For decades the English have driven the roads of their homeland in some of the smallest vehicles ever created. In Japan, you won’t find too many Ford Expeditions crawling through Tokyo streets. And in Canada, previous Chevrolet advertisements featured cars such as the Aveo being carried off by ants. In the United States you’re more apt to see an Avalanche or F-250 commercial. At least, you were – with rising gas prices the American public, along with car makers, are turning towards smaller, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Chevrolet Aveo – the biggest of the little cars

The Chevy Aveo is making its way up the ladder of GM popularity and is proud of it’s slogan “Surprisingly Big.” With a comfortable interior (it seats five adults…seriously!) The Aveo is now catching eyes on the road and in the wallets of cost-conscious car lovers. Don’t be surprised if one day there are several Aveo Lovers appreciation groups.

Mini Cooper Clubman

The Mini Cooper hardly needs an introduction. This little gem was all the rage in 1960′s UK pop culture. Today, the Mini (now owned by BMW) can be seen cruising the streets of nearly every major city in America. It’s a favorite among younger drivers, and those who have trouble parallel parking. Mini has also resurrected The Clubman, another popular (and old school) Mini model, with a whopping 155.8 inches of length!

Smart Car – it’s not stuck, really

The SMART car hales originally from Swedish watch manufacturer Swatch and is produced by Mercedes-Benz (SMRT = Swatch Mercedes ART). Smart has become widely popular throughout Europe, Asia and now in North America. Smart Fortwo made it’s debut in Canada in 2004, and only this year became legal in the United States (the federal government worried about Smart drivers getting into horrid accidents on highways, although Fortwo has passed vigorous collision tests.) A limited edition electric version is in the works for the UK; this one is not being produced by Mercedes.

VW Rabbit

The Volkswagen Rabbit is another resurrection, this time from the 1970′s. Both the Rabbit and Golf were VW’s first successful replacements for the Beetle. Car and Driver Magazine rated the Volkswagen Rabbit S winner among eight small cars, praising it for driving position, fine instruments and a strong engine. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other foreign vehicles.

Toyota Yaris – in street-racing mode

Toyota’s Yaris is more foreign competition for the Aveo, and is loved by Gen-Y drivers, partially thanks to their clever ad campaigns (featuring CGI Yaris hatchbacks & sedans causing hijinks on the road.) …the 40 miles per gallon fuel economy also helps. Many custom body kits for street racing (like the one above, and whether legal or not) are available for purchase. Yaris is the next-generation of Toyota’s moderately successful Echo.

Toyota iQ – a new, little concept

Expected for release in the Europe and North America by 2010, the Toyota iQ is in no way related to any Apple products. It is the Japanese auto maker’s competition for cars such as the Mini. With room for three adults and one child (or some nice luggage) the production iQ is expected to be slightly larger than this concept model.