The term 'relevant cars' was coined by Ford Canada CEO David Mondragon at a pre-show breakfast, while describing the aggressive launch in North America of the Euro-designed Fiesta and the Focus later this year. Mondragon shared that small cars are termed as relevant as there is dearth of driving as well as parking space in cities like Vancouver and Montreal.

The Fiesta is drawing crowds at the show, which is set for launch here within the next few months at just $12,999.

Ford's new smaller offerings in the shape of Cruze, is a worthy rival of Chevrolet. Cruze which has sold more than 100,000 cars in 60 countries is already a success story worldwide.

But Fiat 500, featured on today's Driving cover is surely the show stealer among gas powered small cars.

Three youth-oriented Scion models allotted to be sold by the Toyota brand are also the part of the Vancouver show. They are the tC compact sport coupe featuring a remarkable panorama moon roof. While xD is a subcompact five-door hatchback, the xB is a boxy five-door hatchback.

Another car that is making its debut at the show is the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. The company is intended to introduce a handful of vehicles to Canada this coming year for real world testing.

The innovative electric vehicle Mitsubishi iMIEV will debut in this market within 12 months.