Small cars big in Brussels

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

Twingo and Fox are just two of the interesting names that stood out as I started paying closer attention to the abundance of small - and really small - cars that seemed the norm, rather than the exception, while I was in Brussels, Belgium, recently.

While I had long been sold on the practicality of small vehicles such as the Smart car, which offer maximum comfort, safety and driving fun, I am just really beginning to appreciate the value of a small car for its everyday value of getting from one place to another. For, in a city where parking space seemed to be a premium, I watched in awe as people got into their small cars and went about their business.

Of course, I found myself gawking as I struggled to admit that they are vehicles designed for everyday use and not just toys. That took some doing, as some of them are designed for just two occupants and have very little trunk space. Of course, the miserly mileage, agility and driving fun - once you make the adjustment - are a big plus.

I did notice, however, that whereas small was popular in Brussels, delegates of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group who were chauffer-driven, had not made the adjustment, and continued to bask in the glory of their 'limos'.

Still, based on my informal survey - going around and taking pictures and asking questions - hampered by an inability to speak French, the evidence suggested overwhelmingly that Belgians who live and work in that section of Brussels are definitely big on small cars.

And I believe the numbers are likely to continue growing appreciably.