Industry Report Part 3: Compact SUVs Growing as Full-Size Sport Ute Sales Wane

That's about it for filling voids, leaving a variety of replacement models expected within the next year.

The big news this year are new models from Hyundai and Kia, the Tucson and

Now the Japanese are playing catch-up to the Koreans, a scenario most thought would never get played out. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Sportage, which move the segment up a notch or two in terms of driving dynamics, interior quality and value. Now the Japanese are playing catch-up to the Koreans, a scenario most thought would never get played out.

Another segment growing in popularity is compact luxury, with sport utilities leading the way. Land Rover was one of the first with its unique Freelander, updated last year and expecting a complete overhaul within another year. It will be built off of Ford's C-segment compact architecture, which underpins the Mazda3 and Volvo S40/V50.

On that note, Volvo will come to market with an upscale XC50 based on this same

The Acura RD-X should be a player, with aggressive styling and more than 200-horsepower. (Photo: Acura Canada)

platform, doing battle with its own Land Rover and the segment leading BMW X3.

Acura showed its compact luxury contender at this year's Detroit auto show, or at least a prototype of what can be expected. The RD-X should be a player, with aggressive styling and more than 200-horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz has been circulating its new B-Class crossover in Europe and North America this year too, and has announced it will be coming to Canada.

Less is known about Audi's Q5, a compact luxury hauler expected to be based on the upcoming VW cute 'ute. Expect it to arrive in a year or two.

With a steady stream of new and improved compact models, automakers the world over are showing that they can do a lot for very little. Truly, the compact segment, whether referring to cars, crossovers, SUVs or anything in between, is the one to watch.