With an announcement that Tata Motors is bringing it’s tiny, inexpensive Nano to the US by 2011 Automopedia wanted to look at the current (and forthcoming) line of small cars for American consumers. The age of over sized SUV’s is over, and if you want to be hip get ready to spend a lot less on gas – hey, who’s going to argue that?! From a Kia dealership to the best place to find a mini-Mini, we tracked down the latest in small-ride technology.

Tata Nano

That’s right – Tata is bringing their $2300 mini-automobile to the United States in 2011. It will not only be one of the tiniest cars here, but also one of the smallest motors – with a 2-cylinder 33 horse power engine. Customers can opt for other luxuries: climate control, assisted braking, and fog lights. What will the biggest draw be for Nano? Its 65 miles per gallon rating.

Mini Cooper

Mini’s were a classic back in the 1970′s and made a resurgence (via BMW) throughout Europe and the US of A a few years back. With price tags ranging from $15k-$22K (used to new) This little sportster won’t leave you crying to the bank.

Mini Clubman

If you want a Mini Cooper but also require extra space, check out the 2009 Mini Clubman. It features suicide doors with an extended rear end and double-door trunk section. Clubman is still one of the tinier vehicles on the road today.

Smart ForTwo

I’m now seeing these cars EVERYWHERE from Montreal, Quebec to NYC – Cleveland to San Francisco. This little German ride boasts a top (in its class) crash test rating and comfortable room…for two. Smart also wants to design a ForFour model in years to come.

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta Movement is growing in North America – and next year consumers will be able to test drive/purchase the Ford that has taken Europe by storm. Fiesta receives 39 MPG and has top horse power is 118. Think a Focus 2-door hatchback – but a hell of a lot sportier.

Hyundai Accent GS

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Dubbed “The Egg Car” by some of our Automopedia writers/reader – Hyundai’s Accent GS is one of the most inexpensive new automobiles sold on American soil – with some price tags down to under $9900. It’s also reliable, comes with Hyundai’s Assurance plan (you know, the one where they will take back your new car if you get canned from work) and it’s ADORABLE!

Kia Rio5

Kia’ Rio and Rio5 hatchbacks are popular among rental car lots – but the Accent-based Kia is actually a sporty little 4-cylinder with flashy looks – and is scheduled for a design upgrade in 2010. Between Rio & Soul Kia is on its way to battle Tata to sell tiny, flashy and inexpensive cars.

Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf GTI

It’s name keeps switching from Rabbit to Golf to Golf GTI, etc…but Volkswagen’s hatchback is, along with the Eos, the smallest rides VW has to offer – right up (or down) there with a New Beetle.

Toyota Yaris/Echo

Before the days or Prius, Toyota had Echo. It was small, fuel efficient and, well…kinda ugly. But Toyota brought it back with a flashier design and a new name – Yaris. With rumors of a hybrid version coming down the road it may be one of thee smallest gas/electric cars by any Japanese auto maker.

Chevy Aveo5

Chevy’s Aveo was a cute concept by the GM brand when first introduced – and last year’s model garnered more positive attention then previous line ups. But the new Aveo5 has been mocked for its average MPG rating and it’s ugly front end. The way things are going in General Motors we may not see much more of Aveo.

Mazda2

Along with Ford’s Fiesta, Mazda plans on bringing a sub-compact car already on sale overseas – Mazda2 – over to the USA. Expect Mazda2 at dealerships in 2011 – with 40 miles to the gallon (in Europe), under 2100 weight, 1.5-liter engine and a 0-60 time of 10 seconds we can see it being a hit in the land of the free.

On the 12th day of Christmas my partner gave to me – one of the cars from our 2008 Top Picks from Economy all the way up through Minivan models. Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season – as long as gas prices stay down and car companies don’t sink into the ground.

Economy Class

1 Toyota Yaris

Toyota has a fine reputation for cars that last two decades and past 200,000 miles. And now with the Yaris you can have your very own fuel efficient, lifetime lasting Toyota for under 14k.

2 Hyundai Accent – The Egg Car

The Hyundai Accent is a darling of recent (cash strapped) college grads and rental car companies. Simple design (many have called this the “Egg Car”) and a fuel efficient engine have propelled the Accent high into small car sales brackets. Hyundai is finally beginning to build really solid cars.

3 Nissan Versa – Under $10K

Nissan grabbed attention last month with the introduction of their “Under $10,000 MSRP Versa” -Which sadly comes with no radio, no air conditioning and a manual transmission. Still, it’s almost like the Dell of cars – you start with something simple then build your way up into something you like. Hmm…maybe Dell isn’t the best name to reference, but we think you get the point.

Sport Cars

1 Mercedes SL 65

If you have several thousands of dollars to spare you may want to check out a Mercedes SL. Without a doubt it’s tops in the class of sports cars and convertibles. And it’s from Germany, if the guy on those ShamWow commercials has taught us anything it’s that Germans make fine products!

2 Mazda MX-5 – The New Miata

Actually, Mazda wants all mention of the “Miata” name stricken from their records. The new, sporty MX-5 is not only a powerful offspring of that vehicle made famous by Jay Mohr and Scott Wolf in the movie “Go” but also handles as well as any foreign sports car.

3 Pontiac G5 – America, F*&K YEAH!

Yes, it’s a sedan. Yes, it’s American. But the Pontiac G5 gets a nod for being a better version of the Chevy Cobalt, in the ways of performance and sportiness. We know the haters will bash us for liking a GM product, but we’ve recently driven the G5 sport halfway across the tundra of Eastern Canada – and were in love with the vehicle every second of our ride.

Full-size Vehicles

1 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln is trying to make a comeback into the world of luxury sedans (and the youth market with those catchy hipster tunes on tv ads) with models like the MKS. It’s got style, size and performance to back their attempt up.

2 BMW 7-Series

The BMW 7-Series has been used for commuting, limo service and was so impressive this year the Neiman Marcus Catalog auctioned off one of a kind models for their holiday charity event.

3 Ford Taurus – An American Icon

Ford’s Taurus has been around since the late 1980′s, and it’s legacy continues today. Unfortunately the Taurus X Sports Wagon is going to be discontinued in 2009. But fear not – Ford is priming the public for their 2010 Taurus concept.

Crossover/SUV/Minivan

1 Ford Flex – Car of the Year Finalist

Ford’s Flex seats up to 7 and shows that a van or crossover doesn’t have to be mundane. The Flex is a model we expect to see coming from Ford for years on – and with a possible Car of the Year award on it’s way our opinion feels solid.

2 Kia Borrego – Kia’s First SUV

Kia is taking a chance in this economy bringing out their first SUV. With a V6 or V8 engine option, hefty towing capacity and a roomy interior this may be the chance Kia has to impress those looking for a larger automobile.

3 Volkswagen Routan

VW’s Routan has made its mark on commercial advertising with their funny spots featuring Brooke Shields. It’s also made a dent in the world of Minivans, competing well against the Caravan. Only time will tell if Volkswagen can keep their minivan sales moving.

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.