Small is Beautiful

It's not just UK motorists who are feeling the petroleum-pinch. Automotive News reports that US imports are now out-selling domestic brands for the first time. The most popular imports include manufacturers of small, fuel-efficient cars like Toyota, Suzuki and Volkswagen. In Australia, local V6 muscle-cars are also being outsold by more economical four-cylinder imports for the first time. South Africans meanwhile, have just seen the price of petrol at their local pump rise for the sixth time this year. Of course, small cars don't necessarily have to be sensible... Car Magazine South Africa reports that Audi's next mini(rival)car will be based on their recent Shooting Brake concept (pic) and will be less expensive than their current A2.