We're all now apparently destined to give up our delightful gas-guzzling luxury boats (again) and dump our super-sized SUVs in favor of wearably small fuel sippers. It seems, thanks to news yesterday that the Dodge Hornet's still in the mix and planning to head stateside, that at least a few automakers are trying to make them interesting, or are at least making them look interesting. Unfortunately none of them are yet here. But of these unbuyable-here (and in a couple of cases, anywhere) econoboxes, we're wondering which ones you're most interested in — hit the jump.
Fiat 500
Fiat has been on again, off again on its plans for a return to the US, but we're hoping eventually to see the reborn Fiat 500 on domestic shores — if for no other reason than to give Mini owners something to think about. Sure, it'll need a little more scoot or a totally different torque curve to get us interested, but the car has style and a superb interior, plus it sips the fuel.
Dodge Hornet
With production confirmation yesterday, we'll be waiting with baited breath for the sting of the Chinese-built Dodge Hornet. The little bruiser should come in right about when gas tops $15 a gallon and the cities start to burn. But that won't stop us from being interested in the Hornet. We'll just have to wait and see if Chryslerberus and Chery can deliver the goods on product quality.
Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube has been forbidden, asymmetrical fruit for years now, but Nissan is telling us the next version will be US-bound. We don't know if the funky style will survive, but it could be the beneficiary of Carlos Ghosn's big electric push, resulting in an all-electric Cube. We'd welcome the little-van-that-could with open arms even if it's just a gasser.
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