All these cars are too expensive, and not fuel-efficient enough. The Toyota's real-life MPG is embarrassing, it needs to be significantly better than the Yaris to be relevant. Otherwise, what's the point?
I also want to meet the folks that would pay north of 20K for the overwrought design of the Spark, what a horrible-looking car. Thankfully, I haven't seen one on the road yet. Here's hoping it's a dud.
Old as it may be, the Smart serves its intended purpose in the best manner but it's out of its habitat here.
1. Yes, these cars are not the $9995 Hyundai Accent of yore. They also have a lot more creature comforts - AC, auto trans (for those that require it
), power windows/locks, etc. And most relevantly, the consumer is paying for the design & engineering - it's not easy to make a package that small, yet safe and relatively spacious.
2. You don't like the design of the Spark, that's fine. But let me tell you - they were all over the roads of the UK and Amsterdam. And I for one don't "hope it's a dud". I have no intention to ever buy the thing, but good on GM for giving North America the option. It may not make a lot of sense for most of us (compared to "real" subcompacts), but at least GM is in the small-car game - and not in a half-assed way.
For most of us where space is not THE limiting factor when purchasing a new vehicle, these cars are not a rational purchase. But look at car (or scooter!) sales in places where it is...