Meet the Davids of the Automotive World: Small Cars are Now In (Part I)
With the price of gasoline rocketing sky high, the small cars suddenly held an appeal to everyone. Most people have turned their eyes away from the large pickup trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Now is the time for those cutesy compact cars to hog the spotlight. It’s about time, too. Haven’t they heard the saying that big things come in small packages? Listed below are the first five compact cars that have nothing “small” about them in terms of performance and functionality. 
Sleek and shiny with dual exhaust tips, dual reflector headlamps and a laser seam welding. World, say hello to the Volkswagen Rabbit! Although the word “rabbit” conjures something cute and fluffy, there’s nothing fluffy or cute about this car. This 2-door compact car is powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, in-line engine that is able to kick off 1780 horsepower and 177 lb-ft worth of torque. It can go from zero to sixty in eight seconds. It has a more rigid body, thanks to to laser seam welding applied to it. 
The brand spankin’ new 2008 Toyota Yaris is made even better. It comes standard with a multi-reflector halogen headlamps, color-keyed grille surround, outside mirrors and outside door handles. The attractive color-keyed doesn’t end there. As they say, “Wait! There’s more!” Included in the color-keyed system are the front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels. The inside of the Yaris is spacious enough, with a standard 60/40 split fold-down rear bench seat. Other standard features meant for comfort are adjustable front seats, interior map light, center console with storage (covered), and a heavy duty electric rear window defroster. This is one rabbit with a mean punch. It’s so packed together you can’t afford to complain.
Along with the standard CD/MP3 player and ambient lighting is the SYNC voice technology come a Euro-inspired suspension, an all-new interior and improved safety features. These are what make the whole of the 2008 Ford Focus. This car may be small but don’t underestimate it just yet. The best part about this car? It’s environment-friendly! Its 2.0 Duratec engine with a standard five-speed manual transmission. It also boasts of an all-new cooling exhaust system to enhance performance and efficiency. With a Ford Focus, you get a smooth ride that helps contribute in preserving the environment.
Now this is one really, really compact car. It actually runs on a 1-liter, three in-line cylinder aluminum engine block. It has a maximum torque of 68 lb-ft. Did anyone say transmission? It’s an automated manual five-speed. It can go from zero to sixty in just 12.8 seconds. The maximum speed of this small but eye-catching car is 90 mph. It has steel bumpers to reinforce both safety and value. When needed, this bumper can be replaced without too much cost. You don’t need to worry about the safety this tiny car can bring you because it actually passed the test. No, it really did.
Just when you think a tiny car couldn’t get any cuter, the Chevrolet Aveo suddenly comes along. Available power sunroof, the interior with perforated leatherette for pure comfort. That’s just scratching the surface of this car. The Chevrolet Aveo comes standard with a 1.6-liter 16-valve E-TEC II DOHC L-4 engine and a five-speed manual. There are four available trims for this mode: Aveo5 Special Value, Aveo5 LS, LS Sedan and LT Sedan. All of the trims except for the Aveo5 Special have the option of a four-speed automatic transmission. The body panel of the Chevrolet Aveo is precoated steel. This means that it is able to keep away rust-through corrosion. This car may look small but it’s really pretty powerful. With the five small yet hot cars already revealed, you can be on your toes for the next couple of days to unveil the other half of the top 10.
source: AOL Autos
