Subcompact cars aren’t the key market players they’re in other markets, but it’s now not the neglected boneyard of forgotten and off models it once was. For January 2013, it was a mixed bag, with three models up for the month, and the opposite eight down. Only 1 model, the Nissan Versa, broke the five-figure mark for the month, with the subsequent-closest model, the Chevrolet Sonic being 3000 units behind.

Honda, which has two top-ten overall players within the U.S. market within the Accord and Civic, took fifth place with the versatile and tossable Fit. In its first full January of sales, the brand new Chevrolet Spark racked up a decent 2408 sales, which combined with the marginally larger Sonic bring Chevy subcompact sales as regards to the ten,000 mark.

Nissan Versa – 10,270, Up 9.0 Percent

The Versa is probably not the flashiest or strongest subcompact model, but its competitive pricing and generous interior room have proven to be a winning combination for Nissan. The five-door model has carried over because the sedan was refreshed. a brand new 2014 Versa Note model will bring the five-door as much as snuff with more modern style and efficient powertrains.

Chevrolet Sonic – 7177, Up 25.6 Percent

The Sonic is leaps and limits better than the subpar and unloved Aveo, and buyers have responded by buying them up enthusiastically. The bowtie B-car out-sold its crosstown rival Fiesta by nearly 3000 units for January, but trailed the sales champ Versa by nearly a similar margin.

Ford Fiesta – 4285, Up 22.4 Percent

Fiesta sales were up a healthy 22.4 percent over January 2012, but still well behind its main domestic rival, the Chrevrolet Sonic. just a few new developments at the horizon for calendar 2013 that will change the sport is a 2014 model-year styling refresh, inclusive of a brand new three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and a brand new hot-hatch ST model.

Hyundai Accent – 3495, Down 19.49 Percent

Slightly out of the limelight that the Elantra gets, the Accent is an effective entry within the subcompact segment, offering sedan and five-door configurations, and traditional four-wheel disc brakes, in addition to essentially the mostsome of the most powerful engine within the class. Although January 2013 was a record sales month for Hyundai, it wasn’t for the Accent, with sales down 19.49 percent in comparison to a year before.

Honda Fit – 3156, Down 17.8 Percent

On sale inside the U.S. since 2007, the Honda Fit is a staff favorite, and among the finest combinations of practicality and driving dynamics inside the class. Its 117-hp 1.5-liter engine isn’t exactly a fireball, and its short gearing leads to unremarkable highway fuel economy for the category, but if you get behind the wheel and hit the street, it’s hard to disclaim that Honda’s formula just works. Sales were down 17.8 percent for January.

Toyota Yaris – 2897, Down 3.8 Percent

Toyota is another name linked to chart-topping sales performances, however the Yaris is unquestionably a secondary player within the brands U.S. lineup, with the Camry and Corolla stealing many of the headlines. Competent but unremarkable, the Yaris was down 3.8 percent for the month.

Fiat 500 – 2503, Up 31 Percent

After a rocky start with a small dealer network and inconsistent availability, the Fiat 500 finally seems to have found its footing. Not exactly a tremendous-volume player within the subcompact segment, the addition of the hot 500 L five-door, in addition to the mid-range 500T and Abarth convertible bode well for a robust 2013 for the Italian entry brand.

Kia Rio – 2470, Down 4.8 Percent

Once only a two-model brand with the Sephia and Sportage, the Rio is now a smaller player within the Kia brand, with the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento SUV being the strongest sellers. But way to the styling flair of Peter Schreyer, the Rio is likely one of the best-looking models within the segment, and may be spec’d out with a stunning amount of kit, although full-boat models can easily top $20,000. Sales were down modestly for January at 4.8 percent.

Chevrolet Spark – 2408 (New model)

Chevrolet’s pint-sized newcomer is off to a good start, with 2408 units sold in its first full January. With its 1.2-liter engine, it’s not at all bowling over customers with its massive horsepower, but its innovative MyLink interface uses apps installed on driver’s cellphones to feature touchscreen functionality in a more streamlined, efficient package.

Mazda 2 – 1543, Down 49.1 Percent

The Mazda 2 doesn’t appear like anything special on paper, but Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” DNA shines through should you get behind the wheel. But with a slightly sparse equipment list for a somewhat high price ticket for the category, the marketplace for the two is proscribed to gearheads in search of a totally specific driving experience. January 2013 sales were down a serious 49.1 percent, lending some credibility to the rumors that the two might not return to the U.S. market when the model is refreshed, instead coming back as a Mazda-built Toyota subcompact that can or will not be the subsequent-generation Yaris.