More on Audi’s “MINI Killer”

Ouch indeed, very ouch baby.

I like this design…WOW…BUT…….the ass end is a bit odd. I wonder where the TT is in all this?

Yeah will the shooting brake concept no longer be incorporated into the new TT design?

g

It looks at least 500 pounds heavier than a MINI.

BMW Corporate Culture?

What an unfortunate & arrogant comment from Mr. Penke! Such attitude & obvious poor judgment … this goes some way to explaining the aloof indifference often shown by BMW/MINI to its customers. It filters down from the top.

As a MINI owner, and someone who’s contemplating another MINI/BMW offering: I don’t give a _ _ _ _ how much profit BMW makes per car sold. I’m a CUSTOMER, not a shareholder.

How shall I interpret the profit differential? Are all BMW customers (myself included) paying too much? Is Audi giving me more car for my $?

A car like the ‘Shooting brake’ concept, one with 4 seats, AWD + VAG Twincharged engine WILL pull me away from MINI.

Unless the MINI ship changes its course I’m outta here. Nothing about the new car makes me think ‘better’ than the MINI I have now.

I doubt I’m alone in this perspective.

I think that car looks awesome. Bring it on audi, no doubt you’ll lure some mini owners over to your side.

mb

I’m really beginning to dislike these “snout” designs, and due to the unfortunate syling this one looks heavy as well, even if it isn’t. I prefer some subtlety rather than some designer shoving it in my face; besides, I’ve always felt extreme styling is used to distract from what are usually some kind of shortcomings. Can’t say I would go for this at all.

                 BCNU,
               Rob in Dago

Will Audi give this version of the A2 a hood the owner can actually open? The old A2 was ther first car I ever heard about which had a hood the owner couldn’t access. Audi said there were no user servicable parts inside.

“groland Mar 11th, 2006 Link

It looks at least 500 pounds heavier than a MINI.”

Just in front overhang : P

It seems pretty clear to me that he said…”Revenue Per Car” or average sales ticket ……Not sure where anyone got Profit Per Car?

Some may see the A2 as in your face or too severe but I find it refreshing that some cars are at least trying something beyond the humdrum benign stuff that is car design of late, Chrysler’s 300 a good example of dull design, in my eyes.

We had been a loyal BMW family for 25+ years. We now own a A4 1.8t Quattro/Sports Package. I can only refer to our experience with this Audi and say it has been spot on for 25,000 miles without a sniffle of trouble. Cost wise we pulled out the door with a ton of options for $38,000 that included tax and license. The BMW, even though it was a 6 cylinder was over 40K for a base car.

BMW lost us because they couldn’t compete with this car [A4] price wise and comparable equipment and BMW sales people, at least at two dealerships, were IDIOTS.

I think the new Soltice is a possible challenge and from what I’ve read and seen on TV, a decent handling car. As most know from my past posts I’m not a fan of our, USA, cars. It’s not a MINI though.

I think Gabe is clear that this may be what is needed to push MINI into more choices and better quality, I hope it doesn’t get into the HP race.

My first MCS was a bundle of warranty issues that I finally got resolved after 1 year, my ’04 MCS has been issue free until the motor failure 1.5 weeks ago. My dealer has had the car for more than a week!!!

I’ll wait and see if the new MINI’ are better looking in person but so far not liking what I see so will keep my ’04 quite a while.

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Verzicht: The above statements are not meant in any way to offend or confront anyone.

I have been a fan of the new MINI since launch in 2001,here in the UK. I, personally think that this new Audi A2 will never compete with the MINI. Purely for the fact that the Audi, in that market segment have not got the brand loyalty, history and following. Gabe, with the comments about 4-wheel drive, well, what are the fundamental driving characteristics of a MINI – front wheel drive! The old MINI revolutionised this technology and I am glad to say that it has continued on the current MINI. So, I say to the comment of having 4-wheel drive on the next MINI – NO WAY!! BMW should continue to keep up the tradition and stick with front wheel drive and NOT offer four-wheel drive! As we have seen other car brands can make a good front wheel drive car like the VW Golf. Keep up the good work BMW!! (About the pricing of the MINI yes it is expensive, but you get what you pay for quality workmanship from BMW, huge entertainment factor and entering into one of the most sort after brands).

MINI123

Different people expect different things out of a MINI competitor. To me, this is not really a viable contender.

From MINI concept to launch & beyond the hot-hatch market has changed a bunch. Power has gone up considerably, as has features and handling — specifically to compete with MINI. The margins are much closer.

The current MINI attracts buyers with its looks, newness & fad-car status. It hooks them with its drive, handling & fun-factor. This is great, but how long does anything stay new, hot & desirable? …Which is what keeps folks coming in for test-drives.

The 2007/08 MCS will sport cosmetic changes inside & out + a slightly longer wheelbase. Aside from the visual functional changes are mainly engine. The new power plant will change some of the MCS’ character. However, switching from a cast-iron-block 1.6L to cast-aluminum block 1.6L, and going from Supercharged to Turbo is hardly revolutionary (damn near lateral on an evolutionary scale).

Is BMW motivated to really improve the existing MINI? If so, what’s motivating them?

If Audi scares BMW into action, then great!

BTW… VAG building Twincharged engines hardly seems like a celebration of mediocrity. Lets see which cars these go in, then decide.

I have a hard time understanding VAG’s product line. Why have competing VW and Audi products?

Can somebody learn SOMETHING from GM’s mistakes???

Has as nothing to do with the car. I think the Shooting Brake concept looks good, aside from being about a foot too long (in the front of course).

It looks too Audi. But that written, nearly 33grand for my lightly loaded 05 JCW??? The Mini’s content falls a bit short and I welcome a little competition…to help keep costs and arrogance in line.

I’m left wondering how much the Audi will cost. One of the genius things about the MINI, is that for a very reasonable price, you are getting BMW know-how. Something that, to me, is still spades beyond Audi. Not to mention, the Audi is not, well, British.