QOTD: Which Car Models Need to Die Immediately?

Today’s marketplace is a crowded affair. Each manufacturer seems to sit down at the table every new model year with more. More variants, more things with all-wheel drive, more CUVs, and more vehicles which split the pieces of the sales pie down to ever smaller fragments. This fragmentation leads to the eye splinter above, whatever the hell Toyota thinks it is, which will clog up parking lots everywhere starting next year.

To cure this portion issue, I think some models need to die, and I want you to help me choose which ones.

All this model mania is, of course, in the quest of greater market share. Ford announced several more upcoming SUV models, and Mercedes-Benz has a coupe/convertible/crossover variant of just about everything they make. Mercedes is so keen on segment splitting that it currently offers 27 distinct passenger models today — and that’s before you consider trims and AMG variants. Ford’s at 19 models, not including its commercial options.

Some of you will cry, “ Choice is good!” to which I retort it is not good in a market that has split beyond rationality in design and function. It’s all too much now. We need to lower the denominator.

Today I’m asking about which models you see as existing without reason. Often there’s too much overlap with the next model above or beneath a given entry in terms of size, price, equipment, or usage. Other times it’s painfully obvious the particular segment entry isn’t any good, and another choice from the same manufacturer does the task better, cheaper, or with more appealing aesthetics. Let me give you an example.

Which two Minis are they? Any guesses? The image on top is the Clubman, and the lower is the Countryman. I propose one or both of these models is a prime example of the gross and wanton overlap found in today’s market.

From the Mini site, regarding these:

A sophisticated new aesthetic, it’s the most spacious and versatile MINI yet.

The Biggest, Most Adventurous MINI yet.

Now forgiving the capitalization inconsistencies Mini has created between these two quotes, I’d understand if you weren’t sure to which vehicle these marketing phrases applied. It’s unfortunate the most spacious and versatile vehicle is not the same as the biggest and most adventurous — so pick your poison. Perhaps they vary widely by specification?

Clubman

5 trims, manual and automatic, all-wheel drive available, $24,100 – $35,100

Dimensions: 168″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H

Countryman

4 trims, manual and automatic, all-wheel drive available, $26,600 – $31,600

Dimensions: 170″ L x 72″ W x 61″ H

There seem to be a couple inches of difference in dimensions, and most of the time spending less money nets you a bigger vehicle that looks exactly the same. One of them needs to be killed with fire.

So now you see my problem, B&B. Which other models deserve an immediate axe to the face?