Compact Cars Are Physically Bigger than Ever, Edmunds.com Reports

Compact Cars Are Physically Bigger than Ever, Edmunds.com Reports

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — December 7, 2010 — Small cars appeal to buyers on a budget, to the environmentally conscious, to growing numbers of empty-nesters and to the legislators pushing for improved fuel economy from automakers — and yet consumer expectations inspire automakers to make smaller cars more powerful and more functional. As a result, compact cars are physically larger and heavier than in the past, according to analysis by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information.

On average, compact cars weigh 549 pounds more, have 61 more horsepower and have a 6.4-inch longer wheelbase than they did in 1990. Still, this segment gets 2.5 more miles per gallon in combined fuel economy estimates, thanks to improvements in engine technology.

"Over the years, consumer demand has increased for small cars that have more features and are more versatile in carrying passengers and cargo. Those consumer-driven desires, together with the regulatory drive for enhanced safety equipment, have led to size and weight increases," said Edmunds' AutoObserver.com Senior Editor Bill Visnic.

So far in 2010, about 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. have been small cars, up from 17% in 2006. Edmunds.com analysis indicates that sales in the small car segment will steadily increase, with a 23.2 percent market share projected in 2014.

"Stepping down a car class can often mean increased fuel economy with no real loss of space," noted Edmunds.com Consumer Advice Associate Ronald Montoya in his article How To Downsize Your Car at http://beta.edmunds.com/car-buying/how-to-downsize-your-car.html.

More car buying tips can be found at http://beta.edmunds.com/car-buying/.

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Edmunds publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site and hosts the most established automotive community online. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com, makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com, features the wireless Web's highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds.