Tiny parcels of power

Size does matter. And sometimes, the smaller the better. On today’s congested roads, the last thing you need is a double-parked Hummer, or a Maybach cautiously trying to parallel park in a space clearly meant for a Toyota iQ. Good things come in small packages, and when they’re really good, the best come back in smaller and updated packages. Case in point, the British Mini, or the BMW Mini.

Iconic during the psychedelic times of the 60s (remember George Harrison’s Tibetan and Sanskrit prayer painted Mini), the Mini is a common sight on UK roads today, at once cute, compact and stylish. It’s larger than its predecessor and weighs a bit more as well. However, retro rules today and its interior packs in Harman Kardon speakers seamlessly with auxiliary gauges. Lily Allen and Madonna have confessed to be die-hard Mini fans. The car’s even made it to Hollywood, featuring in Hitch, Austin Powers Goldmember, and a heist scene in the The Italian Job, giving it a good chance to show off its track driving abilities.

If you think just seeing one oldie back on the road doesn’t prove anything, think again. Volkswagen’s Beetle is still going strong. It’s expected to be phased out by 2011, to make way for possible variants including two-seater Beetle roadsters, SUV-type Beetles and the standard hard top.

The fat bubble Fiat 500 is back as well, rising from its death in the 70s. The new avatar is front-engined and front-wheel drive, and powered by a choice of three water-cooled engines (the original twin cylinder was air cooled) that include a 69bhp 1.2 petrol, a twin cam 100bhp 1.4 and a 75bhp 1.3 turbodiesel. Of course, there’s the usual paraphernalia of a built-in stereo with CD player and MP3 port, voice-activated Bluetooth phone integration, electric windows, power steering and a trip computer. It’s uber-stylish, and let’s face it, the Italians know their furniture so well, the interiors are worthy of their own showroom.

A visit to a vintage car rally reveals the human spirit to create the most bizarre things in the name of transport. The Goggomobil Dart, Messerschmitt cars, even Vespa cars, and the bubble-shaped BMW Isetta, which was originally designed by a refrigerator company with two doors, one at the front and the other at the back. Dare we hope to see a return of these? Or perhaps the Citroën 2CV and its classic Bauhaus body?

A return may take a while. In the meantime, there’s a whole new breed of smart city cars to look forward to: the Volkswagen Cross Polo is another new entry; the Aston Martin Cygnet is preparing to rival Toyota’s iQ; the sporty and incredibly expensive Audi A1. Both the Cygnet and A1 are expected at the end of 2010 and are priced between £14,000 to £25,000. If you’re feeling generous, they might be the greatest Christmas gift ideas ever. Especially if they’re just for yourself.