The Sub-Compact car segment is aimed at drivers who are looking for an affordable car, or looking to mainly drive in and around the city.  A subcompact car is easy to park around town thanks to its small size and good visibility. Plus, with small size comes high fuel economy.

Safety is an important item to take note of when looking at sub-compact cars, particularly because with smaller size more is required to keep occupants safe in a crash. The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is available in three trim levels, the Spark offers 10 airbags as standard, and buyers can add a few high-tech toys like OnStar, or a 7-inch touch-screen radio.

While most sub-compact cars boast impressive fuel economy, the brand new 2012 Prius c is the first hybrid vehicle that is available in the segment. At $18,950, it’s slightly more expensive than most other vehicles it competes with, but returns a combined 50 mpg rating. In our review we say the Prius c’s “unique look, functionality and geek-tastic green goodies make it more than just a 50 mpg sub-compact.” Another attractive features of the Prius c is the standard Bluetooth connectivity.

For buyers not looking for a hatchback, the 2012 Hyundai Accent has received a much needed redesign. Along with the change to Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, the Accent has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which gets 138 horsepower, which puts it among the more powerful end of the sub-compact range. The Accent also manages to get 40 mpg on the highway. Another new subcompact, that is available as a sedan is the 2013 Kia Rio, which shares the Accent’s 1.6-liter engine. The Accent costs just $12,545 and the Rio comes in at $13,400. Rio models also get an optional engine start-stop system, a first for the segment.

Both Rio and Accent models are available as sedans and hatchbacks, as is the Nissan Versa. While there’s nothing new for the hatchback for 2012, the sedan is redesigned and boasts the lowest price tag of any car on the market at just $10,990.

Another budget-conscious car is the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Redesigned with a much nicer interior and exterior, plus more cargo room, it’s still quite basic that’s reflected in its  $14,115 base price.

For power-hungry subcompact buyers, the new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is available. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine gets 138 horsepower and has a best in class 148 lb-ft of torque. It’s also probably one of the cooler looking subcompacts in the group, up there with the Honda Fit, and like that car it has excellent driving dynamics. The Sonic is considered good bang for your buck at $13,865, and is capable of getting up to 40 mpg, depending on the engine and transmission choice.

With the popularity of sub-compacts continuing to grow its not surprising that the mini sub-compact segment is finally taking shape. The Scion iQ is a Smart fortwo-sized machine with seating for four, 11 airbags and 36 mpg in the city. Of note, size and price don’t always match, with the iQ starting at almost as much as a Corolla at 15,995.

Lastly there’s the stylish Fiat 500. The 500 combines retro appeal and Italian styling with fuel efficiency. The new addition for 2012 is the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth performance model with a turbocharged 1.4-liter making 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a lot of extra performance and styling parts, it costs well above the segment average at $22,000.