I have noticed that several new premium small cars will be hitting the U.S. market in the next few years. I'm interested to see how this new competition will affect MINI sales and how much the premium small car segment in the U.S. will expand with these new offerings. As far as upcoming direct/indirect competition goes we have:

- Smart
- Volvo C30
- BMW 1 Series (with possibly a 135i coupe and M1)
- Audi A1 (aimed directly at MINI)
- Fiat 500 (won't be available here, but it is very MINI-esque for obvious reasons)

Any other upcoming cars that could be considered competition for MINI? I'm especially intrigued by the BMW 1 Series and I will definitely be test driving the C30 ASAP.

 

I don't have enough info on those other cars, but I can't see the smart as competition. It can only realiustically be considered an urban crawler. It isn't fun to drive, it's almost scary. Plus, as

 

I don't have enough info on those other cars, but I can't see the smart as competition. It can only realiustically be considered an urban crawler. It isn't fun to drive, it's almost scary. Plus, as tiny as MINI's back seat is, at least it's there.

 

You make a good point but I would classify the Smart as indirect competition for that segment of potential MINI owners who are looking for a small, stylish, economical city car. A lot of the people here on NAM buy their MINIs for other reasons than the general populace and since the MINI has such broad appeal I think it competes in a variety of segments.

 

I think the Audi A3 might be more direct in comp with the MINI-we don't get the 3 door now but we might. The New GTI is right in there and the C30 is interesting with 250hp on tap. I think the trend to "personal luxery" cars with sporty performance and handling is going to grow. I have noticed less monster SUV's in CA this past year and change and trends usually begin there... This segement has been hot in Europe for a while-if it ever went away from the original hot hatch-the Mini! Sure it will never take the place of the SUV in many places in the USA but I can't see people re-buying them if things don't change at the pump.

 

i would also put the Obvio cars from www.zapworld.com also into this.. the 828 and the 012. These are roughly the size of the smarts and or Lotus Elise using our beloved 02-06 MINI engine. With the HP ranging from 115 - 250 stock from factory. Currently im uncertain on the High Powered version if its a Supercharger or Turbo option. Im also on the waiting list for the 012 version

 

i would also put the Obvio cars from www.zapworld.com also into this.. the 828 and the 012. These are roughly the size of the smarts and or Lotus Elise using our beloved 02-06 MINI engine. With the HP ranging from 115 - 250 stock from factory. Currently im uncertain on the High Powered version if its a Supercharger or Turbo option. Im also on the waiting list for the 012 version

 

I tend to class the GTI/A3 adn Volvo C30 as a class (at least in size) above the Mini.

The Smart, as has been said, is a niche vehicle for city driving - at best - I personally cannot see it selling too well in the US

That leaves the A1 and the BMW 1 Series.

The A1 is possibly the biggest competition, but as it is not out until 2009 it is a little tough to say.

The BMW 1-series is really a step up in size - again this is GTI/A3 sized rather than MINI sized.

So again, no real competition.......

 

i didn't even feel the R56 was competition for my R53...

 

if the price point is close to Mini, there will be those that think of the other cars for whatever reason appeals to them. Even if the cars are very different.....

Whatever one thinks about the listed (and unlisted competition) it's very true that there are more cars worthy of attention going for the very same $ Mini is going for.

Matt

 

Agreed Smart car is niche. Volvo styling is still uninspiring, looks just like every other volvo just shorter. BMW 1 AUDI 1 are both good looking cars. Maybe they can give MINI a reason to punch up the numbers a bit. But so far looks like they are staying in Europe.