WordNet
n. a car smaller than a compact car [syn: subcompact]
Wikipedia
A subcompact car is the American term for an automobile with a class size smaller than a compact car, usually not exceeding in length, but larger than a microcar. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a passenger car is classified as subcompact if it has between and of interior volume.
The subcompact segment equates roughly to A-segment and B-segment in Europe, or city car and supermini in British terminology. In 2012, the New York Times described the differences, saying "today’s small cars actually span three main segments in the global vehicle market. The tiny A-segment cars include the Chevrolet Spark and Smart Fortwo. They’re extremely short and very light. Slightly larger are B-segment cars like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. The A- and B-cars are known as subcompacts."
Usage examples of "subcompact car".
Elsie McMay toted a knitting bag only slightly smaller than a subcompact car.
They've been modified in such a way that they never, ever break down, are light and maneuverable enough to use on ordinary streets, and use no more fuel than a subcompact car.