In Russia they don’t like small cars. These models prove that in vain – very in vain

If you do not take into account the most affordable models, Russian motorists prefer crossovers. According to the Association of European Businesses, Hyundai Creta, Lada Niva and Renault Duster were among the best-selling cars in 2021. The compact segment in domestic realities is not in particular demand. Once upon a time, the ultra-cheap Oka was sold very cheerfully, but even then there were no queues for imports in classes A and B. It seems that the focus on this sector of the automotive industry would help deal with traffic jams – especially in the capital and other metropolitan areas. But in Russia he is not held in high esteem. In vain, very in vain.

mini one

Image credits: CNET, Motor1

Of course, such material could not do without this model. No way. Mini One is a classic of the genre, and the current model, already in its fourth edition, is its modern rethinking. The recognizable features of the body under the bureaucratic leadership of the BMW concern are stubbornly preserved by designers – in fact, this ensures confident sales. Of course, Mini is expensive, but this does not stop real fans. Retro continues to be in demand, so you should not worry about One. The model is perfect for the role of a weekend vehicle or as a second or third car in the family. However, if practicality is not so important, then this rule can be easily neglected.

bmw i3

Image credits: InsideEVs, Detroit Free Press

Another great pony. Again with Bavarian roots, but now from the “stall” of the parent company. The BMW i3 is one of the manufacturer’s first forays into the field of electric cars. Despite the obvious change in DNA in modern models without an internal combustion engine, the “troika” was iconic. She showed that BMW is able not only to sport with luxury elements, but also to outright futurism. At one time, i3 became not just a breath of fresh air, but a gust of frosty wind that burns the face. It is curious that the world saw not only purely electric “troikas”, but also hybrids. However, BMW eventually abandoned the use of gasoline. A large battery for an adequate power reserve (about 200 km) was enough.

Suzuki Jimny

It is no coincidence that an SUV got into the list of the most curious small cars – one of the most compact in this segment. The model, first of all, attracts with its practicality inside the cabin, possibilities for customization, comparative accessibility, as well as unprecedented cross-country ability. Like other cars in this collection, this one is notable for its eccentricity – there is simply no other like it on the market. For the sake of all this, I had to actually abandon the trunk. However, if you do not consider the car as the only one in the family, it is quite suitable for off-road outings. And she also has a beautiful body with an abundance of straight lines, which falls in love with itself literally at first sight.

  • To this topic: Test drive Suzuki Jimny – compact, beautiful, but with a small power reserve

Fiat Panda

Image credits: New Auto, CAR Magazine

Here it is – a real symbol of the Italian Alps. If you have ever been in this region, you will definitely agree with this statement. Here, a mass of similar machines, notably battered by life, is systematically swarming. All together they resemble a herd of obedient mountain goats, which again and again run from one place to another. However, despite the compactness and outstanding design, the engineers managed to equip the car with a fairly spacious interior with five doors, as well as a decent set of engines, including quite peppy ones. Moreover, in some countries, Fiat even offers an all-wheel drive version of the Panda, which turns the look on this little one upside down.

Aston Martin Cygnet

Image Sources: Auto News, Car Style

One of the most curious episodes in the history of Aston Martin. Apparently, it happened against the backdrop of the company’s desire to reduce emissions in the average range. At the moment, the miniature machine is no longer available. Moreover, during 2011-2013, when she was nominally present “on the shelves”, only about two or three hundred models were sold. However, this is not a reason not to recall an extraordinary device, the features of which have always clearly hinted at a relationship with the three-door Toyota iQ. It is curious that Cygnet also has real fans – they tune cars “for all the money” and even manage to fit eight cylinders into the engine compartment.

Audi A1

Image source: CarInsider

The Audi A1 occupies an honorable place in the premium segment of miniature cars – in fact, this model is evaluated according to its status even in the country of origin. The body looks extremely dignified: you don’t want to “lisp” it – rather, on the contrary. The model has an extremely aggressive role – especially in sports versions. This is a thoroughbred German with a compact but athletic “physique”. Despite the small size, the car handles very well – it is obviously aimed at fans of dynamic driving. However, this is an Audi – unlike the Mini One, comfort comes first here.

Peugeot 208

Image Source: Auto Nova

Peugeot is not the first year on the wave. The company is systematically developing and seems to produce cars that people really need – inexpensive, cute, practical. The latest 208s are no exception. The company offers the model in three versions: gasoline, diesel and electric. Unlike competitors, Peugeot is not yet in a hurry to mass-market options purely without an internal combustion engine – the manufacturer, rather, is probing the market. The Peugeot 208 has been and remains a bestseller in both the consumer and rental sectors. This applies not only to the current body, but also to the past.

Volkswagen up!

Image Source: Heycar

When you get into the Volkswagen up!, a smile involuntarily spreads on your face. It is difficult to explain in a nutshell why this is happening. The model seems to have a genuine personality. She hints unequivocally that the car has a place in the already bloated lineup of the manufacturer – at least in countries where the miniature segment is in demand. The car does not feel small – the car feels refined and even more. Of course, on the regular version with a power reserve of up to a hundred horses, you don’t particularly drive. But the GTi variant, which was reluctantly launched into the series, is clearly not only suitable for trips to the nearest supermarket and back.

Citroen C3

Image Sources: Car Pixel, Motor1

A typical French car, which – we exaggerate – would definitely not have been produced in any other country in the world. It is curious that this particular model clearly stands out against the background of the mass of miniature cars on the market – this alone already makes you pay attention to it. In a segment where individuality is a great luxury, the Citroen C3 not only differs from its classmates, but also clearly stands out from their background. What is the opportunity to “paint” the body in two colors at once! From the pictures you get the feeling that you have a real crossover in front of you. But the reality is different – this is a compact segment. However, the model is not least attracted by this.

Toyota Yaris

Image sources: Focus, Motor1

One of the sportiest cars in the miniature segment – at least on the outside. The current generation is rightfully considered the most attractive against the background of all predecessors since the launch of the original in 1999. The car not only looks great, but also handles cool. And the hybrid powertrain is extremely efficient in everyday use. You shouldn’t expect dynamic acceleration on a straight line from such a little one, but winding roads will definitely not become a serious challenge for it. However, for lovers of speed, there is a GR variant, which in previous iterations was considered a clear favorite for rally racing.

Source: Trash Box

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