Smaller vehicles to widen the market

Low cost, low emissions and low fuel consumption - that's the promise of the new compact sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

With prices starting at 100,000 yuan ($14,000), the toned-down road kings are expected to attract the eye of China's middle-income group.

"Compact SUV will be the main product in the future," said Lan He, editor of the Beijing-based Auto Times Magazine.