For the US, it will be interesting to see how the potential consumer percieves a french-powered auto. By the time the new motor will be introduced, MINI may be expecting to have established itself as a quality manufacturer and have an establish level of trust. If MINI achieves this level, the change-over should go without conflict---most new consumers wouldn't even know the difference anyway. However, things could change for the worse if quality doesn't improve (fixing re-occuring niggles) and MINI doesn't overcome its own reputation (thus far, according to post-consumer reports). I think MINI is banking on a lot of risks. This new motor will have the ablitiy to make or break the brand. I expect there to be several other cards up MINIs sleeve. Possibly even a full-fledged (active) marketing plan.
