Hey guys
Its about time somebody picked this up!
Here are the reasons for the range we have.
1. Image
MINI introduced the 1.6 and 1.6T into the SA market in order to keep the image of the brand as premium. Had they bought in the 1.1 (MINI ONE), 1.4 or even the Cooper D we would be spreading the range thinner and this doesnt maintain a strong platform to class MINI as the premium brand it is in SA. You must realise that in the UK MINI is the equivalent of a Dahatsu Sirion in price and image. Our market is very different. Therefore MINI SA stuck to the 1.6 Cooper and 1.6 Cooper S strictly. Trust me... We would make millions off the MINI ONE but our cars would depreciate like bricks in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Technical
Taking the SA climate, diesel quality etc into consideration the diesel Cooper D would not hold much value against the MINI Cooper petrol. The Cooper D is more expensive and doesnt offer more economy etc etc for the money. Take into consideration what is said above and you will see that on paper and in terms of maintaining the premiumness of the brand it would be a bad venture as the Cooper 1.6 is economical enough as is.
So essentially its for the best that we keep to what we have and frankly its working brilliantly.
So dont expect to see any 1.1, 1.4 or diesel engine in SA anytime soon... We do have an Electric Scooter arriving soon though.
Mike
P.S - The rumours are true though...
We always had the Cooper D. A normal 1.6 diesel.
We now have a Cooper S Diesel. A lovely turbocharged 1.6 turbo diesel... Making the same power as the petrol.
But we wont see it. (Phew)
Mike
