Most liked posts in thread: The most cross-shopped car against the MINI is the...

  1. rigidjunkie

    rigidjunkie New Member

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    #2 rigidjunkie, Feb 10, 2011
    Nathan any news on a possible mini Mini? I have read in a couple British car magazines that BMW might add a smaller car to the lineup. They also said the next generation Mini would be a 3 cylinder car and the BMW's on the same platform would get the 4 cylinder engines, any info or thoughts on that?
     
  2. bee1000

    bee1000 New Member

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    #3 bee1000, Feb 10, 2011
    The Prius does make sense to me, though I wouldn't have guessed it. Since something like 65% of MINIs sold have automatic transmissions there definitely seem to be more style-conscious MINI buyers than outright enthusiasts. While the Prius isn't especially stylish, it stands apart from anything else in the low-$20,000 range; as does the MINI, just in a different way. Plus, I imagine many enthusiasts just want a MINI and don't shop it against anything.
     
  3. Blainestang

    Blainestang New Member

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    #4 Blainestang, Feb 10, 2011
    I think Vinnie Kung said it's now 71% of MINIs are automatic. It's depressing to think that the Prius is the most cross-shopped car, since thats about as fun as a refrigerator, but I guess it's not incredibly surprising like bee said since the MINI is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles and it isn't painfully bland. Hopefully the MINI doesn't just become a "look at me, I'm so much greener than you" car, though, like the Prius.
     
  4. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #5 rkw, Feb 10, 2011
    MotoringFile regularly covers developments on both of those topics:
    http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/25/bmw-begins-its-march-towards-the-isetta-with-series-documentaries
    http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/06/09/details-emerge-on-bmw-minis-3-cylinder-powerplant/
     
  5. moreorless

    moreorless New Member

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    #6 moreorless, Feb 10, 2011
    Prius?!?!?!? :prrr:

    I can just barely type it whilst holding back the gagging reflex. I doubt very seriously if i could ever SAY the word.

    Prius?!?!? Bah!!

    "Distinctive"?

    I say distinctively boring.

    Wow.

    I think I'm going to go out and sit in the MINI for a bit. This kind of stuff takes a toll, you know.

    Excuse me..........
     
  6. bee1000

    bee1000 New Member

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    #7 bee1000, Feb 11, 2011
    A Prius might be boring to drive as an enthusiast, but you have to admit its styling and hybrid drivetrain make it distinct among the other $20,000 cars. Its interior and packaging are unique, too. It wouldn't be fun like a Mini, but it's a clever, creative package in its own right.