U.S. has room for small, stylish fuel-sippers; As fuel prices rise, American consumers may welcome these European and Japanese models.(News)(Fiat S.p.A., Peugeot S.A. and Toyota Motor Corp. introduces diesel vehicles)

Automotive News, February, 2008 by Truett, Richard

Byline: Richard Truett

Gasoline that sells for $3 to $4 a gallon will make American roads look more like those in Europe and Japan.

And that's not bad. Cars and engines are going to shrink. Diesels, gasoline direct injection, turbochargers and dual-clutch transmissions already are arriving.

Disappointed? Worried? Don't be. European and Japanese small cars are quick, stylish, amazingly practical, frugal almost beyond belief and - most important - fun to drive. Even though the United States is crowded, there's plenty of room for more small European and Japanese cars here.

Just take a look at a few of the great cars we don't get - but might someday:

* Volkswagen Golf GT Twincharger: The car is powered by a tiny 1.4-liter...

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