Volvo Searching For Partner To Produce New Mini Killer

Volvo is considering adding a rival to BMW's Mini and the Audi A1. If that happens, the Swedish automaker would need a partner to share the costs, as well as a smaller engine, which would probably be made in cooperation with parent Zhejiang Geely of China, Volvo CEO Jacoby told Automotive News Europe in an interview.

The Volvo boss said premium-car buyers are willing to spend extra even for subcompact-sized cars. "Premium customers no longer define luxury based on the size of the car or number of cylinders, there are other attributes which will come into play," he said.

MorePower - 8/20/2012 6:07:58 PM

+1 Boost

Instead of coming up with a new platform and searching for a business partner to share development and manufacturing costs, why not just freshen up the C30 and introduce a smooth, lesser hp engine to slot in below the current turbo motor. Just make it have 185 - 210hp and make the Polestar performance boost standard on the T5.

mini22 - 8/20/2012 8:23:50 PM

+1 Boost

I'd say Morepower is on to somthing. Except I would go a little further. Polestar should develop a suspension option for the T5(but have the T5 have the current suspension settings as the R) and make it standard on the R Spec. Come out with a non turbo with 185 HP and current suspension settings as on the R as well.