Most liked posts in thread: How Many are too Many? MINI expands line to 7 models

At first I wasn't sure, but now I think it is not a bad thing. This will open the brand to folks who like the MINI, but did not find the current model exactly what they wanted. For those of us who like the "MINI as is", it will still be there for us.

The body style has changed, but the same handling aspects, that make it a MINI, are still there.

Jim

 

I think it's really more like 5 models. IMHO, calling the convertible version of an existing car isn't a new "model" per se...

Coupe (+ Convertible)
Clubman
Countryman
Paceman
Coupster (+ Roadster)

 

I'm less worried about the proliferation of models than I am about the direction BMW/MINI is going. Although I do understand it from BMW's perspective, I don't care for it.

Three things in particular bother me:

1) MINIs are getting larger not smaller

Rumors have it that a smaller MINI coupe is coming, but the Countryman and Paceman have made their statement: BMW's going after the SUV money-grab. Perhaps that's a good thing for MINI owners, I'm yet to be convinced of this fact, however.

Many of us see the need for smaller transportation and _rely_ in a certain way on MINI to offer smaller cars that are still a blast to drive. To say nothing of echoing the practicality of the classic Mini.

2) The fact that MINI/BMW is entering the SUV/SAV market.

I recently read an article about VW's SUV initiatives. VW is dramatically expanding their SUV model offerings in the States, citing the platform's high profitability. Of course, this is the siren song that seduced all the other carmakers over the last 20 years-ish, so why not MINI/BMW, right?

3) MINI design language is straying.

Finally, and perhaps what eats at me most (as the other issues might well be unavoidable), MINI is straying from its iconic design language. The Paceman demonstrates the furthest MINI Design has moved away from AI and FS's original designs.

For example, the Countryman's non-circular headlights. The Paceman shares this now rather common shape with the Countryman, and many other cars for that matter. But the Paceman goes one step further by laying the trapezoidal taillights on their side. Then there's the general bloat.

We get the point, MINI Design: times are changing, our families are growing and MINI is growing with it, that we'll eventually understand and appreciate your brash step away from Mini/MINI history as you carve out a bigger, bolder MINI territory of your own.

Unfortunately, none of this resonates with this MINI customer.

I have no interest in owning the Countryman or the Paceman, as they represent what I wanted to get away from when buying MINI. We will need a slightly larger MINI in the near future, and it sounds like I will be looking for Classic Clubman if the rumors of a Country-Clubman are true.

In other words, BMW: You might be losing as many customers as you gain in the expansion of the MINI "brand".

Rant over...back to life.

 

Far too many models. The Paceman/Clubman seem too similar.

IMHO I'd go with:
- Coupe (no Convertible)
- Clubman
- Countryman
- Roadster (Convertible)

Matthew good summary. I agree with many of your points.

 

Hah.....
Get as many of the models that use the Getrag manual out there....
That way there's more selection from the auto recyclers when I need replacement shifter forks and syncros. :mad2::mad2::mad2:

 

With the low mileage you have MM, don't think that will be a problem for many a year.

Jim

 

I think the paceman (better name: Pac Man!) is a 2-door version of the Mini Countryman. (?). it does seem like they are stretching a little thin now .....
The Countryman to me looks like a cooler version of a vw Golf. THe rear doors on the countryman are totally slick.
I do like the countryman and am lusting not-so-secretly after one. Wonder how it really does in the snow?
someone told me there was a new mini driving around NY with an old mini on TOP of it? is that even possible?

 

I like the Coupe but I don't know how "MINI" it is. I'd still consider it.

I almost got an '09 JCW Clubman instead of m current ride. I like them.

The Countryman/Paceman just isn't my bag.

I've never had a real afinity for 'verts of any sort.

So my list:

Hardtop

Convertable (I know MANY people love thier convertable MINIs)

Clubman

Coupe

MINI is expanding thier line in hopes of sales growth. While we can discuss it here; we are NOT the majority of MINI owners or potential MINI owners. Heck just driving around the LA area and I think I might be the only guy that drives one. Mostly I see 20-30 year old women driving them. So I don't pretend to guess at the total demographic of MINI owners.

 

Now that is interesting. Around here, the few that I see are driven by old folks like me. It really surprised me and most of them are the "S". I notice the same thing at the dealer when I am in for service.

Jim

 

Yeppers. By my VERY rough estimate it's a 2:1 Justa to S ratio around here and even at the dealer mostly 20-30 year old women.

 

I wonder if it is a "east coast", "west coast" kind of thing, as in all the young folks from this side going to your side. I don't know the ratio, but the justa is a rare bird around here. I see a lot of "S" cars in the gas station when I drive by. :cornut:

Jim

 

The 'S's aren't as fuel efficient so you see them at the pumps more often :blush2:

 

No No No.....

The S is faster, they just get to the gas station before the Justa.

 

Correct MM, but when the justa gets there it does NOT have to stop and then it is ahead of the "S".

Jim

 

HAHAHAAHHAHA

Yeah......

But not for long.

 

Exactly! :cornut:

 

Jim, when MM and I are passing you just after fueling do you say "look at that S Car Go"...Mr. Snail :lol::lol:

 

Unless it's a real twistie road, then it's ALL driver

Mark

 

Yep!

 

S = sluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurp! :devil: