Consumers are trying to beat soaring gas prices by buying small cars, but at the same time, they're holding on to their fuel-guzzling SUVs and pickups. In households that own a small car, the family
fleet is close to an average of three vehicles, according to CNW Marketing Research, which tracks industry trends.
The latest crop of small cars--including the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit
and Nissan Versa--can be purchased with many of the same sought-after options as their bigger kin, like navigation screens or iPod connections. In 1990, more than 75% of buyers opted for basic
no-frills models, sometimes even forgoing a radio. Now, 90% are buying fully loaded small cars, according to the data.
"Small cars are like a fashion statement," says Art Spinella,
president of CNW Marketing.
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