimilation plan. In order to fully realize its ambitious 800,000-unit volume target, the automaker will be required to introduce an even greater variety of vehicles into its existing lineup. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen North America, says that he and his team understand this, and a few new VW family members could wind up in U.S. dealer showrooms.

According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen believes that an additional crossover is needed to help round-out the lineup. This vehicle would need three-rows of passenger seating, and its crosshairs would target the likes of Ford’s Explorer and the Honda Pilot. For whatever it’s worth, the scuttlebutt we’ve heard is that VW is considering a stretched Tiguan to fill this duty, as a three-row Touareg would be too costly for the family-oriented segment.

Volkswagen could also be looking to go small. Though its current European-market Polo seems like an easy solution, VW believes that’s not the case. The car is not ready for U.S. consumption, and it would require a bit of “Americanizing” before VW will sell you one.

We love the Polo and are looking forward to whatever form in which it arrives, but we’d love to see us some Scirocco and Amarok, too.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Nissan says subcompact buyers aren’t looking for styling, sportiness

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

2012 Nissan Versa

2012 Nissan Versa – Click above for high-res image gallery

After Nissan unveiled its redesigned 2012 Versa sedan at the New York Auto Show yesterday, coverage was almost unanimous in declaring it, at best, inconspicuous. David Reuter, Nissan’s VP of Corporate Communications, tells Autoblog that’s fine:

“The Fiesta may have been getting the press, this is what was selling. We were up 20 percent last year. Our competitors have gone for sporty and styling, but that’s not what these buyers want. Subcompact buyers want a dependable, roomy car with good fuel economy, and they want the features and specs to feel they spent a lot more on a car than they did.”

The formula, inconspicuous as it might be, has worked: Nissan moved 99,705 Versa sedans and hatchbacks in 2010, running away from everything else in the class – next were the Honda Fit with 54,354, the Hyundai Accent with 51,975, and the Chevrolet Aveo with 48,623 units sold. Say what you will about the looks, with a segment-leading 103 cubic feet of room in the 2012 Versa and more standard features at a competitive price point, the momentum will likely continue.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan Versa: New York 2011

New York 2011: Nissan says subcompact buyers aren’t looking for styling, sportiness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep to build subcompact by 2013?

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Jeep, Rumormill

Tiny Jeep (photo by Matt Coors)

Jeep CEO Mike Manley let word slip at the Geneva Motor Show that his company is looking to build a subcompact-sized B-segment SUV by 2013.

Manley said that Chrysler’s partnership with Fiat would be critical to building the new car, as Jeep is looking at using Fiat’s 1.6-liter and 1.3-liter JDTm diesels, as well as the 1.4-liter Multiair gasoline mill.

The package would likely be based on the Fiat Grande Punto, and most models would be front-wheel drive. Since this is a Jeep product, at least the top-of-the-line trim level would get four-wheel drive.

Expect the subcompact Jeep to be aimed at the Mini Cooper and the Audi A1, with a premium options list in a supermini. Despite targeting the premium hatchback market, the Jeep will carry at least a passing resemblance to the Wrangler, and won’t totally abandon its rugged off-road ethos.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Matt Coors via Flickr (used w/ permission)]

Report: Jeep to build subcompact by 2013? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai previews ix20 subcompact ahead of Paris rollout

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai ix20

Hyundai ix20 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language may be doing wonders on North American-spec Sonatas and Tucsons, but this same design language will make its way across the automaker’s entire worldwide lineup over the next few years. We’ve seen it previewed in the next-generation Elantra and Accent, and now Hyundai has released some preview images of its new ix20 small MPV, set to debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show. At first glance, it looks like a teeny-tiny ground-bound Tucson. It’s cute, if a bit angry-looking.

We’ll have to wait until the Paris show opens up before we get the full details on the ix20. For now, Hyundai is only saying that its new MPV will offer class-leading fuel economy, low C02 emissions and the latest in active and passive safety technologies. Follow the jump for the full details in the press release.

Gallery: Hyundai ix20

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai previews ix20 subcompact ahead of Paris rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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