I'm from the UK, and gas over there is easily pushing $12 a gallon, and has for years, so there is simply no demand for the 3.5l V6 engines, or even 2.4l 4 bangers. My old Corolla in the UK had a 1.8l 4cyl and was one of the bigger ones.
So for those people who live in and commute through cities, Smart cars and other super minis are absolutely perfect. I used to drive a
'97 Nissan Micra that was ridiculously economical, reliable, and did everything I needed it to.
These things are actually quite good in crashes - they all have airbags, the smaller cars, like Smart cars you can now buy in the US, are basically roll cages with seats, wheels and body panels. The only problem you'll have when getting hit is momentum. You'll likely walk away.