Auto News 5

It's interesting how $4-a-gallon gas can change things. While there aren't many rational people that would argue that expensive gas is a good thing, it has certainly has been good for the subcompact segment. Until a few years ago, the segment was populated by the literal and figurative bottom-feeders of car companies, with hard plastics; skinny tires; underpowered, buzzy engines; and very few amenities. Not anymore. Honda's cleverly packaged Fit set the pace and was followed by Ford's Euro-engineered Fiesta, and the Mazda2. Suddenly, leather, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, and other niceties formerly reserved for the luxury class became available on these "entry-level" models. Hyundai's Accent went from being a competitive option to one that was looking increasingly dated in the face of newer, more stylish competitors.