User:Vogue2Voke/Subcompact executive
A subcompact executive car, also known as a premium compact, is a type of automobile, and is the smallest segment of luxury car, and are smaller than compact executive cars. Subcompact executive car is a term from the United Kingdom and are a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. Subcompact executive cars are equivalent in size to compact cars/small family cars.
Premium compacts are generally comfortable, and are usually cheaper than larger luxury cars.[1] Subcompact executives are usually cheaper than current mid-size to full-size vehicles, and are occasionally used as company cars. Luxury cars in general are well-equipped, and cheap to run.[2] Small luxury cars generally have performance features or variants. Generally, subcompact executive cars, along with other luxury car classes are used as a status symbol.
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United Kingdom[edit]
The 2015-2023 Mini Clubman is considered the first subcompact executive car from the United Kingdom, although it is also the only subcompact executive in it. Although there was the 2007-2014 Clubman, it was considered a supermini (B).
Italy[edit]
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Alfa Romeo's first subcompact executive car is technically Alfa Romeo Alfasud SE,[3] and the Alfa Romeo Sprint sports coupe. Alfa Romeo has produced multiple subcompact executive cars over the decades, with the last one being the 940 Giulietta, which was discontinued in 2020, before being replaced with the subcompact luxury crossover Tonale.[4]
Lancia's first luxury small luxury car is the Lancia Delta. It is technically considered a luxury vehicle as Lancia is considered a luxury brand by multiple sources.[5]
Germany[edit]
BMW's first subcompact executive car was the BMW 3 Series Compact, introduced in 1993, and was essentially an SWB version of the BMW 3 Series. BMW has introduced the 1 Series in 2004, and the BMW 2 Series and 2 Series Active Tourer in 2014, and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé in 2020.
In 1996, Audi introduced the Audi A3. By many sources, they say it is one of the best small luxury cars.[6][7]
The first subcompact executive car by Mercedes-Benz was the CLC SportCoupé, a shorter coupé version of the compact executive W203 C-Class. Then came the Mercedes-B-Class in 2005, a subcompact executive MPV-styled hatchback. In 2012, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class transitioned from a supermini to a premium compact. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz has put the Mercedes-Benz CLA saloon and estate in production, showing the large amount of premium compacts the luxury brand has made.
France[edit]
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DS Automobiles produced the DS 4 hatchback from 2010 to 2018, then coming back in 2021 as a coupé SUV-styled hatchback. The DS 4S is essentially a longer wheelbase version of the DS 4, but with major differences, and exclusively sold in China.
Sweden[edit]
The Volvo V40 is considered to be a premium compact.[8] Volvo has produced an insignificant amount of subcompact executive cars, such as the Volvo C30, and the 480, Volvo’s first premium compact. Since the V40 was discontinued in 2019,[9] the Swedish manufacturer has not produced any other subcompact executive vehicles, with their smallest vehicle being the Volvo XC40.
Japan[edit]
In Japan, Acura has produced 2 premium compact cars, the Acura EL (Acura’s first premium compact car), and the Acura CSX, a premium compact based on the 8th generation Honda Civic.[10]
Infiniti has made the Q30. It is subcompact executive hatchback, based on the QX30 crossover, and on the same platform as the first generation Mercedes-Benz GLA, and third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class.[11]
Lexus has produced the CT hatchback from January 2011 to October 2022. It is the only premium compact produced by the luxury brand.
As of 2023, there are no Japanese subcompact executive cars in production.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Best Small Luxury Car 2021.
- ↑ Best executive cars 2021. What Car?. Retrieved on 8 February 2021.
- ↑ 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti 2-Door Sedan.
- ↑ Alfa Romeo Giulietta axed.
- ↑ Lancia Becomes Premium Brand In Stellantis Era.
- ↑ Best Luxury Small Cars for 2023.
- ↑ [www.carbuyer.co.uk/best-cars/48401/top-10-best-luxury-small-cars%3famp Top 10 best luxury small cars 2022/2023].
- ↑ The all-new Volvo V40 – Design: Truly Scandinavian luxury look and feel.
- ↑ Volvo V40 Production ENDING this year – High-Riding 'Hatch' on the way. carsuk.net (20 January 2019). Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved on 21 May 2023.
- ↑ The Acura CSX Type-S Was The Weird Civic Si America Never Got. Jalopnik.
- ↑ 2019 Infiniti Q30 Sport quick review. WhichCar.