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'{{More footnotes|date=March 2010}} [[File:CVC2012aaa.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Japan]]ese designed compact car, the [[Honda Civic]]]] A '''compact car''' (North America), or '''medium family car''' in British acceptation, is a [[car classification|classification]] of [[automobile|cars]] that are larger than a [[subcompact]] car but not larger than most sedans [[mid-size car]]; eg. Chevy Sonic. The compact car equates roughly to the [[C-segment]] in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 - MERGER PROCEDURE |publisher=Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg |url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m1406_en.pdf }}</ref> Current compact car size, as defined by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA), for the US and for international models respectively, is approximately {{convert|4100|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4450|mm|0|abbr=on}} long for [[hatchback]]s, or {{convert|4400|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4750|mm|0|abbr=on}} long for [[Convertible (car)|convertible]]s, [[Sedan (automobile)|sedans (saloon)]] or [[station wagon|station wagons (estate car)]]. [[Multi-purpose vehicle]]s and [[sport utility vehicle]]s based on small family cars (often called [[compact MPV]]s and [[compact SUV]]s) have similar sizes, ranging from {{convert|4200|mm|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|4500|mm|0|abbr=on}} in the U.S., and from {{convert|4400|mm|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|4700|mm|0|abbr=on}} in international-based models. In Japan, any vehicle that is over {{convert|3.4|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1.48|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|2|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} high and with an engine over {{convert|660|cc|abbr=on}} but is under {{convert|4.7|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1.7|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|2|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} high and with engines at or under {{convert|2000|cc|abbr=on}} is considered a compact vehicle. The [[Vehicle size class#Japan|dimension standards]] are absolute, meaning special consideration is not made for SUVs, CUVs, minivans, station wagons or hatchbacks. Common engines are 1.5 to 2.4-litre [[straight-4]]s, using either [[petrol engine|petrol (gasoline)]] or [[Diesel engine|diesel]] fuel, with a range between {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|170|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Some models also have economical 1.3 or 1.4-litre units. High-performance versions, called [[hot hatch]]es or [[sport compact]] [[Sport sedan|sedans]], may have [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] 2.0 or 2.5-litre engines, or even [[V6 engine|V6]] 3.2-litre units, ranging maximum outputs from {{convert|170|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Small European family cars include the [[Ford Focus (International)|Ford Focus]], [[Vauxhall Astra|Vauxhall]]/[[Opel Astra]], [[Audi A3]], [[BMW 1 Series]] (F20), [[BMW 2 Series]], [[Citroën C4]]/[[Citroën DS4|DS4]], [[Dacia Logan]], [[Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010)|Alfa Romeo Giulietta]], [[Fiat Bravo (2007)]], [[Lancia Delta]], [[Mercedes-Benz A-Class]], [[Volvo V40 (P1)|Volvo V40]], [[SEAT León]] and [[Volkswagen Golf Mk7]]. Examples of compact cars from Asia include the [[Tata Indigo]], [[Honda Civic]], [[Nissan Bluebird Sylphy]], [[Mazda3]], [[Subaru Impreza]], [[Suzuki SX4]], [[Mitsubishi Lancer]], [[Hyundai Elantra]], [[Kia Forte]], [[Toyota Corolla]], and [[Proton Prevé]]. The [[Chevrolet Cruze]], and [[Dodge Dart (2013)]] are an example of compacts made in the United States. [[Holden Viva]] and later [[Holden Cruze]] are examples of compact cars from Australia. == American market == [[File:Ford Focus Trend (III) – Frontansicht, 17. September 2011, Ratingen.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ford Focus]]]] [[File:2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS -- NHTSA 2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chevrolet Cruze]]]] '''Compact car''' is a largely North American term denoting an [[automobile]] smaller than a [[mid-size car]], but larger than a [[subcompact car]]. Compact cars usually have [[wheelbase]]s between {{convert|100|in|mm|0}} and {{convert|109|in|mm|0}}. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) defines a "compact" car as measuring between {{convert|100|cuft|1}} and {{convert|109|cuft|1}} of combined passenger and [[cargo]] volume capacity. Vehicle class size is defined in the U.S. by environmental laws in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40—Protection of Environment, Section 600.315-82 Classes of comparable automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-1996-title40-vol16/CFR-1996-title40-vol16-sec600-315|publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office|accessdate=13 May 2015}}</ref> Passenger car classes are defined based on interior volume index or [[seating capacity]], except automobiles classified as a special vehicle such as those with only two designated seating positions. In the United States, the compact car segment currently holds a 16% share of the market.<ref>{{cite web|title=USA 7 months 2012: Discover all 273 best-selling models! |publisher=Best Selling Cars |url=http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/12/usa-7-months-2012-discover-all-271-best-selling-models/#more-20276 }}</ref> This segment is dominated by non-American models from [[Toyota Group]], [[Honda]] Group and [[Hyundai]] together with its controlled [[Kia Motors|Kia]], through successful models as [[Honda Civic]], [[Toyota Corolla]], [[Hyundai Elantra]], and [[Kia Forte]]. The [[Ford Focus]] and [[Chevrolet Cruze]] are successful American compacts. In 2012, [[General Motors]] launched the [[Buick Verano]] and [[Chrysler]] launched the new [[Dodge Dart (2013)|Dodge Dart]]. === History of compact cars in the United States === [[File:1952 Nash Rambler blue wagon rear.jpg|thumb|1952 [[Nash Rambler]] 2-door station wagon]] [[File:1964 Corvair Monza.jpg|thumb|1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 900 Convertible]] [[File:1978 AMC Concord DL 4-door sedan beige.jpg|thumb|1978 [[AMC Concord]] 4-door sedan, a new "luxury" compact at the time]] Although small cars had been made in the United States before World War II, the compact class was introduced in 1950 when [[Nash Motors|Nash]] introduced a [[Convertible (car)|convertible]] [[Nash Rambler|Rambler]]. It was built on a {{convert|100|in|0|adj=on}} wheelbase to which a [[station wagon]], [[hardtop]], and [[sedan (car)|sedan]] versions were added. Although first conceived by [[George W. Mason]], the term "compact" was coined by [[George W. Romney]] as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of {{convert|110|in|0}} or less.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment | publisher=Yale University Press |year=2007 |page=144 |isbn=978-0-300-11038-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Ward's automotive yearbook |publisher=Ward's Communications |location=Detroit |volume=22 |year=1960 |page=92 }}</ref> The U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the term. Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the [[Henry J]] from [[Kaiser-Frazer]] (and its [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] marketed variant the [[Allstate (automobile)|Allstate]]), as well as the [[Willys Aero]] and the [[Hudson Jet]]. The modern compact class was greatly expanded between 1958 and 1960 when the [[Studebaker Lark]], [[Chevrolet Corvair]], [[Ford Falcon (North American)|Ford Falcon]], and [[Plymouth Valiant]] were brought to the market previously dominated by the [[Rambler American]]. These models also gave rise to [[compact van]]s that were sized similarly to the [[Volkswagen Type 2]] microbus and were based from the Falcon, Corvair, and Valiant [[automobile platform]]s. Within a few years after that, the compacts had given rise to a new class called the [[pony car]], named after the [[Ford Mustang]], which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models, and an early definition of the compact was a vehicle with an overall length of less than {{convert|200|in|0|adj=on}}, much larger than European designs. During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or [[V8 engine|V8]]-powered two-bench six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than imports by makers such as Volkswagen and Datsun, which were typically five-passenger 4-cylinder engine cars, even though ads for the [[Ford Maverick (North America)|Ford Maverick]] and [[Rambler American]] would make comparisons with the popular [[Volkswagen Beetle]]. In the early 1970s, the domestic [[automaker]]s introduced even smaller [[subcompact car]]s that included the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Chevrolet Vega]], and [[Ford Pinto]]. The 1977 model year marked the beginning of a [[Downsize (automobile)|downsizing]] of all vehicles, so that cars such as the [[AMC Concord]] and the [[Ford Fairmont]] that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the [[Ford Pinto]] and [[Chevrolet Vega]] (such as the [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]] and [[Chevrolet Cavalier]]) became classified as compact cars. And even after the reclassification vehicles like the [[Ford Fairmont]] were far larger than international midsize sedans and rather on par with large cars such as the [[Ford Granada (Europe)]]. It would not be until the 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Class !! Interior volume index |- | Minicompact car || &lt; {{Convert|85|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Subcompact car || {{Convert|85|-|99.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Compact car || {{Convert|100|-|109.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Midsize car || {{Convert|110|-|119.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Large car || ≥ {{convert|120|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Small station wagon || &lt; {{Convert|130|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Midsize station wagon || {{Convert|130|-|160|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |- | Large station wagon || ≥ {{convert|160|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |} In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo, the Chevrolet Cavalier, Toyota Corolla, Acura Legend, Mercedes-Benz 300, Nissan Maxima, and Volvo DL. == European market == {{tone|section|date=January 2015}} [[File:Citroën DS4 HDi 165 SportChic – Frontansicht (1), 4. Juni 2011, Wülfrath.jpg|[[Citroën DS4]], a luxury compact car|thumb|right]] [[File:Peugeot 308 82 VTi Active (II) – Frontansicht, 4. Januar 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|[[Peugeot 308]], 2014 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year]] in Europe|thumb|right]] [[File:Renault Mégane (III, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 21. April 2013, Münster.jpg|[[Renault Megane]] III, phase 3|thumb|right]] [[File:2014 Volkswagen Golf (5G MY14) 90TSI Comfortline (2015-08-29).jpg|thumb|[[Volkswagen Golf]]]] [[File:Renault Scénic I Phase II.jpg|[[Renault Scenic]], 1997 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year in Europe]], is the first<ref name="ScenicLeaderMPV">{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20090320/ANE02/903209993/renault-wants-to-be-minivan-leader-again|title=Renault invented the niche when it launched the first-generation Scenic in 1996.|publisher=Auto news|quote="Renault invented the niche when it launched the first-generation Scenic in 1996."..."From 1996, the Scenic dominated in Europe for more than a decade, but in 2007 lost its lead to rival Citroen's Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso and C4 Grand Picasso model line."|date=March 20, 2009|accessdate=2014-11-30}}</ref> car to be marketed as a compact MPV.|thumb]] After the Second World War, European manufacturers usually featured two vehicle types: small [[economy cars]] that were usually saloons and large [[sedan (car)|saloons]]. By the 1960s, the post war economic boom had produced customers who wanted something of intermediate size. These were usually saloons during the 1950s and 1960s, with the first successful [[hatchback]] in this class being the 1974 [[Volkswagen Golf]]. The world's first [[Hatchback#Early examples|hatchback]],<ref>{{cite book|first=Tony |last=Lewin |first2=Ryan |last2=Borroff |first3=Ian |last3=Callum |page=185|title=How to Design Cars Like a Pro |publisher=Motorbooks |year=2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Richard |last=Copping |page=17 |title=VW Golf: Five Generations of Fun: The Full Story of the Volkswagen Golf |publisher=Veloce Publishing |year=2006 }}</ref> the 1958 [[FR layout]] [[Austin A40]] Farina Countryman model that was a co-development of [[British Motor Corporation|BMC]] and the Italian design house [[Pininfarina]] at a time when this was unusual. It had a lift up rear window and drop down boot lid. It was also sold as a two-door saloon. It was built in Italy by [[Innocenti]] as well as in the UK. For 1965 Innocenti designed a new single-piece rear door for their Combinata version of the Countryman. This top-hinged door used struts to hold it up over a wide cargo opening and was a true hatchback – a model never developed in the home (United Kingdom) market. The Countryman name has 'estate' type associations, and BMC successor company [[MG Rover Group|Rover]] used the name on [[estate car]]s / Station Wagons so it is largely forgotten. This hatchback layout was further pioneered along with the European switch to front wheel drive [[FF layout]] with the smaller 1964 (Fiat) [[Autobianchi Primula]] and larger 1965 [[Renault 16]]. The success of the Golf saved VW from near bankruptcy, stimulating by the end of the decade, several other manufacturers to launch front wheel drive hatchbacks like the [[Fiat Ritmo]]/Strada, [[Citroën GS]]A hatch version of the 1970 GS, [[Renault 14]], and GM Vauxhall/[[Opel Kadett]]. Also the other well-known European compact cars of mid-1960s - 80s were the Italian [[Fiat 124]] and [[Fiat 125]] and lineup of the Soviet brand [[Lada]] which were based on it: [[VAZ-2101]], [[VAZ-2103]], [[VAZ-2106]], [[Lada Riva]] and [[Lada Samara]] which were very popular in the [[East Europe|Eastern]] and [[Central Europe]] in the 1970s and 1980s. There were also lineup of popular models of the Soviet compact/small family cars made by the [[AZLK]] factory in [[Moscow]]: [[Moskvitch]], models [[Moskvitch 400-420|400]], [[Moskvitch 402|402]], [[Moskvitch 408|408]], [[Moskvitch 412|412]], [[Moskvitch 2140|2140]], [[Aleko]], and some of its modifications produced from 1947 tо 2003. The 1980s began with the launch of two more [[front-wheel drive]] hatchbacks: the [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Third generation .281980.E2.80.931986.29|Ford Escort Mk III]] and the [[Lancia Delta]]. Similar cars such as the [[Austin Maestro]] that had above average space / packaging, [[Renault 11]], [[Peugeot 309]], updated [[Opel Kadett]], [[Renault 19]], [[Fiat Tipo]] that had above average space / packaging, and the second generation [[Rover 200]]/[[Honda Concerto]] followed over the course of the decade. [[Citroën]] replaced the GSA with the 1984 [[Citroën BX|BX]] that was between the sizes of the small family car and large family car, in an attempt to cover both markets with one model. Alfa Romeo's venture into this market, the Nissan-based [[Alfa Romeo Arna|Arna]], was one of the few unsuccessful European small family hatchbacks of the 1980s. Instead of combining an Alfa Romeo design with Japanese build quality, it used the mediocre [[Nissan Cherry]] body and chassis with Alfa mechanicals and poor Italian build quality. Also in the 1980s saloons became popular again, often with a different brand than the hatckback, for example the [[Ford Orion]], [[Renault 9]], [[Volkswagen Jetta]], [[Fiat Regata]] and [[SEAT Málaga]]. The 1990s saw small family cars firmly positioned as the most popular class of car in Europe. In 1991 Volkswagen Golf Mk III, [[Citroën ZX|ZX]] and [[SEAT Toledo]] were launched. The Golf was elected [[European Car of the Year]]. The ZX's chassis spawned the [[Peugeot 306]] in 1993. The ZX was the model used to launch PSA Peugeot-Citroen in China. Fiat replaced the Tipo in 1995 with the distinctive [[Fiat Bravo|Bravo and Brava]] (three-door and five-door hatchbacks, respectively). In 1998, Ford launched the all-new [[Ford Focus (International)|Ford Focus]], completing sales of run-out Escort versions in 2000. According to 2011 sales,<ref>{{cite web|title=Europe Full Year 2011: Top 318 All models ranking now available! |publisher=Automotive News |url=http://www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?1,2449761,page=23 }}</ref> compact cars are currently the second segment in Europe after the [[subcompact]] one (which in Europe corresponds to [[A-segment]] + [[B-segment]]), with approximately 3 million units sold. Currently, the [[Volkswagen Golf]] is not only the leader of the segment but also of the European market (sold almost 500,000 units during 2011). [[Volkswagen Group]] leads the segment with other successful models as [[Skoda Octavia]] (approx. 180,000 units), the premium [[Audi A3]] (approx. 140,000 units) the Spanish [[Seat Leon]] (approx. 70,000 units) and the sedan version of the Golf, the [[Volkswagen Jetta]] (approx. 40,000 units). [[Opel Astra]] and [[Ford Focus]] sold over 300,000 units and [[Renault Megane]] sold 250,000 units. Some small family cars have also spawned [[compact MPV]]s, the first of which was the 1996 [[Renault Scénic]], named 1997 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year in Europe]]. In 1999, the [[Citroën Xsara Picasso]] and [[Opel Zafira]] were launched, then the [[Citroën C4 Picasso]], [[Fiat Multipla]], [[Ford Focus C-MAX]], [[Peugeot 5008]], [[SEAT Altea]] and [[Volkswagen Touran]] followed and are becoming increasingly popular. In few years, at the end of the 1990s, they outsold estates and saloons in many countries. Nevertheless, the MPV segment began to lose the customer interest at the beginning of the 2010s, while the SUV segment increased. This trend could also come from the fact the big families budget is more impacted by the economical crisis, than this of the small families. The [[Renault Scenic]] mainly and the [[Citroën C4 Picasso#Second generation (2013–present)|Citroën C4 Picasso]] are the leaders of this segment in Europe over the 20 past years.<ref name="ScenicLeaderMPV"/> A more recent trend is to build [[coupé cabriolet]]s with components from these vehicles. Examples of this are the [[Peugeot 308 CC]], [[Opel Astra TwinTop]], [[Ford Focus (international)|Ford Focus Coupe-Convertible]], and [[Volkswagen Eos]]. ==Japanese market== [[File:2009-2012 Toyota Prius (ZVW30R) i-Tech liftback (2015-10-18).jpg|thumb|[[Toyota Prius]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan July 2012: New gen pushes Toyota Corolla to 2-year high |publisher=JADA - Japan Automobile Dealers Association |url=http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/07/japan-july-2012-new-gen-pushes-toyota-corolla-to-2-year-high/ }}</ref>]] In 1955, the Japanese [[Ministry of International Trade and Industry]] set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that the vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph), weigh below 400&nbsp;kg (882&nbsp;lbs), fuel consumption at {{convert|30|km/L|abbr=on}} or more, at an average speed of 60&nbsp;km/h (37&nbsp;mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least {{convert|100,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}. This established a "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the [[kei car]]. Under Japanese regulations, this class is defined as vehicles at or less than 4.7&nbsp;m (15.4&nbsp;ft) long, 1.7&nbsp;m (5.6&nbsp;ft) wide, 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in). Interior dimensions and available cargo space are not taken into consideration. All vehicles in Japan, regardless of origination of manufacture, are held to this standard. This larger class is by far the most popular in Japan due to tax benefits stipulated by [[Vehicle size class#Japan|Japanese government regulations]] ([[:ja:道路運送車両法|Japanese Government's Road Vehicle Act of 1951]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/S26/S26HO185.html |title=Road Vehicle Act of 1951 |language=Japanese |publisher=Law.e-gov.go.jp |date= |accessdate=2012-08-18}}</ref> One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the [[Toyota Publica]] with an air cooled two cylinder opposed engine, and the [[Mitsubishi 500]]. The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at the time. These vehicles were followed by the [[Hino Contessa]] in 1961, the [[Isuzu Bellett]], [[Daihatsu Compagno]] and [[Mazda Familia]] in 1963, the [[Mitsubishi Colt]] in 1965, and the [[Nissan Sunny]], [[Subaru 1000]], and [[Toyota Corolla]] in 1966. Honda introduced their first four-door sedan in 1969, called the [[Honda 1300]]. In North America, these cars were classified as [[subcompact car]]s. By 1970, Nissan released their first front wheel drive car that was originally developed by [[Prince Motor Company]] which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the [[Nissan Cherry]]. In 1972, the [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] appeared with the [[CVCC]] engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a [[Catalytic converter]]. In 1973, the [[1973 oil crisis|Energy Crisis]] started, which made small fuel efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain. The [[Toyota Camry]], the [[Datsun 510]], the [[Mitsubishi Galant]] (a captive import from Chrysler sold as the [[Dodge Colt]]), the [[Subaru Leone|Subaru DL]], and later the [[Honda Accord]] gave buyers increased passenger space and some luxury amenities, such as air conditioning, power steering, AM-FM radios, and even power windows and central locking without increasing the price of the vehicle. Compact trucks were also introduced to the USA, with the [[Toyota Hilux]] and the [[Nissan Navara|Datsun Truck]], followed by the [[Mazda B-Series (North America)|Mazda Truck]] also sold as the [[Ford Courier]], with Isuzu selling their compact truck as the [[Chevrolet LUV]]. In 1979, Mitsubishi sold their compact truck [[Mitsubishi Forte]] as the [[Dodge Ram 50]] and Plymouth Arrow. == UK market == [[File:Vauxhall Astra 1686cc Reg Sep 201002.jpg|thumb|[[Vauxhall Astra]], a re-branded [[Opel Astra]] ([[General Motors]] Group<ref>{{cite web |title=UK July 2012: Mercedes C-Class hits highest ranking ever |publisher=Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) |url=http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/06/uk-july-2012-mercedes-c-class-hits-highest-ranking-ever/ }}</ref>]] === 1970s === Small family saloons had a strong following among car buyers in the UK as the 1970s dawned, and enjoyed a popularity similar to that of larger family cars such as the successful [[Ford Cortina]]. These two sectors were in fact dominant of the new car market at this time, as the [[Mini]] and - to a lesser degree - the [[Hillman Imp]] were the only popular mini-cars at this time. The [[Austin 1100|Morris/Austin 1100/1300]] had been Britain's best selling car for most of the time since its launch in 1962, and rival British products included the [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort]], [[Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979)|Vauxhall Viva]] and [[Hillman Avenger]]. Cars such as the [[Citroën GS]], [[Peugeot 304]], and [[Nissan Sunny|Datsun Sunny 120Y]] were also being imported. [[British Leyland]] replaced the 1100/1300 with the [[Austin Allegro]] in 1973. [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] updated the Escort in 1975. The [[Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979)|Vauxhall Viva]] finished production in late 1979 on the launch of the all-new [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] - which abandoned the traditional rear-wheel drive saloon in favour of the front-wheel drive hatchback format that was spreading across Europe. The Allegro was front-wheel drive but only came as a saloon or estate though the [[Austin Maxi]] was a hatchback. The Escort was still a rear-wheel drive saloon in 1979 but was due for an imminent replacement by an up-to-date third generation model. The Hillman Avenger continued to sell well as a [[Chrysler]] following the 1976 rebranding and as a [[Talbot]] after the sale of Chrysler's European operations to French carmaker [[Peugeot]] in 1979, in spite of the 1978 launch of the [[Chrysler Horizon|Horizon]] front-wheel drive hatchback. One of the first foreign cars to have a major impact on this sector in the UK was the [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] - a [[Giorgetto Giugiaro|Giugiaro-styled]] front-wheel drive hatchback launched in 1974. The sporty '''GTI''' version sparked a huge demand for "hot hatchbacks" in the UK and many other countries. Other foreign competitors during this era in the UK included the [[Renault 14]], [[Fiat Ritmo|Fiat Strada]], [[Honda Civic]], and [[Mazda 323]]. === 1980s === The MK3 [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]] went on sale in the autumn of 1980 replacing the rear-drive saloon format in favour of hatchbacks and front-wheel drive. It was available in several versions, as well as the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon that was launched in 1983. [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall's]] [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] entered the market with the 1984 MK2 model, as well as the [[Vauxhall Belmont|Belmont]] saloon that was launched in 1986. [[Austin Rover Group|Austin Rover]], as British Leyland was now called, replaced the [[Austin Allegro|Allegro]] in early 1983 with the all-new [[Austin Maestro|Maestro]]. The venture with Japanese carmaker [[Honda]] saw the launch of the [[Triumph Acclaim]], a four-door saloon based on the [[Honda Ballade]] with a Honda-designed engine. The [[Rover 200 / 25#SD3|Rover 200]] succeeded it in 1984. The [[Volkswagen Golf|MK2 Volkswagen Golf]] went on sale in the UK at the start of 1984. The first British built [[Peugeot]] car - a [[Peugeot 309|309]] - rolled off the [[Ryton-on-Dunsmore]] production line at the end of 1985. Subsequently, the [[Talbot]] marque was phased out. Other foreign small family cars to succeed during the 1980s included the [[Toyota Corolla]], [[Honda Civic]], [[Mazda Familia|Mazda 323]], and [[Nissan Sunny]]. 1988 saw the arrival of the [[Fiat Tipo]] and [[Renault 19]]. === 1990s === [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] began the 1990s by replacing its 10-year-old Escort (and the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon version) with an all-new model. The Escort was Britain's best selling small family car throughout the decade.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} Its eventual successor - the [[Ford Focus (International)|Focus]] - went on sale in September 1998. [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] rejuvenated its [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] with the launch of an all-new model in October 1991, and in early 1998 with a new version. The [[Rover 200|200 Series]] was launched during the autumn of 1989, and its successor was launched in 1995. Later, a facelift transformed it into the [[Rover 25]] and re-positioned as a supermini. As well as the [[Volkswagen Golf]] (which entered its third incarnation in 1991 and its fourth in 1997). The [[Pininfarina]] styled 1993 [[Peugeot 306]] was built in England at [[Ryton-on-Dunsmore|Ryton]] near Coventry. The [[Renault Megane|Megane]] replaced the [[Renault 19]] in 1996. Other foreign brands included the [[Citroën ZX]], its successor the [[Citroën Xsara|Xsara]], the [[Fiat Brava|Fiat Brava/Fiat Bravo]], the [[Nissan Almera]], as well as the latest incarnations of the long-running [[Honda Civic]], [[Toyota Corolla]], and [[Mazda 323]]. [[File:Citroën-C4 Mk2 Front-view.JPG|[[Citroën C4]] II|thumb|right]] === 2000s === The competition increased. The [[Peugeot 307]] was launched in 2001 and won the 2002 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year in Europe]] award. The [[Renault Megane|Renault Megane II]] was launched in November 2002 and was awarded 2003 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year in Europe]]. The [[Volkswagen Golf]] entered its fifth incarnation at the beginning of 2004, but it got only the third rank for the 2004 Car of the year in Europe. The [[Vauxhall Astra]] entered with a fifth generation model in March 2004 and got no podium for the Car of the year in Europe. The [[Ford Focus (International)|Ford Focus]] second generation model was launched in December 2004, but it got only the third rank for the 2004 Car of the year in Europe, beaten by the [[Citroën C4]] I and the [[Toyota Prius]]. Other offerings in the small family car sector included the [[Citroën C4]], the ''premium'' class car [[Citroën DS4]], the ''entry'' class car [[Dacia Logan]], [[Fiat Bravo (2007)|Fiat Bravo]], [[Hyundai Elantra]]/[[Hyundai i30|i30]], [[Mazda 3]], [[Peugeot 308]] (2014 [[European Car of the Year|Car of the year in Europe]]), [[Škoda Octavia]], [[Toyota Auris]] and [[Volkswagen Jetta]]. == See also == {{Div col|cols=3}} * [[Vehicle size class]] * [[Compact MPV]] * [[Compact sport utility vehicle|Compact SUV]] * [[Economy car]] * [[Hot hatch]] * [[Minivan]] * [[Sport compact]] * [[Supermini|Supermini car]] * [[Compact executive car]] {{Div col end}} == References == {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links == * [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses Official US government car size class definitions] {{Automobile configuration}} [[Category:North American car classifications]] [[Category:1950 introductions]] [[Category:Car classifications]]'