With sales slumping a bit for MINI, the brand had considered introducing a budget-focused model like they have in Europe.
"We've considered it and we've decided against it," said MINI product boss Pat McKenna.
That budget model in Europe is called the MINI One, and it sits below the Cooper and makes use of an even smaller displacement engine with reduced output. The previous generation MINI One used a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen making just 75 hp.
“While a MINI One could reach a lower pricepoint, the Cooper is developing the amount of power you expect from a premium small car,” he said.
The MINI One could have more closely competed with its quirky-car rival, the Fiat 500, which starts at just $16,195.
In the end it was the brand's dealership network that was the deciding factor.
"We've considered it and we've decided against it," said MINI product boss Pat McKenna.
That budget model in Europe is called the MINI One, and it sits below the Cooper and makes use of an even smaller displacement engine with reduced output. The previous generation MINI One used a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen making just 75 hp.
“While a MINI One could reach a lower pricepoint, the Cooper is developing the amount of power you expect from a premium small car,” he said.
The MINI One could have more closely competed with its quirky-car rival, the Fiat 500, which starts at just $16,195.
In the end it was the brand's dealership network that was the deciding factor.
Do you guys think that a cheaper entry-level MINI would be successful? Would you be interested in buying one?“Usually with a dealer you would always expect they would go for the lower price,” McKenna said, “but they really surprised us, they said ‘don’t do it.’” The dealer reaction, he said, was encouraging. “We’re lucky to have dealers that really get the brand.”
