>>Wider is Better!
>>
>>I think the size of the MINI is small enough, I would like the roof a little shorter. The mini seems tall compared to some other cars.

I actually like it being that tall - my helmet doesn't hit the roof.

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The MINI is still one of the smallest cars. It´s almost the exact same size of a Ford Ka (the first "new edge" Ford)

The one big problem I see with making the MINI smaller is ride comfort. Having driven a Smart as a loaner while my MINI spent three weeks at the dealer I can tell you that the shorter the wheelbase the more rough and uncomfortable the car becomes (this is also true for the classic Mini).

Even though I love the Smart´s design and concept as a city transportation, my final conclusion was that the car is not good for cities with terrible roads. The MINI feels like a Crown Vic compared to the Smart in rough roads

As for the other european subcompacts, the newer versions of the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and Chevrolet Corsa are actually quite safe cars, all are roomier than a MINI. The reason they are not sold in the US is probably because its easier to get financing and buy a better car, and hatchbacks are not well regarded

 

>>Dave, ever wondered why we don't see more European "Super Mini" or "Micro" city cars in the US?
>>
>>We are the VW Polos? (sic)

I thought the Polo was coming to the US soon, since VW has beefed up the Golf into such a beefcake. Anyone heard anything?

Dave, I often think that I'd like the car to be a bit smaller too, but then I notice the 5,000-pound Tahoe going 75 in the next lane, and I think it's pretty much fine as it is... Unfortunately, the reality of the US driving environment is that anything smaller would probably be exponentially less safe.

 

>>Unfortunately, the reality of the US driving environment is that anything smaller would probably be exponentially less safe.


I agree.

 

>>>>Unfortunately, the reality of the US driving environment is that anything smaller would probably be exponentially less safe.
>>
>>
>>I agree.

Me too! But if it weren't for the safety issue, it would be cool if it were even smaller...it would look even more unique and help squeeze into narrower spaces in the city. All things considered, I like the balance the current design strikes, and I hope they don't make it any larger in future editions.

 

in the land of suvs and cheap gas, it would be hard sell if the mini were any smaller. mercedes will bring over the smart car but, guess what, they will make it a little bigger. the attitude of everyone i encountered is "is your car safe??" america is the land of bigger is better!!!

 

>>>america is the land of bigger is better!!!<<<

America has always had it's share of monstrosities on the road, however, the past has shown that, if the package was interesting enough, people in this country would buy smaller cars. This was proven by the European "invasion" from the late 40's to the late 60's, until the cars were basically legislated from our shores. :evil:

Fiats, Renaults, VWs, and a whole slew of British cars used to be quite common on the roads in this country. Nobody driving one of these thought twice about sharing the road next to a 20 ft., 6000 lb. Cadillac, in a car whose only safety feaure was lapbelts.

America is the land of bigger is better only because the good sheep of this country believe what the big 3 automakers dish out.

 

Hmmmm.... it coulda been smaller, but that would have limited its marketability. In Fairfield county, CT, the goal seems to be SUV as a protective measure, and it drives the market for cars. But I feel perfectly safe in the MINI, and have avoided several mishaps that I probably could not have in a biggeer car. If often thought though, that I would have been happier had the rear seat been an option, that is, either strictly cargo area, (it could have been dressed/outfitted differently), or, even only a 3rd seat, facing sideways. I would much prefer being able to offer the rear seat as a step-in single seat with legroom, more than the embarrassment/inconvenience of the rear-seat legroom I have, which isn't much use for any adult.

As it is, I think the MINI is a brilliant job of "hiding" the true size of the car. It looks smaller than it is. I'm over 6' and have plenty of room.

 

>>America is the land of bigger is better only because the good sheep of this country believe what the big 3 automakers dish out.

we all need to be reprogrammed . smaller cars are coming back. lokk at the mazda3, ford focus, subaru wrx and small wagons. i am proud to say i had many wagons and love them all. there is nothing wrong with wagons!!!