The appeal of smaller cars is growing in the UK as the prospect of fuel economy attracts motorists.
Forget the Merc, check out the Fiesta. The appeal of smaller cars is growing in the United Kingdom as the prospect of fuel economy appeals to motorists.
website reports that, according to Motor Industry FACTS for 2002, published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the supermini segment has grown by more than 4,5 per cent in the last five years.
Out of the superminis, the Ford Fiesta (replaced during the year by a new model) was the biggest seller in 2001, with sales of 98 221, followed by the Peugeot 206 with 97 887, and the Vauxhall (Opel) Corsa, which took third place, registering 93 792 sales. The Renault Clio (79 843 units) was fourth and the Fiat Punto (59 573) was fifth.
There is an incredible amount of competition in this segment and consumers are benefitting from this, said SMMT Chief Executive Christopher Macgowan.
“Practically all the volume manufacturers have a supermini model in their range, and the level of equipment fitted as standard is now quite phenomenal. The barriers to smaller motoring have been removed and buyers have recognised this.”
Many of the new superminis do not compromise safety features for fuel efficiency and also have a wide array of extras, such as air-conditioning, ABS, airbags and CD players, that were usually only offered on bigger models.
Would you be look at buying down to a smaller car for fuel economy? And which models would you consider?
