For those who find the Versa (pictured) a bit too bulky, Automotive News reports from Tokyo today that Nissan is moving ahead with plans to introduce a new, smaller entry-level subcompact to the U.S. market.

Based on the company's low-cost "V platform" -- the same platform that produced the tiny Micra model available elsewhere in the world, though not in the States -- Nissan will roll out three new vehicles: a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback and a multipurpose vehicle.

The current Micra, at only 146 inches long, is almost two feet shorter than the Versa (which, according to the article, is the lowest-priced car in America, with a base price of $10,620). However, Nissan officials have yet to release several key pieces of information, such as which of the three models will be available in the U.S., the name of the car and when, exactly, we'll see the vehicle on dealer lots (whichever model is chosen, though, will be rolled out sometime in 2010).

The Versa is actually larger than its competitors -- the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris -- but not significantly so. And while automakers are taking a hit on larger vehicles (mostly SUVs), it does raise the question: How compact do American consumers -- not the most size-conscious lot, at least on the small end -- want or need their subcompacts to be?