But when you consider what the Carol represents -- a fuel-efficient, features-heavy (and, dare we say, cute) micro-mini commuter that goes extra easy on the wallet -- it's a shame the vehicle won't hit the roads here if for nothing else than to raise the subcompact bar. The Carol gets 55 mpg and offers 4WD, continuously variable transmission, split foldable seats, heated front seats, heated wing mirrors to prevent fogging -- the list goes on and on. And all that for a mere $12,000 -- almost three grand less than the base price for a Scion xD.

And while we'll never lust after the Carol (come to think of it, they really need to change that name) as we would, say, the Alfa Romeo MiTo -- also not slated for the U.S. -- being denied a well-executed vehicle, no matter it's type, does get our jealousy up a bit. Though if we're adopting diesel cars -- another traditional no-no for U.S. sales -- at a faster rate than anyone expected, perhaps we'll also find our small-car segment expanding sooner rather than later, as well.