McKenna: MINI Coupe, Roadster Dead By 2015
November 25th, 2014 3:16 AM
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The backwards-cap-wearing MINI Coupe and its Roadster brother are being taken out behind the shed, both going out of production next year.
AutoGuide reports MINI USA product chief Patrick McKenna made the announcement during last week’s LA Auto Show, proclaiming both had “run their life cycle.” The duo also were redundant compared with the hardtop and convertible already in the portfolio, and differences in styling and price didn’t attract many customers.
In their place, McKenna says higher-volume models over niche product will be the order of the day going forward, beginning with the launch of a four-door MINI for those who feel claustrophobic inside the main two-door unit.
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The problem is that there's really no market for a smaller, less practical Mini. Longer? Yes. Taller? Sure. But were people really considering Miatas because Mini lacked a two-seat variant?
Gah. Awful little cars.
I love the 2- and 4-door hardtops and I could be induced by a convertible or John Cooper Works, but I hate the rest of it. The spillover to BMW's FWD offerings are going to hurt everything.
I'll miss the roadster, I think it looks much better than the convertible, who's back seat is just a cruel joke anyway.