As the title suggests really - I visited the London Motor Show yesterday at the Excel centre in Londons Docklands, however was unimpressed by the range of MINIs on display
The MINI stand itself was as excellent as usual - astroturf and fun additions such as 'keep off the grass' signs, and the owners lounge we wonderful - another triumph of the MINI marketing department!
My beef however lies with whoever decides the specification of the show cars
The London Motor show saw the launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works - so what car did they have there promoting its debut? A standard John Cooper Works hatchback painted in Chili red. No Contrast roof, no options whatsover. It even had standard all cloth sports seats. The look was completed by a wonky works badge on the tailgate.
Parked out the rear of the stand was a normal Astro Black (isn't that being discontinued soon?) Cooper S which was laden with accessories! A racing stripe, chrome s-spokes, chequer side vents and more! Inside there was full black punch leather - but then, horror of all horrors...... a standard two spoke steering wheel!
Another car on the stand was an all Mellow Yellow ONE. They had succesfully broken up the yellow by adding a pair of black viper stripes - good job! But they had decided to leave the standard MINI ONE exhaust on show - why on earth did they not put a trim on it?
I could go on, but I'm going to leave it there. To me though, a motorshow is all about manufacturers showing off what they can achieve. Hence the wide range of concept cars and new metal on display!
If only MINI had spent a few moments actually putting some thoughts into the specification of their show cars, it would have made such a huge difference to the overall result.
Come on MINI - buck your ideas up
