White Roof Radio #214

DaveM Jan 15th, 2008 Link

So much talk about the SMART car…has this become SMARTcar Radio? Thanks once again for the podcast pimping of SCTRCST (scootercast). By the way I think they used India Vespa 10 inch tires on the new Tata Nano.

Jon Jan 15th, 2008 Link

I concur with Gabe, I think that both the VW GTI and Mazda 3 and 3 speed are solid direct completion for Mini and in some aspects better. Believe Mini is still king of the hill but resting on laurels will see the brand quickly loosing it standing. Lucky for the Mini brand has a lot dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented people working for them.

c4 Jan 15th, 2008 Link

MINI is in a more uncomfortable position now, just because there is so much more market competition out there. In contrast, 6 years ago the MINI was basically a ground braking car/concept. At least in North America, nothing came close to it. Fast forward to 2008… Some market offerings are matching and even besting the MINI

c4 Jan 15th, 2008 Link

I think Smarts are nothing more than glorified golf carts marketed towards city dwellers and hipsters. I have seen them in Europe (and some around the neck of my woods) and they do attract attention but these cars simply aren’t tuned or made to deliver performance or a barely entertaining driving experience. They are basically city cars made for transportation and parking in densely populated urban centers.

From what I have read in the internet, Smarts have spotty quality records and dubious reliability.

These things ain’t MINIs. They are not even in the same market.

Ketan Jan 17th, 2008 Link

I think you miss the point about TATA nano, it is meant to replace little scooters families use as their primary mode of transportation. It is meant as cheap transportation for families in city. Not everyone can afford to get a car like the Mini in a 3rd world country. Also TATA will probably be buying Jaguar and Land Rover.