Small is beautiful (or, size is an illusion)
After living with three consecutive minivans, the idea of moving to a smaller car had one sticking point. What about all that cargo space? What if there is suddenly a need to pack large objects for transport? What if? Tonight, my first test case, and the Versa did right by me.
After a series of mis-scheduled moments, son #3 was put in the position of having to take his bicycle to an afterschool training session. Not to labour the point too much, but today the temperature rose to a sweat-inducing 29.5C, and the breeze was mainly at his back, all the way downhill. No real danger of chillblains or sudden blizzard whiteouts. However, by dusk, his interest in a long slog back up into the mountains with a strong headwind inspired the callout of parental taxi #1.
There was the question of what to do with the bicycle. Of course. Happily, the front wheel has a quick release skewer, and the old trick of releasing all trapped air from the tire allowed removal with only a modicum of effort. The car seats (this is a hatchback) folded in a manner similar to the vans, except that the task could be handled by a small child instead of a structural engineer (note to GM: your seats need to be redesigned, if your firm continues in business). A throwcloth, a swing of the shoulders and the bicycle fit inside the now “cargo” space with better clearance than the old vans. Two bikes might be trickier.
I didn’t require a quick read of the owner’s manual, nor an inspection with bright lights and probing tools. A little common sense was all it took. I could learn to love this little car that can.
