Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Nowadays with all that SUV trend, I won't be holding my breath for a local variant of the next-gen Fit to make its way to Brazil...

[JSH]

The HR-Z is killing Fit sales which is fine with Honda. Take the same basic chassis, spend a tiny bit of extra money to dress it up as a CUV, sell it for $4500 more.

Fit sales have dropped enough that it doesn’t make sense to pay to certify the new model for the USA. I’m sure Honda will convert most potential Fit customers to a HR-V or Civic.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Fit sales have dropped enough that it doesn’t make sense to pay to certify the new model for the USA.

Unless Honda would attempt to certify a new WR-V in the U.S. too. Then maybe offering the Fit with the WR-V nameplate as if it was only an aerodinamically-enhanced front clip. Even though certifying the Fit through the "light truck" loophole that has benefitted the SUVs for a long time might seem to go against its purpose, I'm sure Honda won't decrease the efficiency to exploit this loophole.

I’m sure Honda will convert most potential Fit customers to a HR-V or Civic.

Probably most potential Fit customers might be pushed to the HR-V than to the Civic, even though nowadays that Honda resumed offering the Civic with a hatchback bodystyle it might become easier to attract the Fit owners. Well, maybe with a smaller engine...

[MetroMPG]

(2017 G4 from thread: Darin's test drive review notes: 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan 1.2L CVT)

Mitsubishi Canada confirmed today the G4 sedan is gone after this model year. The hatchback will carry on.


Confirmed: G4 discontinued/cancelled in Canada - hatchback to continue


I always thought it was strange that the G4 came to Canada in the first place -- the Canadian market generally prefers its small cars to be hatchbacks, not sedans.

It's generally opposite to the U.S. situation, eg: The Nissan Micra completely replaced the Versa sedan here. Meanwhile in the States, the Versa is available as a sedan only from 2020 on. The U.S. Hyundai Accent is sedan only; here it's hatchback only. There are more examples I can't think of right now....

Only about 20% of Mirage sales in Canada were the sedan last year. ~400.

I wonder what the U.S. sales split is.

[Xist]

I only found total sales, not specifically sedans and hatchbacks.

[MeteorGray]

The red car above looks like it's photoshopped with wheels too small for the body.

[MetroMPG]

But they're 15's! :-D

Remember when 12's weren't uncommon?? Amazing how fashion has altered perceptions.

[Xist]

People are crazy.

When I rented the first Mirage I thought the wheels were the same size as my Accord's.

[Fat Charlie]

After I got my Fit, I realized it was the same size as my first Accord.

[litesong]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Mitsubishi Canada confirmed today the G4 sedan is gone after this model year. The hatchback will carry on..... the Canadian market generally prefers its small cars to be hatchbacks, not sedans. It's generally opposite to the U.S. situation, eg: The Nissan Micra completely replaced the Versa sedan here. Meanwhile in the States, the Versa is available as a sedan only from 2020 on. The U.S. Hyundai Accent is sedan only; here it's hatchback only......

Of the cars I considered in the early 70's, I kick myself for NOT buying the Datsun (Nissan) 1200 hatchback, which would have been a high MPG, long enduring car. Later, I bought a used 1980 Toyota. Small, it was tough as nails, saving our lives in a head-on auto accident. Later still, I bought an ugly Plymouth Champ hatchback (Mitsubishi Dodge Colt). It served me very well on rough logging roads to many, many hiking trails, giving high MPG. Got a Ford Festiva hatchback that gave good service & MPG. Often wanted a Versa (though ugly), but you couldn't get the cheap Versa as a hatchback. At one point, my wife got a 2008 Hyundai Accent hatchback for her hard stop&go&stop commute to work. She liked it. Eventually, I "inherited" it, when my wife got a newer car. The Accent continues giving good service, at 154,000 miles.