Its taken me a while to be absolutely sure a MINI is for me. If you name a car of similar money I've probably taken (more than) one for a test drive. So off I went to the local FIAT dealership, I was struck by the decrepit, slightly grimy showroom which smelled like the workshop. Certainly not a good start. The car itself did not do much for me, it really is very, very small. The build quality certainly is not up to the standards of the MINI, but the price is attractive.
The sales guy was OK, but the guys are struggling with the challenge of a car with so many options. The drive was not too impressive, I felt the seat was very high and I just did not like it. I did not feel the build quality and materials came close to the MINI.
If FIAT are going after MINI owners/buyers they are going to have to work a lot harder at getting the presentation of the dealerships right and getting the slaespeople up to speed. It was apparent that FIAT have not sold a product like this for a very long time, if ever. Even if all the MINI dealerships are not quite what they should be at least they give the impression of a professional and polished product. Its part of the experience of owning a MINI, IMHO.
The quality, drive, dealers and girly looks of the car put me off it. Its not in the same league as the MINI.
Brian. |