The US market is very funny about hot hatches indeed. I think the key to the new NINI being successful in the US is 1. being truly recognized as an upmarket car. Hatches are seen as economy cars in the US and 2. It's got to run the pants off of the competition which in my opinion, is the VW GTI and the Beetle Turbo. It's not enough just to out handle it [which is ultimately more important to enthusiasts], it has to out run it handily in the 0-60 catagory and in the 1/4 mile.
This gives it the full package: better styling, better handling, better power and better up market appeal.
-Mike |