Did the Mini Just Get Pwned By The Fiat 500?

The Fiat 500 set to invade American shores after a several-decade hiatus isn't the same car that's caught on in Europe. It's better, with more engine, revised suspension and upgraded safety. The Mini Cooper just got pwned.

For as much as Italian culture has shaped American life, Italy's iconic automaker has never succeeded here; Fiat last departed in 1983, leaving behind more rusted and broken vehicles than a preschool sandbox. That's long enough for most of the "Fix it again, Tony" jokes to be contained to the greater New Jersey area, and to allow Fiat executives to dream of tempting young wealthy Americanos with its most stylish model, the reborn 500.

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JRobUSC - 1/28/2011 2:34:45 PM

+4 Boost

Sorry but half of the reason the Mini sells is that it's a Mini. It's the looks, the brand, the "cool factor", etc. Very similar to how everything Apple makes sells like crazy even if it's inferior (and I have an iPhone). The Fiat looks either like a shrunken VW Beetle or a supersized Smart Car (or some combination thereof), and while it may drive great the looks aren't going to worry Mini, and the brand means nothing to Americans either. It's not going to take over anything.

Bmw8ter - 1/28/2011 3:13:31 PM

-5 Boost

You can't possibly be serious about the "cool factor". And if any car is remotely similar in hype to Apple products, it'd be a Toyota Prius before it was a Mini. Most Americans may not be familiar with Fiat, but just as "mini" couldn't care less about Mini. Expect the Fiat 500 to be a better seller because of aesthetics, and because you're not having to take it to an overpriced German body shop for maintenance.

JRobUSC - 1/28/2011 4:06:02 PM

+2 Boost

Bmw8tr, your name betrays your bias. I'm sure those Italian repair shops will be much more reasonable.

nonofyobus, 99.99999% of Americans have no idea what that is. The fact that it has a tie in to something they've never heard of and don't know existed isn't going to help sell it, which is the polar opposite of what helped make Mini so popular.

LexSucks - 1/28/2011 4:05:25 PM

+1 Boost

Just throw a Lexus or a Toyota Badge on it. Americans will Gobble it up.

t_bone - 1/28/2011 8:04:40 PM

+4 Boost

My wife couldn't get away from the Fiat quick enough at the auto show. Zero interest, and she was a MINI owner. I believe that's your answer.

mini22 - 1/28/2011 8:50:13 PM

+2 Boost

Some people call the Mini cool.Some call it cute. Most people had not really heard of the Mini Cooper either before 2002. Only car enthusiasts remembered the original Mini's. The fact is that an original Mini has not been imported here since the mid to late 60's. As for Fiat. They pulled out of the US market officially in 81. The Spider was sold be Pininfarina until 85. So the average young person will have little to no knowledge of Fiat either.If the car is at least as reliable as the Mini is then it should sell fairly well. Especially since it is being priced on average 4 grand less then a base Mini.In performance straightline it is very similar to a Mini because it weighs in slightly less. It has more rear legroom and more trunk room. It handles close to a Mini and gets similar gas mileage. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The way Chrysler is setting up Fiat seems again similar to what BMW has done for Mini. Therefore I think service will be on par as well. What may happen is that it will cut into Mini sales.

MBCLS07 - 1/30/2011 9:42:25 PM

+1 Boost

I must admit, I don't understand the hype regarding the Fiat 500. The look is hardly original and is awkward in proportion. The Mini owns a more premium aesthetic and I suspect is more mechanically reliable as well. I predict Fiat will have a flop on its hands.

fugeesnfunions - 1/31/2011 6:08:29 AM

+1 Boost

Uhh... aren't Lamborghini and Ferrari the most iconic Italian automakers?? They do just fine in the US of A.

u080570 - 1/31/2011 7:20:48 AM

0 Boost

The Mini has nothing to worry about - the Fiat is just too ugly