Compared to other "fun, stylish econo hatch" offerings on the market from the likes of Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy etc the MINI is marketed as a premium brand.
I think "Premium" to them means price - if you compare what a MINI costs to a Honda Fit for example, the MINI commands a significant premium over it's competition. Whether or not it's worth it remains to be seen, but so far it's been able to do it. That's what I've been saying, it's continued to move itself upmarket in price, but for how long? "A rising tide lifts all boats" as the saying goes, and I think other mfrs have seen what BMW can sell MINIs for and think they can do a similar strategy. I think it's going to all come crashing down eventually...but then, they sell $50k BMW 1 series cars, don't they? At some point, there will be price resistance, won't there? Can they just keep increasing the price by introducing exclusive models like the Coupester and Roadster and Paceman and charging like crazy for them? Like I said before, if a MINI is in the $25-$30K range, than leaves a lot of room for Fiat to grow their brand. Intro the base car at $17K like Smart did, then bring along variations like the Abarth and charge like crazy for them. After all, it worked for MINI.... After a while, it all begins to not make sense anymore - at least to me....
FWIW, my decently-equipped FWD Countryman S (Sport Package, Convenience Package, Auto A/C, 18" wheels, etc.) had a MSRP of $29,700 before the MTTS discount, leaving me at just over $28k. IJS...
Back to Fiat. My main issue with North American made Fiat 500 is: Chrysler! The same quality control that did PT Cruiser will handle the 500 now... The "Big tree" have a bad record of making a great EU/world brand in to lemon (Opel, Volvo, Escort,...). I am afraid Chrysler will screw this up one way or the other. They already started with "restyling" the 500... Dealers and service? Don't get me started on that!
Current base MSRP on a Justa coupe is $20,100. I think most of the initial 500's will retail for about $17K, with options... And my 2009 Clubman S was $29K with nothing but Zenons, auto trans, armrest and roof rails! 2 years ago...
Has anyone driven a 500? I remember driving one years ago. 16 horsepower 500cc it would almost do 60mph on the speedo. Oh wait they have changed some , haven't they. The same guy that owned the 500 also had a Biachina which had 25 horsepower if I remember correctly. I never drove that one I guess it was too powerful for me:lol: