Compact Genius
Ever-shrinking microchip technology has allowed more and more functionality to be added to cars, putting a stop to the idea that the smallest vehicles must be stripped of all extra features. Engineers know that lighter cars are the most fuel-efficient, but legislators—and the driving public—insist on the latest safety systems, and these naturally add weight. Designers wrestle with these requirements as they create the latest models, ensuring is no barrier to safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Honda Fit/Jazz MkI, 2001
| Origin | Japan |
| Engine | 1,497 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
As the Civic became larger, Honda attacked the supermini sector anew with the Honda Fit (or Jazz in Europe). It became an instant class benchmark.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class MkII, 2004
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 2,034 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 114 mph (183 km/h) |
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class was a small car designed so its engine diverted below the cabin in the event of a crash. This is the more mature, second-generation model.
BMW 1 series, 2004
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 1,599 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 138 mph (222 km/h) |
BMW’s 1 Series reworked the 3 Series in a tighter package. As well as this five-door model, there was a three-door version, a coupe, and a convertible.
Toyota Prius MkII, 2004
| Origin | Japan |
| Engine | 1,496 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 104 mph (167 km/h) |
With a 76 bhp gasoline engine augmented by a 68 bhp electric motor—plus on-the-move battery recharging—the Prius MkII offered minimal fuel consumption.
Toyota iQ, 2008
| Origin | Japan |
| Engine | 1,329 cc, three-cylinder |
| Top speed | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
This is Toyota’s upmarket city car. Clever features abound, including a three-cylinder engine, slimline seats, nine airbags, and electronic stability control.
MCC Smart Crossblade, 2002
| Origin | France |
| Engine | 599 cc, three-cylinder |
| Top speed | 84 mph (135 km/h) |
The Smart City-Cabrio was a tiny car, but the Crossblade (of which 2,000 were built) was pared down even further. It had no doors, no windscreen, and no roof.
MCC Smart Roadster, 2003
| Origin | France |
| Engine | 698 cc, three-cylinder |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
This tiny two-seater extended the Smart city car philosophy to create a latterday Frogeye Sprite. It was fun to drive, and economical.
Citroën DS3, 2009
| Origin | France |
| Engine | 1,598 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 133 mph (214 km/h) |
There is nothing retro about the neat DS3-nothing links it to the famous DS of old-but the short length and massive cabin make it an intriguing Mini alternative.
Renault Megane MkII, 2002
| Origin | France |
| Engine | 1,998 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 149 mph (240 km/h) |
Designers at Renault caused a stir with the upright rear window of this second-generation Megane. As before, the five-door family car was only one of many Megane incarnations.
Opel/Vauxhall Astra, 2004
| Origin | Germany/UK |
| Engine | 1,998 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
The Astra, from General Motors Europe, took a guantum leap forward in its design in 2004. This three-door car, called the GTC, introduced a panoramic windscreen stretching into the roof panel.
Peugeot RCZ THP 200, 2010
| Origin | France/Austria |
| Engine | 1,997cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 146 mph (235 km/h) |
This coupe, which is similar in size to Audi’s TT, began life as a car show concept car, but huge public demand pushed it into showrooms. It has two small seats in the back.
Volvo C70 MkII, 2006
| Origin | Sweden |
| Engine | 2,521 cc, five-cylinder |
| Top speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
This four-seater is not small, but the all-steel, three-part roof mechanism that converts it from snug sedan to open convertible is a masterpiece of space-efficiency.
Ford Streetka, 2003
| Origin | Spain/Italy |
| Engine | 1,597 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 108 mph (174 km/h) |
Ford based this tiny two-seat roadster on its Ka hatchback. Designed and built in Italy, it was given a traditional fabric hood, and launched by diminutive pop star Kylie Minogue.
Ford Focus Mk2 RS, 2009
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 2,522 cc, five-cylinder |
| Top speed | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
With over 300 bhp of power going through the front wheels of what is essentially a family hatchback, the Mk2 has bespoke limited-slip differential and front suspension.
Alfa Romeo MiTo, 2008
| Origin | Italy |
| Engine | 1,593 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 136 mph (219 km/h) |
Sharing its underpinnings with the Fiat Grande Punto, this was the first-ever really small Alfa. MiTo stands for Milan, where it was designed, and Turin, where it is built.
Scion xB, 2007
| Origin | Japan |
| Engine | 2,362 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
To target younger U.S. buyers, Toyota introduced its Scion sub-brand in 2004. The chunky xB, now in its second incarnation, is the mainstay.
Mini Clubman, 2008
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,598 cc, four-cylinder |
| Top speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
BMW’s reinvention of the Mini saw the production of this wagon. It has twin, van-style doors at the rear, and a small “club door” on the driver’s side.
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, 2010
| Origin | USA |
| Engine | 6,162 cc, V8 |
| Top speed | 191 mph (307 km/h) |
The stocky CTS-V sedan holds the production car record for lapping Germany’s Nurburgring, at 7min 59.3sec. This coupe shares its 556 bhp power unit.
It is a quote. The Definitive Visual History Of The Automobile 2011
