You're right about the small car stigma here. People are moving away from traditional large cars, but many of them are making the transition into equally large, or even larger crossovers and 4WD's. Maybe it's a perceived safety thing, or maybe it's still the belief that size = value for money?
That attitude is even more extreme in America. Any suggestions regarding small cars are usually met with an asinine comment like: "That little tin can is a deathtrap. If you got hit by a Dodge Ram in that, you would be dead for sure!" As if any car you purchase is intrinsically doomed to meet its fate with the undercarriage of a gargantuan pickup truck. haha
I always liked the idea of a small fuel-sipping car that is fun to drive, but I was initially worried that the UP wasn't going to be 'enough car' for me. Especially coming away from big six cylinder cars and even a V8 mustang. However I've found the UP to be more than adequate for my needs. Surprisingly good actually! If only I would have made the swap to a small car earlier, I would have saved big $$$ on petrol!
And as far as the UP's sales performance goes, I was expecting better but I wasn't predicting a huge success either. The lack of an auto being the biggest culprit.
Personally I think the idea of having such a rare car is pretty cool.
Maybe we've got a future classic?