Introduction

We have seen the future, and it is small. That is, the coming crop of cars is getting smaller, and that's just fine with us. Call it a backlash, or just an acknowledgement that daily transportation can only get so big before it becomes impractical, or a response to fuel prices, or whatever you want, but one of the hottest markets for the next couple of years will be subcompacts and compacts. That's good news for buyers, because manufacturers are now doing much more to make these cars not just necessities, but aspirations. Take a look at the coming Ford Fiesta and try to convince us that you don't want it based just on its looks, or that the high-tech Nissan LEAF doesn't stimulate your inner geek's need for techie gear. Best of all, compacts and subcompacts are still the price leaders, meaning you can get this style and innovation for mere pocket change, relatively speaking.