Small cars did a disappearing act after the merger of COE categories in 1999 made them less desirable vis-a-vis bigger models.

Previously, they had their own COE category and their premiums were invariably lower than those for other cars. But after the merger, buyers of a 1-litre runabout had to pay the same premium as those who picked a 1.6-litre sedan. Often, the COE would cost nearly as much as the car.

The outcome was not unexpected: The population of cars with engines up to 1,000cc dwindled from 48,552 in 1999 to 7,109 in 2006.

Thanks to high pump prices and soft COE premiums, these motorised munchkins are making a comeback. Last year, the cohort expanded to 7,544 units, the first growth in 10 years.

And in the first nine months of this year, the figure crept up to 7,813, with sales of about 1,500 new cars more than offsetting vehicles taken off the road.

This is good news for the environment (but perhaps not so good news for the oil companies). For starters, it could improve fuel economy here. According to the Land Transport Authority, average fuel consumption for the majority of cars here deteriorated to 9.6 litres per 100km, from 8.3 litres back in 2003.

But low running cost is not the only reason folks are drawn to sub-compacts. Mr Alex Ong of Peugeot agent AutoFrance says the "young and trendy" see these cars as fashion statements. "They want something different, something funky to play with," he adds.

But not all are suitable for budget buyers. Some of these tiny four-seaters cost as much as 1.6-litre sedans. Here are some chic chihuahuas worth checking out:

Mitsubishi i

Most micro-minis have their wheels at four ends of the body but on the i, the wheels look like they might even be jutting out.

The rear-engined rear-wheel-driven i is a chilli padi, with its 660cc three-cylinder turbo engine producing 64bhp to move the 900kg car to 100kmh in about 12 seconds. Despite its size, it has a very leggy 2,550mm wheelbase.

Price: $45,988

Kia Picanto (topmost)

This is probably the cutest Korean car you can buy. Those jellybean curves, those adorable "eyes", those funky colours.

Decently put together and surprisingly light (under 900kg), the car is powered by a 1,086cc 12-valve inline-4 that makes about 65bhp. The manual is better fun.

Price: from $29,999

Chevrolet Spark (bottom left)

It is said that China's Chery based the design of its QQ on this car. On the road, the resemblance is striking. But the Spark has much better quality, period.

If possible, pick the five-speed manual, as the automatic version takes 22 seconds - an eternity in automotive terms - to reach 100kmh. Two versions are available: 0.8- and 1-litre. Price: from $30,788

Citroen C1 (above, right)

This funky, zesty French number is a joint effort between Toyota Motor and PSA Peugeot-Citroen made in Czech Republic.

Its 1-litre 67bhp three-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed clutch- actuated semi-automatic gearbox, making it a peppy puppy.

Its chassis lends itself to enthusiastic driving. The car is not available at the moment but it last sold for more than $50,000.

Peugeot 107 (right)

This canary-hue twin to the Citroen C1 is as pleasurable to drive. And just as frugal. It has some stylistic differences. Check out the air-conditioning control panel. The console is lit with an orangey glow. Cool.

Price: $47,900

Subaru R1 (below)

Measuring less than 3.3m tip to tip, this three-door is one of the smallest pills on wheels you can buy.

To make up for the overly cozy interior, its front passenger seat can be folded flat, allowing young families to place a babyseat in the rear. The car is so compact, mummy at the wheel is within arm's reach of junior.

The car's 660cc 16-valve inline- 4, paired with a continuously variable autobox, lugs the 810kg R1 around with reasonable pace. For more room, go for the bigger four-door R2.

Price: from $38,400

Other teeny-weeny wheelies to consider include the Hyundai Getz 1.1 (from $32,999), Chery QQ 0.8 (from $22,999), Perodua Kelisa 1.0 (from $25,999) and Hafei Minz 1.1 ($28,000). All prices include COE.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 22, 2008.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.