The Subcompact segment shrank by 6 percent compared to the first half of 2015, a reasonable performance for a mainstream segment – only the Large and Minivan segments did better. What’s more, this was achieved despite many of the cars in the segment getting decidedly long in the tooth (Hyundai Accent, Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris). However, until these models are replaced later this year / early next year, it’s hard to imagine the Subcompact segment doing much better than this, especially in light of the persistently low gas prices.
Highlights for first half of 2016:
- Although Kia Soul outsold Nissan Versa in Q2 2016, that was not enough for the model to regain the position of segment leader it held in 2015; in fact, Nissan Versa had a great second quarter of the year, with sales up 20 percent compared to Q2 2015
- Despite being in their seventh and sixth year, respectively, on the market, both Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio did well last quarter, with sales rising by around 12 percent for both models
- Unlike for the Korean duo, the advancing age is clearly hurting Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, all of which lost between quarter and half of their sales compared to 2015 in the second quarter
- Sales of the Honda Fit seems to still be affected by supply shortages, as the less-than-a-year-old model keeps selling worse than the previous generation did at this time last year
- Models that exited the standings this quarter (fewer than 10 units sold): Nissan Cube, Scion xD and Mazda2
Note: clicking on the model name opens the sales data page for that model; clicking year in the legend turns the display for that year on/off