UK drivers are going for smaller cars, as factors like fuel economy and a new company car tax scheme influence buying decisions. The supermini segment has grown by more than 4.5 per cent over the last five years as buyers increasingly switch to smaller vehicles, according to Motor Industry FACTS – 2002, just published by the SMMT.
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Small cars now come with more standard equipment and safety features, with an array of extras that would have previously been reserved for larger executive models. Air bags, anti-lock brakes, CD-players and air conditioning are now the norm, making these cars true ‘superminis’.
Commenting on the change in buying habits, SMMT Chief Executive Christopher Macgowan said: ‘There is an incredible amount of competition in this segment and consumers are benefiting from this. Practically all the volume manufacturers have a supermini model in their range and the level of equipment fitted as standard is now quite phenomenal. The barriers to smaller motoring have been removed and buyers have recognised this.’
Top five selling superminis in the UK in 2001
| 98,221 
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· Peugeot 206 | 97,887 |
· Vauxhall Corsa | 93,792 |
· Renault Clio | 79,843 |
· Fiat Punto | 59,573 |
