Approximate cost in USD: $13,500
The lesser known (in the U.S.) Yaris, known as the Vitz in Europe, is Toyota’s very small subcompact. “It’s never been much of a player [in the U.S.]. The subcompact is something we haven’t paid much attention to but we are now,” says Visnic. They’re especially popular in Europe and in Japan, for two reasons. “In the regions where they sell these subcompacts in really high volumes, there are a few things going on—high fuel prices. The small cars get the best economy. In Japan and Europe, all fuel is really expensive.
"The second thing is Japan, Europe, and China are markets with a lot of congestion. The smaller the car, the better off you are. It’s easier to maneuver in tight areas, easier to park.” In Japan especially, where parking fees are scaled by the size of the space needed, a car’s size is of the essence. And in Europe, a subcompact can even be used as a family car, which would be out of the question in the U.S.
