Buying the status’ of betterment is what counts for the majority of auto enthusiasts. Regardless of whether the car they buy is truly better or not. Thrift store shoppers will often look for designer labels to look rich. Status sells. But should it?

European and Japanese brands have focused on fine small cars, helped by customers’ concerns over space, cost and fuel efficiency – factors that are less of an issue in the United States, the Middle East and, more recently, China.

Europe’s main offerings have been the Mini, the Fiat 500 and the Volkswagen Beetle – model names that now have a remarkable 167 years of sales between them.

The relatively new “minicar” segment has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason.

Small cars are more popular than ever. Rising fuel costs mean more and more people are seeking efficient cars, and hatchbacks are among the cleanest and cheapest cars on sale. On top of that they’re increasingly practical.

source:cnn