[Filmore]

https://www.facebook.com/toyotanation/posts/761627903928866

Looks like Mini is turning to Toyota to help put the Mini back in Mini. The Birds word is Toyota and BMW are seeking "all-new bargain basement effort that can be integrated in the Mini family. To keep costs and weight at bay, engineers will simultaneously have to focus on de-contenting and downsizing.

The Minor will be one of five new Minis that Peter Schwarzenbauer, board member in charge of Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW’s two-wheeled Motorrad division, intends to install as pillars of the brand. "

This is a continuation of the shrouded in mystery Joint Venture between Toyota and BMW thats expected to spawn the next gen Supra. Sportscars and Supermini's, who knew...

 

[Gotcha]

hmm...

I wonder just how small they are going to go with a mini MINI. Are we talking like a city car or are we talking like a compact or CUV?

I wonder if they are going to make it as small as the original MINIs.

 

[SiM]

Or maybe this is their way to axe their Scion iQ and come out with a new small car for another try at this small car game? The iQ wasn't a success at all.

 

[Gotcha]

True, and a mini Mini would probably play well with the public. City cars are a tough game though. They could make the styling a bit cooler, but the truth is that many people stay away from these vehicles because they don't offer much utility.

 

[SiM]

True, and a mini Mini would probably play well with the public. City cars are a tough game though. They could make the styling a bit cooler, but the truth is that many people stay away from these vehicles because they don't offer much utility.

people buy city cars for utility? since when?

 

[Gotcha]

people buy city cars for utility? since when?

I said that people don't buy city cars because they don't offer much utility.

 

[Filmore]

I said that people don't buy city cars because they don't offer much utility.

depends on ones definition of utility. ease of parking and cheap operating costs are certainly a function of utility for the urban consumer... while 3 rows and off road prowess is superfluous to the urbanite ...

Its all about the context

city cars dont do well in north america because outside of the city they are completely overwhelmed, ever try taking one out on the highway, you'll cry before the next exit, its that terrifying...

 

[Gotcha]

depends on ones definition of utility. ease of parking and cheap operating costs are certainly a function of utility for the urban consumer... while 3 rows and off road prowess is superfluous to the urbanite ...

Its all about the context

city cars dont do well in north america because outside of the city they are completely overwhelmed, ever try taking one out on the highway, you'll cry before the next exit, its that terrifying...

It certainly doesn't allow you to drive with a lot of confidence. Just accelerating on the on ramp can feel as though you are pushing the car to its limits. Sure the small size can be great for the city, but if cargo space is at all important to you then city cars are not worth consideration.

 

[Patrick.S]

depends on ones definition of utility. ease of parking and cheap operating costs are certainly a function of utility for the urban consumer... while 3 rows and off road prowess is superfluous to the urbanite ...

Its all about the context

city cars dont do well in north america because outside of the city they are completely overwhelmed, ever try taking one out on the highway, you'll cry before the next exit, its that terrifying...

Even worse when you've merged onto the highway or about to and trying to get up to speed, meanwhile some guy in his A4 has his high beams blaring at you

I rather have sufficient power.

 

[SiM]

Even worse when you've merged onto the highway or about to and trying to get up to speed, meanwhile some guy in his A4 has his high beams blaring at you

I rather have sufficient power.

i know what you mean
it's horrible, especially with those bmw drivers

 

[Gotcha]

Given the announcement of various Scion vehicles over the past while, I don't think this Mini will be turned into a Scion car.