It looks like MINI’s fast paced range expansion is about to be shot down, with a high-ranking MINI USA executive telling Edmunds that some of the niche variants won’t be up for renewal come the next generation models. Now that’s a surprise. Or is it?
The German-owned British brand once known for having a great line-up of one now flaunts no less than seven models, which apart from the Hatch and Countryman are each planted in tiny niche markets with not a lot of room to breathe, let alone prosper.
Getting enough demand to sustain both the exceedingly similar Convertible and Roadster models have always been questionable, and the latest Paceman, a two-door variant of the Countryman, itself a bigger four-door MINI hatchback, is already seen as a step too far for some. Then there’s the ever popular Clubman.
Offering endless variants to meet a wider range of customer needs is a noble effort, but ultimately it’s still a business with ends to meet. We’ve already seen the signs of MINI leaving its iconic quirkiness behind for a more conventional future. Now is the brand growing up too fast for its own good, or is a model variation backtrack exactly what it needs? Tell us in the comments section below.
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for me they should’ve axed either convertible or roadster, and maybe paceman. especially the topless models, it’s simply too redundant.
Mini should always be a Mini. They are coming out with too many variants. Perhaps should concentrate more on engine and other technical areas.
At the rate they are coming out with new models, eventually the designs will look like a Korean car. And they will lose the iconic design.
Too many ‘unnecessary’ minis already.. you can’t create a niche out of a niche.
Focus on a mini and that’s it. Better beef up the reliability lol..
Clubman sure to be axed.
Mini is an iconic car, with legendary status in brand and image. Nowadays minis are just minis without the original SPIRIT, come on, bring the SPIRIT back. Not the spirit of making money…. A car without a SOUL in just a machine. A driver should have the ‘mind and soul ‘connection with the car when driving a MINI. otherwise, it is just a piece of metal.
I really hope Mini would make the Rocketman, it’s what makes Mini a Mini, small, compact, adorable, fun to drive little car. There’s no reason to justify the Countryman, Roadster, Paceman and Coupe, especially the latter two as one is ridiculously ugly and the other is simply makes no sense next to a 2-door, near hopeless back seats Mini Cooper Hatch.
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agree on the rocketman!!
I lost count/confused after the Clubman. Plus there shouldn’t be a 4-door mini. Should’ve call it something else. You cant call it a mini when it is BMW X1-sized! Paceman is a costly joke!
But then it’s all purely business and marketing decision, with no nod to the originals.
the car is over priced…so is not selling well at all. simple.
Just bring on the rocketman…..the true mini , will sell like hot cake.
Should try driving it then you’ll know Mini is actually fun & fulfilling…
heard not a reliable car… many issues …
mini should just stick to current Mini cooper, cooper S, and countryman…
Mini, beetle, fiat 500, citroen used to be the only mini size car from the 60’s era.
Now, there’s too many variant from other car makers which have eat into the market share of this segment. And those origin from the classic era, the price now had breach luxury car model pricing especially in Malaysia and is no longer seen as bread and butter people car.
You want small car, get a viva or myvi or perhaps, kia picanto, hyundai i10. Yes, it may have no soul, no feel, but it’s definately a people car. Cheap and affordable.
So, it’s not surprising at the end of the day, car makers look at bottom line and they need volume instead of niche. Just like how Fiat punto bread and butter car that actually save the Fiat group from going bust. Not their high end or luxury model.
So, unless, mini can be priced like a people car cheap and cheerful, it’s a matter of time before it is axed from the earth face as consumer might not want the classic look and opt for more trendy design.
Mini…..they all look the same….no ones gonna miss it…
Very expensive car to own. But the bettle 1.2tsi can be put into consideration as a Budget and imported German coupe. Much cheaper then mini One. But then, mini is fun to drive coz of how it handles
Reliability issue surface cos people
opt to go for grey importers found in mudah.
With limited or no warranty, these reconds are
brought to Msia w/o a proper servicing history.
Don’t forget that these AP units were meant to be
driven at cooler climates.
I have personally seen owners sending their
continental cars ie Porche Cayenne, Merc and Beemers to tyre shops to do their routine servicing.
What to expect when most of them are living beyond their means and cannot afford to splash a couple of thousands sending them to authorised dealers for servicing.