#CompactCars

Whether due to rising gas prices or changing trends by consumers, small cars are increasingly becoming a big deal across America. In fact, sales of compact and sub-compact vehicles are poised to make up the largest segment of total auto industry sales since 1993.

The Mazda 3 may have been the first car in the Japanese automaker’s lineup to receive SkyActiv technology but the use of the brand’s all-new engine is just a stop-gap measure until this.

With a focus on its core products, Mazda is examining the possibility of adding diesel powertrains to numerous high-volume models in the US while dropping some low-volume sellers entirely.

Can a hot hatch also be a diesel? They certainly think so in Germany and an increasing acceptance of diesel-powered cars could see such a model on our shores in the near future.

In the past Mazda has hinted that it may drop the current base engine in the Mazda3 and instead offer the Skyactiv powertrain as standard. According to Mazda USA PR rep Beverly Braga that won’t happen for 2013, but the Japanese automaker has made the decision to offer the Skyactive 2.0-liter as the core powertrain on more trim levels.

Dubious news about a Dodge Dart hatchback is surfacing after an Italian forum posted patent drawings depicting what could be a hatchback version of the brand’s high mpg poster boy. Then again, maybe not.

In an effort to generate pre-release hype for the Dodge Dart, Chrysler is offering gift cards to a limited number of people who snap pictures of the new compact as it heads to dealerships.

When the Dodge Dart hits dealers later this year it will be the first Fiat-based Chrysler product to go on sale in America and will also offer competitive fuel economy.

Ward’s Auto has released its top 10 picks for best interior in 2012 today, though in no particular order. Here they are with brief notes on each car’s engine specs and starting price.

During its glory days, Toyota enjoyed 43 victories as well as seven FIA world rally titles. From 1973 through 1999, Toyota was a fixture in the sport.

It might not make sense to trade your gas guzzler in for a more fuel-efficient car, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping people. 

Citroën has just released official images of its latest hot-hatch concept model set to premiere at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It’s images like these that convince us the North American market could really use some French metal.

The Sports Car Club of America’s B-Spec class is growing in popularity as enthusiasts enjoy a relatively inexpensive entry into amateur racing while automakers are discovering B-Spec to be a great platform for grassroots motorsport marketing.   Honda, one of the early adopters to B-Spec racing, is committed to the series and hopes to gain even more fans.

Swedish automaker Volvo is looking to shack up with a new mate in the hopes of making a fresh set of small cars. Their current compact, the C30 (above), is based on technology from former parent company Ford.

It’s no surprise that the 500’s return to North America did not make the splash that Fiat expected. Having sold less than 20,000 vehicles in its first model year in the United States, the 500 only did half as well as the company initially forecasted.