ATTENTION, Americans: This is a test. Now that even President Bush has pronounced the nation “addicted to oil,” and even as hybrid-car sales boom while S.U.V.’s swoon, here come new opportunities to test your willingness to use less gasoline. You can now drive the latest wave of smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, the so-called “B class” cars that are popular in most of the rest of the world.
Two fine examples are the Toyota Yaris, which went on sale a few weeks ago, and the Honda Fit, which becomes available next week. Set aside any lingering pint-size prejudices — these new subcompacts are not stripped-down penalty boxes like the economy cars of yesteryear. They are neither cramped nor bereft of creature comforts. They are even a bit stylish.