Begining of the end for SUV's; the subcompacts are coming!

[jayhawk]

Heres a photo of the 2007 Nissan Versa:

http://motortrend.com/features/news/112_news050930_versa_l.jpg

[size=4]
Offers affordability, roominess, quality and efficiency; other changes to 2007 lineup include all-new Sentra, Altima, and enhanced Maxima
September 30, 2005

Motor Trend

Nissan North America has announced the addition of an all-new Nissan Versa hatchback and sedan for the 2007 model year. The new entry-level Versa is expected to have a MSRP starting at around $12,000. The hatchback model is scheduled to go on sale in early summer 2006, with the Versa sedan following in late 2006. The Versa is one of many enhancements to Nissan's 2007 car lineup, which will include an all-new Sentra, all-new Altima, and enhanced Maxima. "Versa rounds out our strong car portfolio, which is going to see a lot of new activity in the coming model year," said Jed Connelly, senior vice president, sales and marketing, NNA, at the Versa preview held at the Nissan Technical Center North America -- Farmington Hills. "Combined with the popular Nissan Sentra, the new Versa gives Nissan a major presence in the under-$20,000 sedan segments, which currently account for nearly 1.9 million annual sales."

Versa is an international design, built on Nissan's advanced "B" platform. Versa models sold in North America will be assembled at Nissan's Aguascalientes, Mexico facility, which also builds the current Nissan Sentra.

Nissan says the design of the new Versa places a priority on interior roominess, a high-quality interior, and comfortable, stress-free environment. The name Versa reflects the "versatile space" provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. Versa will be called Tiida in Mexico, Japan, China, and other markets where the car is sold.

"The Versa design and engineering teams found a way to put a big interior in a small car," said Connelly. "The interior length, front to back, is over six feet long -- equal to or larger than some full-size luxury sedans." Both the Versa hatchback and Versa sedan also feature large cargo areas, ideal for owners with highly active lives. Versa promises a high-quality interior and craftsmanship with a simple design and layout that accentuates its surprising roominess. The Versa exterior features a dynamic look and attention to detail, with the body forms and long rooflines suggesting both the space inside and Versa's performance capabilities. Every Versa comes with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine designed to satisfy both performance and environmental requirements. The all-new engine is rated at an estimated 120 horsepower and 125-plus lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at a combined 38 miles per gallon with the available Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmission (final engine performance and fuel economy rating will be finalized closer to vehicle on-sale date).

"With the availability of the smooth, efficient CVT in Versa, we're putting some of our best technology on our entry-level vehicle," said Connelly.

The Versa sedan and hatchback will be offered in several models and with a long list of standard and available features and amenities, including available Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio, and Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer.

"With its highly affordable price, Versa offers a great opportunity for new buyers to experience Nissan's performance, technology, and quality for the first time," said Connelly. "With an expanding consumer market for high quality, highly efficient, high-value small vehicles, Versa is in an ideal position for 2007 and beyond."

[SilverGA2001]

Beginning of the end for SUV's? Funny, Motortrend also has this tidbit on their website...

With the U.S. price of gasoline hitting above $3 a gallon, many are seeking hybrid cars, but one in four cars sold is still a sport utility vehicle. Hybrid cars represent just 1.3 percent of the U.S. auto market, and by the end of the decade, J.D. Power predicts hybrids will account for less than 4 percent of total auto sales.

Meanwhile, SUVs will grow from 24.6 percent to 26.6 percent.



"For hybrids to have a double-digit market share, we'd essentially have to run out of fossil fuel," says Power's Jeff Schuster.



J.D. Power forecasts that by 2010, the number of SUV models on the market will increase 24 percent to 109 models. However, new SUVs are lighter and will get more miles per gallon of gas.



Detroit researchers SUVs provide consumers with the "maximum-use imperative" -- that rare occasion when a driver is towing a boat while ferrying his child's entire soccer team.

[jayhawk]

The Toyota Yaris:
http://bioage.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007_us_yaris.jpg

TORONTO, Sept. 12 /CNW/ - Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today announced that it is bringing a new nameplate to Canada: Yaris. This announcement followed the world debut of the all-new Yaris at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show earlier today. TCI will give Canadians their first look at the 2006 Yaris when the hatchback goes on display September 16 at the Georgian College Auto Show. Visitors are invited to the Toyota area during show hours running from September 16 - 18 in Barrie, Ontario.

Named 2000 Car of the Year when it was introduced in Europe, Yaris immediately became a best-seller. In Canada, where Toyota boasts the top-selling subcompact nameplate, Yaris becomes the ideal new entrant to raise the bar once again, and set a new standard in the popular segment thanks to its dynamic exterior styling, roomy and chic interior, precise handling, class-leading safety features and outstanding fuel economy. With its introduction to North America and other parts of the world, the Toyota Yaris becomes a truly global vehicle with widespread appeal.
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With the new Yaris, Toyota expects to redefine the expectations of owners in this highly competitive segment. Traditionally, subcompacts compromised style and performance in order to provide basic functionality at an affordable price. Toyota listened when target owners expressed their desire of wanting a small vehicle for practical reasons, but not wishing to own "sub" anything. The Yaris breaks free of this constraint and is clearly a subcompact that is anything but "sub".

"Yaris has enormous appeal for 'trend-setting' owners, who demand a vehicle that expresses their personality without compromising style, quality and handling," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of TCI. "Extroverted and active, these are well-educated, technologically savvy consumers who use their access to information to make knowledgeable purchase decisions based on their unique tastes and needs."

Yaris is the latest creation from ED(2), Toyota's European design studio, and the first vehicle sold in Canada to be created entirely using Toyota's new Vibrant Clarity design principles. 'Vibrant' refers to the design's energy and innovative character; 'clarity' stresses rationality, the need to keep the design crisp and easy to interpret at a glance. ED2 has thoughtfully expressed Vibrant Clarity throughout the vehicle to create a design with worldwide appeal, and a character that is instantly recognizable as Toyota.

The minimal front overhang, wide stance, flowing sidelines and streamlined bumpers result in a uniquely proportioned body that is both strong and energetic. The 'S'-shaped doors are very difficult to engineer but catch and reflect light so that it plays up the design's refreshing energy. The flowing shoulder line enhances the lively proportions, and the forward-leaning rear silhouette creates a feeling of power and stability.

The ergonomically designed interior package is carefully designed to provide class-leading roominess in a cabin that is highly functional as well as sporty and comfortable. A number of design elements create a sense of eye-catching quality that is uncommon in the class. A 'Loop Style Concept' creates a visually open space using a light colour scheme that loops from the door arm rests to the pillars and headliner. The centre instrument cluster uses a vertical layout and an innovative hoodless instrument panel design to create a totally unique appearance that is both sporty and highly functional.

In fact, the Yaris isn't just great looking; every element has been carefully considered to make it as functional as it is handsome. The unique vertical arrangement of the instruments, for example, also creates more leg room, and the Optitron meters provide excellent visibility. A tilt steering wheel is standard equipment, offering adjustability of driving position for a wide variety of physiques. Rear seating space is best-in-class, and the flat rear floor means three rear passengers all ride in comfort. The frame and fabric of the new seats have been designed to make them more comfortable and less likely to cause fatigue on long trips.

Generous rear cargo space is complemented by 12 smart storage spaces within the cabin, designed to be convenient and easy to reach, especially those intended for use by the driver.

Yaris will be sold in both 3- and 5-door hatchback configuration, and come in three trim levels including CE, LE, and the sporty RS grade. Furthermore, Yaris is equipped with an exceptional range of standard and optional equipment, and comes in a host of vibrant colours including three never-before seen shades: copper orange mica, bayou blue metallic and blazing blue metallic.

[99GrandAMSE]

... I fret the eventual 'loss' of the 4x4 line up similar to that of the Blazer, Explorer, etc as next to an actual truck they are the only real thing that suit my lifestyle ... as much as those may appeal to some, I'd like to see one tow my trailer :(

[jayhawk]

The Honda Fit/Jazz:

http://asia.vtec.net/Series/FitJazz/Intro/main.jpg

Of all the Honda models today, the Honda Fit/Jazz is quite indisputably the most successful and the most outstanding of recent years. Launched in Japan 3 years ago as the Honda Fit, it literally took that market by storm, taking the Japan's Car of the Year award for 2001 and then immediately challenging and accomplishing the near impossible task of dethroning the then undisputed and undefeated champion of 33 years, the mighty Toyota Corolla to take the top selling car in Japan for the year 2002. Since then, the Fit has continued to sell well, regularly featuring as Honda's best selling model in Japan and also managing the best selling title for some recent months i.e. August 2003 and August 2004.

The same car is sold as the Honda Jazz in the rest of the world where it is just as successful. Sold in over 70 countries worldwide, the Jazz regularly wins awards and sells very well in most of the markets in which it has been introduced. To date, the number of Fit/Jazz sold worldwide is very quickly approaching the 1 million mark, only a little over 3 years after its launch !

[jayhawk]

You can say that it cant haul the kids, cant tow a trailer, cant survive a crash with a Stepford wife behind the wheel of a Ford Excursion, but this is reality. You can laugh at them, but just think, back in the 1970's when Americans were driving gigantic cars, people laughed at the idea of affordable compact cars taking over the market place. The 1973 oil embargos changed that. We live presently in the same situation.

Right now at the dealer I work at, SUV's are collecting dust, while Sentras and 2.5 Altimas are selling faster than our dealer can stock them; and at the same time, we are collecting alot of large trucks and SUV's.

[XoticGA]

I like that Fit/Jazz


And I'd be happy to SUV fall off the planet :) Along with Mini Vans and Mopeds :)

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by jayhawk
You can say that it cant haul the kids, cant tow a trailer, cant survive a crash with a Stepford wife behind the wheel of a Ford Excursion, but this is reality. You can laugh at them, but just think, back in the 1970's when Americans were driving gigantic cars, people laughed at the idea of affordable compact cars taking over the market place. The 1973 oil embargos changed that. We live presently in the same situation.

You sincerely have an issue with SUV/4x4s in general don't you Jay?! :lol: ... well, we both have our views on the subject and I highly doubt that I will be able to change your thoughts so I won't try but the fact remains, not everyone appreciates or wants small, well balanced, 4-bangers that fit like a glove and corner like it is on rails ... some of us are physically not suited to smaller cars nor does our lifestyle permit owning such under developed miniature automobile and actually require something that is capable of doing slightly more than taking a single person to work in the morning ... :lol: ... three "fat People" and "Kirby" won't fit in a Smart Car, that is "my" reality :poke:

[jayhawk]

Originally posted by SilverGA2001
Beginning of the end for SUV's? Funny, Motortrend also has this tidbit on their website...

Read the quote again, its says "JD Power predicts" and "JD Power forecasts" nowhere is there any fact in their information that I can see. Its easy to convince anyone of predictions when you use a number followed by a percentage sign. The facts I stated are that 3 subcompacts are coming here in the very near future. The title of the thread is of my own opinion. It does not read as "Fact: Begining of the end for SUV's"

If you typed this to just plainly disagree with me, keep doing it. Its awfully funny how easily baited you are.

[jayhawk]

Originally posted by 99grandamse
You sincerely have an issue with SUV/4x4s in general don't you Jay?! :lol: ... well, we both have our views on the subject and I highly doubt that I will be able to change your thoughts so I won't try but the fact remains, not everyone appreciates or wants small, well balanced, 4-bangers that fit like a glove and corner like it is on rails ... some of us are physically not suited to smaller cars nor does our lifestyle permit owning such under developed miniature automobile and actually require something that is capable of doing slightly more than taking a single person to work in the morning ... :lol: ... three "fat People" and "Kirby" won't fit in a Smart Car, that is "my" reality :poke:

Oh, I know where you are coming from. But everyone, me especially, thinks that their opinion is the right one. I hate SUV's with a passion, and I will try to convince the populace of the evils of them, or more to the point, that I feel the most reckless drivers are the ones driving them.

[99GrandAMSE]

... maybe what you should concentrate on is the people driving and not just the vehicle, Jay ... once again, looking at the opposite end of the spectrum, I see probably an equal number of 'small vehicle' owners driving like they can easily manoeuvre at high speeds even though neither their skill level or automobile are up to the task ... I believe you have a valid point though about reckless drivers but it would be much better to actually fix the 'cause', in this case the driver, and not blame the vehicle the driver is in control of ... actually, in all fairness, you should not only include SUVs (DYAM, I hate that term :lol: :D) but also every other vehicle as well ... anyway, enough out of me, have a good night :)

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by jayhawk
Read the quote again, its says "JD Power predicts" and "JD Power forecasts" nowhere is there any fact in their information that I can see. Its easy to convince anyone of predictions when you use a number followed by a percentage sign. The facts I stated are that 3 subcompacts are coming here in the very near future. The title of the thread is of my own opinion. It does not read as "Fact: Begining of the end for SUV's"

If you typed this to just plainly disagree with me, keep doing it. Its awfully funny how easily baited you are.


Motortrend doesn't generate their own data. They rely on outside sources that can. Hence why they post reports made by consumer companies.


There will never be an all out end to SUV's. Go to any campground near a big lake and you'll see why. Trailers in excess of 10,000 pounds are a normal site. Large boats and families with 3+ children represent the perfect niche for these SUV's. The person I camped beside last time showed up with a 40 foot trailer and 6 kids. Towed in with a Suburban. There simply isn't any other way around it. You either need a truck or an SUV, and as long as the truck is around, so will the SUV. There are people that prefer having a large vehicle to tow with, and still have a full interior space. I need at least a 4,000 pound tow rating to safely haul my trailer or boat, and my 12 foot box camper is only 17 feet in overall length. There will always be a need for SUV's, whether your personal grudge against them is present or not. They'll be more gas efficient, they'll probably have hybrid systems integrated, but they'll be around. But you probably think camping and boat is ignorant too. :roll2:

[jayhawk]

But you probably think camping and boat is ignorant too.

You nailed it right on the head. If I had it my way, everyone instead of being outdoors would have pointless arguments and male posturing on internet car forums...why, like right now between you and I! :eek:

[TA^Guy]

Crap even my 4.3 liter V6 has a tough enough time pulling my enclosed trailer on the highway.

I would love to see LESS SUVs, but not them all totally gone. I just don't understand why each automaker needs 4-5 SUVs in their line up.

On a note about these new cars I'd like to check out the new Mazda5.

[Prospeeder]

That jazz/fit thing is pretty cool! but i notice people who drive ford explorers are like 90% of the time road rage/insane/speeding/tailgating lunatics!

[Themeneea]

cars are getting so ugly

[Mike Reyna]

I guess my Aveo will fit right in. :D

[ManktheTank19]

Wow those cars(things) are terrible. People buy SUV's for a reason, and if they are willing to pay the high prices for gas, let them. Personally I would like to take a vacation in a SUV then one of these intimadors of the chevy metro. These things look week. Some car companies aren't smart and stop making what people want. (for example-camaros and firebirds, maybe SUV) Also, there is no way SUV are going to end. You think you can see high political leaders being driven in one of those things

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Mike Reyna
I guess my Aveo will fit right in. :D

:agree:

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by Themeneea
cars are getting so ugly
:agree:

[Branderson]

No matter how ugly cars get in the future I don't think anything will touch the general ugliness of 80's cars.

[ManktheTank19]

Actually i like the 80's car such as the buick gnx, thunderbirds, TA, etc. That was mostly the end of the decade of V8 for most cars