With the increasing cost of fuel, energy efficient vehicles are a no-brainer in the decision making process. Without a domestic equivalent to mini trucks, they are in very high demand.
Gas Price: $1.30/L (calculated at fixed price)
Annual km driven: 30k
MiniTruck gas mileage: 21 km/L
Pick-up truck gas mileage: 8.6 km/L
A mini truck can save you approx. $220 every month in gas money alone. That equates to around $2,600 every year!
Basically, in about 3 years, your mini truck has more than paid for itself. Take into account the rising gas prices and that time will come sooner.