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

S = See Ya!!!!

 

Last year with my 8 hour drive down to the Dragon I got 35.8MPG, on the drive back I got 39.4MPG.

I bees happy with them numbers.

 

On my Daily commute which is 30miles one way of fairly smooth freeway I get 33-34mpg.

When I was racing at Willow Springs Raceway (Big Willow) I got 13.5 mpg. I went through an entire tank of gas in 5 run sessions.

Remember: It's not so much what you drive as how you drive it.

Me? I like goin fast... :cornut:

 

I don't see much of a call for these 3
# Coupester - Due 2011
# Roadster - Due 2012
# Paceman - Due 2013

But, I didn't see a call for the Porsche SUV or the Panamerica either...I still prefer the MINI Cooper S

 

Yes, moving slightly back on topic....

I don't see the model proliferation as a problem per se. I see it as moving into market areas that were closed off to them before - for example, the Countryman's 4 doors and all wheel drive make it a real workable MINI solution to people with small kids and those who live in snow bound areas. Markets the original car did not serve or did not serve well.

The only reason for the 2 dr Countryman that I can see is that it will offer a 2dr sportier alternative to the Countryman - with all wheel drive. But it makes me wonder why they would continue the Clubman.

The previous iterations of all things MINI would not accomodate an AWD system - Getrag's 2003 test version coupe notwithstanding - so now they have it.

The Coupester and Roadster are very low volume niche products, I would not be surprised to see a healthy premium price on these two, so there it's all about the benjamins - and maybe a halo car of sorts if the Coupester gets raced successfully.

Back in the day, you could get classic Mini's in all sorts of iterations, some sold better than others (square nosed Clubmans for example, were not a high point) but all contributed to the bottom line, and all had their supporters within the marque. I don't see it any differently here.

Those who prefer the original are still served, those who's family or road requirements are different have an alternative. Win-win all around, as I see it.

As to the change in design language, I think they did a pretty good job with the 2nd gen cars - I know there are those who hate them - I can't help that, and I don't see the point.

I'm not a fan of the Country/Pace/man series. I hate the roof treatment on the Country/Pace/Coupester...man cars, but I really like the totally retro looking Roadster. Seems there's still something for everyone, only now there's even more everyones who can find something to like. Win.win again...

As I've mentioned in a couple other places, my concern has more to do with the ever upwards price creep, that's where they're gonna lose me - not in the design or model numbers. I guess there's always the used car market.

The one thing it does that's sort of positive is allow them to bring in a smaller car in the future, at a lower/more competetive price point to compete with the Fiat 500's and Toyota iQ's, after all they can always take them "upmarket" too.

 

Thank you sooooo much for saying this! I have quite a few MINI-friends who are not happy about all the new models, because they feel that it takes away from the original intent of the Mini. But I feel it's just a reminder of the fact that the classics had way more than just one body style.

 

Although I use my car as a DD all year round, and the Roadster would be limiting some what (room wise) I like that car. My TR was the same, but I was young then and now I'm old, so it will work out just fine.

Jim

 

And I would like one of them to explain this thought to me....

What was the original intent of the MINI?

And how does model proliferation take away from or change it?

It would be one thing if all MINIs were now based on the Countryman, but since the original is still with us, albeit in Gen 2 form, what's now missing that they lament?

 

I agree with you completely Dave. The new/old MINI is still there. If it were going away, then I would be concerned about the direction they are going, but I see no signs this is going to happen.

Jim