Fuel economy rules for small cars

Industry data released this week shows that the real boom in the market has been in four-cylinder vehicles under $25,000.

Known as the passenger car segment, sales in this division are up 22.7% year-to-date compared to last year, while the large car segment is down the same figure. Passenger cars grew by 31.4% last month compared to August last year.

The executive director of the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry, Peter Sturrock, says the trend has accelerated over the past couple of years, with the recent acceleration attributed to high gasoline prices.

“Well, primarily because they are more economical, smaller and less expensive to buy, and also less expensive to run,” says Sturrock.

In total, 10,806 77,650 passenger cars were sold last month and 14,346 14,990 this year, which is 2673 18,064 more than last year. Leading the line is the Toyota Yaris, with a starting price of $XNUMX, which recorded $XNUMX sales in August, bringing the total sales for the year to date to $XNUMX.

Adding to that figure is the remaining 304 Echos Toyota sold this year, before the nameplate was changed to match the Yaris badge used in Europe.

Named Best Subcompact Car of 2005 by Australian motor clubs, Hyundai's small Getz also saw sales growth, with 1738 models sold last month and 13,863 models for the year, an increase of 18.4% over the same period last year.

Getz prices start at $13,990 and go up to $18,380. The cheapest car on the market, the Holden Barina, starting at $13,490, ranks third in sales in the segment with 1091 car sold in August and sales for the current year.

Barina is followed by Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz and Kia Rio, all of which recorded between 5500 and 6800 sales since the beginning of the year and just under 100 sales in August.

Sturrock says that while fuel prices encourage a switch to these vehicles, good value for money also attracts buyers.

“Small cars are now very well equipped,” he says. “A few years ago they were base models, but now they are well equipped with security and anti-theft systems, occupant protection, airbags and ABS, and often also have electronic stability control.”

Segment features on vehicles such as the Yaris and Getz include front airbags, an MP3 compatible CD system, air conditioning, power windows, central locking and ABS. Some even come with electronic brake force distribution and anti-skid technology.

Holden's Barina offers air conditioning as standard, a feature to be purchased as an option on the base VE Commodore Omega for $34,990. Hyundai Getz also offers a five-year warranty or 130,000 km of mileage.

Toyota spokesman Mike Breen says the segment also offers a good alternative to used cars.

“With the options you can get on a brand new car, as well as the new car warranty, it's quite attractive, especially for younger people,” he says. And it seems that these light vehicles are being bought by a wide variety of buyers, from students to families to retirees.

Hyundai spokesman Richard Power says his Getz and Accent subcompacts are sought after by a wide variety of drivers.

“We have quite a few young people buying it as their first new car, and there is loyalty from older motorists who no longer need a big car and are very attracted to a long warranty,” he says. Overall, the automotive market fell 3.4% year-on-year, with 642,383 vehicles sold, down from 22,513 vehicles in 2005. August was also down from 4516 vehicles.

In the small car segment, sales are up 3% year-to-date, with Toyota Corolla leading the segment with 4147 sales in August and 31,705 1.3 Corollas sold this year. But sales of small cars also fell slightly last month, by 244%, or XNUMX% of the car.

Sturrock says that while the large car segment has shrunk by 26,461 vehicles, it is still an important part of the market.

“Over time, it has shrunk from what it was to what it is today,” he says. “But it's still about 25 percent of the car market. You see a lot of interest in the new Holden Commodore and the new Toyota Camry, and the response has been great.”

WHAT'S FOR SALE

Toyota Yaris 18,368

Hyundai Getz 13,863 XNUMX

Holden Barina 9567

Suzuki Swift 6703

Honda Jazz 5936

5579 Kia Rio

Ford Fiesta 4407

Mazda2 3934, XNUMX g.

Hyundai Accent 3593

Mitsubishi Colt 1516

Volkswagen Polo 1337

Peugeot 206 1071

Citroen C3 486

Proton Wits 357

smart fort 326

Renault Clio 173

Citroen C2 139

smart forfour 132

Fiat Punto 113

Daihatsu Sirion 40

Proton Satria 9

Suzuki Ignis 1

*Source: VFacts (car sales 2006 to end of August).

Note: Yaris sales include 304 Echo sales.

CHEAPER

Holden Barina from $13,490

Hyundai Getz starting at $13,990

Proton Savvy starting at $13,990

Toyota Yaris from 14,990 XNUMX dollars

Hyundai Accent starting at $15,990

Mitsubishi Colt from $15,990

Suzuki Swift from $15,990

Ford Fiesta starting at $15,990

Honda Jazz starting at $15,990.

Kia Rio from $15,990

Mazda2 from $16,335

Peugeot 206 from $16,990

Volkswagen Polo from $16,990