GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter?
click above for more images of the Chevy Beat Concept
Business Week reporter David Welch revealed a few days ago that General Motors may be developing a premium small car that targets the same type of customers who might consider a MINI. Dubbed the "micro-premium car", it would be positioned against the aforementioned MINI in the marketplace, as well as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Under what brand it would be sold wasn't mentioned, and honestly we don't have the foggiest idea what brand besides Cadillac could match up against those heavyweights. At the same time, we have a difficult time imagining Cadillac following the same path downmarket that it did with the ill-fated Cimarron.
GM's Korean Daewoo subsidiary has a number of small platforms that could be used for such a car, but do any offer the dynamics required for a premium small car? Rear-wheel-drive is practically a must for such a car, so then we're looking at the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky as a candidate. At the moment, it's the smallest RWD platform in GM's stable.
Gallery: Chevy Beat Concept
As for the design, Welch reports that GM hasn't even gotten to the clay model stage yet, so ideas probably just exist on paper or in CAD files. The Chevy Beat Concept (shown above) was voted the most popular design of three micro concepts that debuted last year and is earmarked for production, but no plans exist to sell it in the U.S.
With new CAFE standards on the horizon that require a higher average fleet fuel economy, it's a smart idea to develop a small premium car capable of returning those numbers. Nevertheless, with the questions of what will be used to build it and how it will be sold unanswered, GM's "micro-premium car" remains vaporware for now. Thanks for the tip, throwback!
[Source: BusinessWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jason 10:37AM (1/11/2008)
That's an awesome little car. I'd like to see that go in to production for sure... I'm just hoping that they won't make it in Korea like the Aveo. Those cars are junk compared to something like a Fit or even Yaris.
If they can make this in the US or Canada to keep the quality and resale up, I think they'd sell a lot of them. Also, they'd have to provide good value for money. I can't see the average Mini or A3 customer mentioning something like this in the same breath. I think trying to sway a 1 series customer to this is a bit too lofty a goal, unfortunately.
If they could make a couple hundred horsepower and keep this under $20,000, AND have a good independent suspension setup (to allow for good after market upgrades) as opposed to the rear torsion bar that they for some reason love using on their small cars, I think they'd have a hit.
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Mr. Oak 10:52AM (1/11/2008)
Hey if anyone can do it, the General can. Look at what the aforementioned Cimmaron has turned into.
I am willing to bet that Audi, BMW, Lexus et al, have each picked up a copy of the '08 CTS, and shipped it back to their respective factories for closer scrutiny. Anyone that didn't, would be stupid.
I heard someone in another post say, that they didn't understand all the praise being lauded on GM for the CTS. Because other cars have also won these awards. True, but no other car has singly won all the awards that the CTS has and will bag within the next 12 months.
P.S. They're still rolling in.
Jason 10:55AM (1/11/2008)
That's all well and good, but you're talking about two completely different segments in comparing the CTS vs a small car. GM hasn't made a really good small car... ever. There is a vast sea of mid-sized luxury sedans out there... making a good small car that isn't crap with a moderate price is a bit harder, IMO. ESPECIALLY when you're trying to win over MINI loyalists.
They'll have to provide something groundbreaking, aside from what doing what the Germans have been doing for years - which has worked for them with the CTS. A small fun to drive car won't be such a cakewalk, especially considering enthusiasts of cars like that and what they expect from after market support.
Sherly 10:18AM (1/12/2008)
I own an Aveo and I don't think it's junk compared to the Yaris or Fit. Just because it has a GM nameplate, that does not make it junk.
Will 10:38AM (1/11/2008)
RWD required for a premium small car? The MINI and Audi A3 beg to differ.
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IowaSuby 11:01AM (1/11/2008)
I was just going to post that. I have an A3 and it's front wheel drive. That didn't stop me from buying it although I would have preferred RWD. Basically I wanted the GTI with a softer ride and nicer interior. If the General can price it right, they might have a winner. I see tons of mini's around.
CJ 11:31AM (1/11/2008)
I agree. RWD seems more appropriate for a roadster not a practical, small, premium. I think it would fit real nice with Saurn's euro-esque lineup. Want a cheep small car? Go to Chevy. Want a premium small car? Go to Saturn.
Stiletto 12:21PM (1/11/2008)
Exactly my sentiments, it does not "have to be" RWD, I actually fail to see any benefit of rwd for a small car, put in good reliable FWD with decent power and there you have it. AWD might be something a bit more unique in a smaller car like that. And hey it might even sell a few more if you truly want to compete from an american manufacturer.
Having said that, my impression is that they need to start with a good small car that sells in the everyday market before they tackle something more upscale.
J M C 3 12:47PM (1/11/2008)
Small premim cars are going to be the next big thing.
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phoenexius 10:44AM (1/11/2008)
Saab -> new 9-2X
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phoenexius 10:48AM (1/11/2008)
or maybe 9-1x (Astra platform)
Jeff 10:48AM (1/11/2008)
Either the upcoming Saab 9-1x (XWD is close enough to RWD) or a Buick. Cadillac would be a bad idea, because no one trusts small Cadillacs.
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John R 10:49AM (1/11/2008)
Isn't the HHR their nitche small car?
Anyhow, I don't see GM making a car that can sway potential A3/Mini buyers. They need to concentrate on their regular compacts, IMO. I'd still rather get a Mazda 3 hatch over a Cobalt.
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John R 10:50AM (1/11/2008)
Ah! I forgot about Saab. That might be the only way to attack this sort of segment.
the law 10:50AM (1/11/2008)
Saturn or Saab, maybe Pontiac b/c they need some love.
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CentralParkWest99 10:51AM (1/11/2008)
OK ok this is being considered to fill the market gap for cheap economical vehicles right?
People ! People ! these type of gas sipping econo boxes are already available. If you are really concerned about the environment and saving $$ at the same time , buy a used econo box such as a 92-99 honda civic hatchback which get 35-38 mpg. Buy purchsing used you are also helping by consuming new materials.
IMO
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CentralParkWest99 10:53AM (1/11/2008)
^^ edit "By purchasing used you are also decreasing the need for new materials."
CentralParkWest99 10:53AM (1/11/2008)
^^ edit "By purchasing used you are also decreasing the need for new materials."
CentralParkWest99 10:53AM (1/11/2008)
^^ edit "By purchasing used you are also decreasing the need for new materials."
Rocketboy 1:33PM (1/11/2008)
Welcome to the discussion Mr, or Miss IDon'tGetIt. There's a difference between an econobox and a Premium small car. My MINI has many more 'luxury' and 'sporting' features that larger cars lack. And this is the segment that this article is about. The type of small car that is not built like your standard cheap small car, but one that feels like a much more expensive (larger) car.