According to this year’s J.D, Power and Associates 2012 APEAL (Automotive Performance Execution and Layout) Study results, the adage that “good things come in small packages” is finally starting to ring true with Usa consumers. The company’s APEAL study questions vehicle owners about the appeal of their own recently-purchased vehicles, and what attracted them most about the vehicle they purchased. Also that owners of smaller vehicles were often just as satisfied with their vehicles as individuals who owned larger ones, whilst the study not only indicated that the U.S. was beginning to show a greater interest in smaller cars.

According to the study, 27% of all new car buyers have downsized in the last year. While the number is still relatively small, it was actually significantly better than the number of individuals who up-sized, at 13%. The remaining 60% of brand new car buyers stayed within their same class.

J.D. Associates and Power believe the outcome can largely be related to the leap in equipment and quality found in today’s small car offerings. Rather than being stripped-down, bare bones, econo-boxes that past generations had become accustom with, modern small cars are smaller versions of some bigger models that are associated with a higher level of quality, and so are offered higher-up in a manufacturer’s vehicle range.

Vice president of global automotive at J.D, as outlined by David Sargent. Power and Associates, the results clearly reflected the point that new-vehicle clients who downsize are no longer being forced to make the sacrifice that once accompanied the switch. While small cars happen to be massive sellers inJapan and Europe, as well as other parts on the planet, automakers are now focused on giving the U.S. market with appealing smaller models. Sargent also added that buyers may be surprised precisely how good some small cars are.

Beyond the fact that today’s smaller cars come equipped with more features, are safer,quicker and roomier, and all-around more enjoyable to drive compared to the small cars of yesteryear, one of the main things which convinced customers to make the switch is that they’ll get better gas mileage with smaller vehicles. In line with the study, 47% of owners claimed that gas mileage was one of the most critical factors in choosing a whole new car. Fuel savings is constantly gain momentum of last year’s findings, climbing by 7% from 2011 alone.