The MINI is Officially Delightful

ChrisW Jan 18th, 2006 Link

The Chevy Malibu Maxx is “delightful?” If so, I’d prefer to have the “delightful” designation removed from my MINI cabrio. Thank you.

Reply

Gabe Jan 18th, 2006 Link

Any time a car like that wins an award it’s usually more because of ower’s apathy towards complaining (due to low expectations) than anything else. Why do you think Buick wins so many quality awards? I mean you could cut your hand on the edges of the plastics pieces in those cars.

Reply

Frank Jan 18th, 2006 Link

The fit and finish of the new Buick Lucerne is pretty impressive. VW/Audi like interior.

I guess GM finally is getting it…..

Reply

Gabe Jan 18th, 2006 Link

That was certainly not the case of the one I sat in not long ago – at least not around the glove box.

Reply

Frank Jan 18th, 2006 Link

I am glad to see MINI capturing more well deserved awards.

Toyota should take notice: Sterile, lifeless, ultra-reliable transportation appliances are not the end-be-all in the automotive market. The intangible sense of subtance and perceive uniqueness about the product goes along way in ensuring customer satisfaction and long term loyalty.

Reply

Frank Jan 18th, 2006 Link

ChrisW, the Malibu Maxx is a pretty competitive entry in the midsize family sedan arena. In fact, the car has much better rear seat room (Rear seats can be adjusted and reclined) than the Accord or Camry. The Malibu Maxx rides in a 112 inch platftorm than ensures near “Limo” comfort for rear seat passengers. Another plus for that car, is that it is a hatchback, with better cargo space than its sedan counterparts. the Maxx features a “Skyroof” as standard for rear passengers and a fairly powerful 3.5L V6.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the “Needs” and “wants” of folks owning a Chevy Malibu are very different from those of us owning MINI Coopers. No one cross shops MINIs and Malibus as far as I know. However, the point the study is trying to make is that GM with the Malibu Maxx appears to have delivered a pretty satisfying automobile given its virtues for the MARKET AUDIENCE IT WAS INTENDED OR TARGETED TO.

No one is making a direct comparison of the Malibu with the MINI. That’s why Strategic Vision has different “segments” in which each award winning car competes with similar entries in the same market segment.

The MINI Cooper competed for this award with the VW New Beetle, Scion tC, Ford Mustang, etc. All cars in a similar segment with similar market mission and buyer audience.

Please re-read the press release before jumping to conclusions.

Reply

Mike Jan 18th, 2006 Link

One of my coworkers has a MAXX and I am pretty impressed by it, the rear legroom is amazing for the size of the car. Andd the engine, despite being a 3.5 pushrod motor is fairly smooth and has good torque.

Of course, I love my MCS. But if I needed a 4 door family hauler I’d consider the MAXX, especially with all of the discounts available.

Reply

ChrisW Jan 18th, 2006 Link

Frank, I think you misinterpreted the intent of my message. I read the press release and understood what it was saying. I know this isn’t a head to head competition between a MINI and a Malibu Maxx. But to put both cars on a list and call them both “delightful….” well, have you seen what a Malibu Maxx looks like? ;)

Anyone remember the Seinfeld episode with the “breathtaking” baby? Well, there you go.

I suppose it’s as Gabe implied; “delightful” is all a matter of perspective. I just hope my MINI isn’t delightful in a Malibu Maxx sort of way.

Reply

Frank Jan 18th, 2006 Link

ChrisW, agreed! ;)

The Malibu Maxx is far from an excercise in beauty, but then again, what family midsize sedan is these days?

The Maxx is about functionality on a decent looking package at a bargain price. Forget resale value, et al, those cars are made and intended to be driven to the ground.

Each car that made it to the “delightful” list, is tasty in its own way. The Malibu doesn’t interest me personally in the least simply because I have no compelling need for a family hauler right now.

For that duty, I hope to get a MINI Traveller in the near future.

Reply

IanF Jan 19th, 2006 Link

I agree about the Maxx. We looked at them at the auto show a couple of years ago and were very impressed with the amount of car and features for the money. Not a pretty car by any stretch, but very functional and reasonably priced. I only wish they had stretched the hatch a bit farther into a wagon…

Reply

giacomo Jan 19th, 2006 Link

Maxx is MAXX UGLY!!! I wouldn’t care if the thing came with a Chauffeur, a Hooker and free petrol for a year, it’s U…G…L…Y! Would rather have a Pacifica, if I was still in the family transport phase of my life, at least it has some charm.

I think it’s part of the problem in US instead of demanding a total package from our auto makers we defend their lame decision making. I never thought I would say this but Cadillac seems to be putting together some fine packages even though it’s not my type of car. Their design and ergonomics teams seem to be getting it right. At the LA Auto Show they had a crowd. I must admit though that their interiors are still a bit too double knitter, Lounge Lizzard for me but as a whole package, not bad. The new Camero is very nice but I fear GM will F it up like Ford did with the new Mustang and turn it into a mush pile.

I give Lutz the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate award.

Reply

Frank Jan 19th, 2006 Link

Giacomo, it is obvious by know your total desdain for anything Detroit. That is fine. No one is forcing you to buy a Maxx, that’s for sure.

Reply

giacomo Jan 19th, 2006 Link

Gosh Frank it seemed I was actually complimenting them on some of their products. I also was hoping they don’t mess up a really nice design in the new Camero. Also US trucks have been good but the Japanese are going to take over that market….soon.

And yes ain’t no one forcing me to buy a Maxx as even losing fingers couldn’t do!

I guess I’m just a proud America and expect us to be better than the rest of the world and have been horrified since about 1970 at what we have been producing. I have owned, sadly, only one US vehicle since 1971. It was an Aerostar. I had it for less that 1 year and sold it for a Trooper which ran strong, even if underpowered, for 6 years and then a 4Runner.

My wife and I looked at a few US cars when she was going to change out her 325i but what would we have bought? So we got an A4 Quattro.

When I look at my neighbors cars I see Europe, Japan and a minor few US vehicles…….Damn Sad……..so it’s not just me.

Well Gabe I got side tracked again….sorry.

Reply

ChrisW Jan 19th, 2006 Link

“I also was hoping they don’t mess up a really nice design in the new Camero.”

Yeah, like I was hoping Ford wouldn’t mess up a really nice design in the new Mustang. But they did, of course. Too bad, as I would have bought one. :(

Reply

Gabe Jan 19th, 2006 Link

No worries RB… I share your sorrow.

Reply

Dan B. Jan 21st, 2006 Link

Nice site.

Reply

giacomo Jan 21st, 2006 Link

Frank, are you still there? There is a great article on GM here:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/index.php

I get their Podcasts, great fun….RB

Reply

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Cooper Officially Delightful (updated) Mar 8th, 2006 Link

[...] Here’s MINI USA’s official press release on the news we reported back in January: [...]